The Trustees of Reservations

Seasonal Art Camp Director

The Trustees of Reservations

full-time

Posted on:

Location Type: Hybrid

Location: Lincoln • Massachusetts • 🇺🇸 United States

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Salary

💰 $23 - $25 per hour

Job Level

Lead

About the role

  • As the deCordova Art Camp Director, you will report to the deCordova Interpretation Manager and oversee the operations and management of The Hive and Teen Summer Studio.
  • You will be responsible for onboarding, training, mentoring, and leading deCordova’s cohort of innovative Art & Nature Instructors (artists, educators, makers, naturalists).
  • Implement and oversee the camps’ emergent art and nature-based curriculum that responds to deCordova’s exhibitions plus instructors’ and campers’ interests and skills.
  • Effectively train, mentor, and manage a team of seasonal camp staff: Assistant Camp Director, Art & Nature Instructors, Camp Behavior Specialist, and Junior Instructors.
  • Manage camp registration, parent communications, town licensing, and other camp administrative work, using dedicated CampBrain software and other platforms as required.
  • Lead comprehensive training for Instructors and Junior Instructors, ensuring they are fully grounded in program content and pedagogy and prepared to create a safe, engaging, and consistent camp experience.
  • Provide robust support to the Assistant Camp Director in training, mentoring, and managing Junior Instructors ages 15–18, ensuring they are equipped to contribute meaningfully to the studio environment.
  • Support individual camper needs, challenges, and wellness, sometimes requiring one-on-one supervision.
  • Proactively communicate with camper parents, fostering trust through clear, timely, and thoughtful outreach that supports each camper’s experience.
  • Collaborate closely with Instructors on the weekly installation and de-installation of camper-created projects, ensuring thoughtful presentation, safe handling, and an environment that celebrates each artist’s work.
  • Participate in statewide Trustees Camp Director meetings and trainings.
  • Collaborate with Lincoln Nursery School and Trustees staff to prepare and breakdown studios for the transitions from Lincoln Nursery School classrooms to deCordova’s summer camps.
  • Along with the Assistant Camp Director, serve as the camp Health Care Supervisor by coordinating and overseeing first aid and camper medications as necessary.

Requirements

  • Obtained Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in education, art, the sciences, the humanities, or other relevant course of study.
  • 3 years of supervisory experience demonstrating the ability to lead staff, build community, coordinate programs, and ensure smooth day-to-day operations.
  • Appreciation of process-based, collaborative artmaking using unique materials and materials from the natural world.
  • Experience working with youth, families, and the public in an educational setting.
  • Experience working with or managing high schoolers.
  • Ability to learn quickly and function and act independently.
  • Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, needed for both internal and external stakeholders: colleagues, artists, children, and families.
  • Strong organizational skills: ability to manage projects and workflow, using time and resources effectively.
  • Effective communicator; strong interpersonal skills: helpful, calm, friendly demeanor.
  • Highly computer literate, including working with spreadsheets and camp management software.
  • High regard and aptitude for teamwork, collegiality, customer service, and visitor experience.
  • Interest in working for a mission-driven organization focused on conserving and presenting nature and culture across the state.
  • Has or be willing to obtain camp director certification from ACA or equivalent organization (training is available).
  • Has or willing to obtain Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR certification; training provided if needed.
  • Able and willing to work across a 30-acre site both indoors and outside in all types of summer weather.
  • Able to lift 40 pounds.
  • Must be 21 years old by the first day of camp.
  • Full-time availability for camp staff training sessions (May/early June – dates TBD) and all weeks of camp (June 29-August 14), Mondays-Fridays, 8AM-4PM; plus time in May and late August to prepare for and breakdown camp.
  • A valid driver’s license, as well as a satisfactory driving record as outlined in The Trustees’ driving policy.
  • Current authorization to work in the United States by the first day of employment.
  • A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check.
Benefits
  • Sick Time: 40 hours of paid sick time upfront.
  • Reciprocity: Employees have access to free and discounted admission and membership to more than 50 nearby museums and cultural institutions.
  • Discounts: Enjoy free entry to all Trustees properties, discount event tickets, and discounted merchandise at our stores and on stays at our inns.

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard skills
camp managementcurriculum developmentproject managementfirst aidCPRart educationyouth mentorshipteam leadershipadministrative managementprocess-based artmaking
Soft skills
communicationorganizational skillsinterpersonal skillsteamworkcustomer serviceproblem-solvingmentoringindependencecollaborationcommunity building
Certifications
Bachelor's degreecamp director certificationAdult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR certification