Summer Camp Director - Temporary Position

JOB DESCRIPTION

Camp Director - Castellani Art Museum

JOB SUMMARY

With learning and public access at the heart of its work, the Castellani Art Museum (CAM) seeks a Camp Director to develop, implement, and oversee its Kids N' Arts Summer Camp program. In keeping with Niagara University's Vincentian values, the CAM serves the diverse racial, ethnic, and religious communities of the Buffalo-Niagara region through exhibitions and programs that honor and explore artistic traditions and contemporary artworks.

The Camp Director welcomes children from across the region, introducing them to key concepts of visual arts and theatre in a warm, fun-filled setting. Under the supervision of the CAM Director and Community and Academic Engagement Manager, the Director of Kids 'n Arts Camp produces, implements, and oversees the CAM's five-week summer camp for children ages 6-12.

Kids 'n Arts Camp focuses on the visual and performing arts, dividing its time between these two disciplines and exploring different thematic angles each week of camp. Each week includes a visual art component and theatre component. The visual art component includes a daily visual art project created by a Camp Counselor that interprets the week's theme. Each week culminates in a Friday Art Showcase. Each week also includes a theatre component, consisting of daily theatre exercises that work towards collaborative Theatrical Performances on Fridays.

Working with a team of Camp Counselors and CAM staff, the Camp Director actively connects the CAM's art collection to the wider world, including history, art history, science, and current events. They design an overarching camp curriculum, act as spokespersons for the Camp, oversee its registration, hire and supervise counselors, work studies, and student volunteers, purchase supplies and maintain policies. They also assist with educational and interpretive materials associated with the Camp and measure effectiveness through observation and feedback. The Camp Director ensures that all participants have an enjoyable experience, upholding the CAM's mission to use art as a catalyst to bring people together, inspiring dialogue, creativity, and learning.

The Camp Director is an eight-month position that runs from March through the end of August. The role includes a planning phase (mostly remote and part-time, March-April), preparation/registration period (remote/onsite and part-time May-June), camp execution (onsite and full-time, July-mid-August), and post-camp responsibilities (onsite and part-time, last two weeks of August). March through June, the role is part-time, with hours expanding to full-time in July through August. This position could align with most K-12 teacher schedules. Around 40 campers attend the 9 a.m. -4 p.m. program each week. Compensation will be $11,000-13,000 for approximately 400 total hours of work.

The ideal person for this role has a friendly, outgoing personality, is able to multitask, and remains calm and flexible in face of unforeseen challenges.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Develop Camp's overarching curriculum consisting of five engaging weekly themes and connected learning goals and content ideas. Work with Counselors or guest Teachers to develop their own specific lessons.
• Actively lead Counselors for both Visual Art and Theatre sections of the camp, including leading the Friday Art Show and Theatre Performance.
• Oversee camper participants and manage parent relationships with regular communications. Oversee disciplinary challenges and dietary needs, provide first aid if needed, and follow all Safety Guidelines.
• Manage Camp registration information from attendees for each week and prepare appropriate materials for campers.
• Oversee Camp staff by hiring, supervising, and scheduling Counselors, Jr. Counselors and guest Art Teachers. Manage work-study personnel associated with Camp, when applicable.
• Manage the Camp budget; with CAM staff to order and organize camp supplies
• Update and distribute the Kids 'n Arts Camp Handbook and other Camp-related policies and documents.

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES

1) Excellent communication skills, in both verbal and written communication. Consistent ability to participate and represent the Kids N' Arts Summer Camp and Castellani Art Museum in internal and external meetings and through email communications. Ability to receive telephone calls, respond to inquiries, and communicate with others by telephone.

2) Project management skills - the ability to divide complex projects up into smaller tasks and oversee completion by oneself and/or others involved in the project. Proficiency in Google Workplace and Microsoft Office Suites, to manage workflow. Ability to work within the CAM team, as well as independently.

3) Basic mathematical skills including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Ability to use Microsoft Excel to manage basic budgets.

4) Ability and interest in curriculum development and collaboration with teaching artists and camp counselors. Active interest in relationship development with staff and students alike.

5) Demonstrated problem-solving skills and flexibility with pivoting to handle unforeseen changes and events such as sick counselors, temper tantrums, fire drills, or delayed supply orders.

6) Knowledge of arts programming, educational methods, and pedagogy. Familiarity with museum education and with methods of interpretation and engagement. Experience with children's education.

7) Ability to drive a personal or university vehicle for the purpose of university business.

QUALIFICATIONS STANDARDS

1) Bachelor's Degree required, suggested areas of study: Education, History, Art History, Theatre, Art, Art Education.

2) At least three years working in a museum setting, theatre setting, or similar educational setting required.

3) Previous experience in organizing and leading educational programs required. Event planning experience is required.

4) Demonstrated interest and awareness of museum, theatre, and/or community engagement strategies.

5) A valid New York State driver's license is required that satisfies both University and insurance company underwriting rules and regulations for driving a motor vehicle. Must also be able to operate a motor vehicle in Canada.

Salary : $11,000 - $0