Camp Program Manager - Field Museum

Our Mission: Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, our organization has aimed to connect people to the natural environment and human history.

As a member of the Family Programs team, the Manager of Camp Programs is responsible for all aspects of K-8 camp programs throughout the year, including camp sessions on weekends and school holidays. They are responsible for the design and implementation of camp curricula including age-appropriate natural science and recreational activities and have the ability to modify those activities to accommodate the learning needs of all campers.

The Manager of Camp Programs oversees the coordination of camp operations to provide high-quality learning opportunities for campers and ensure safe practices and a healthy camp environment. They work within the budget for ordering and maintaining camp supplies and work closely with other departments for the advertisement of camps, ticketing and registration systems, and camp webpages.

The Manager of Camp Programs serves as supervisor of all camp staff. This includes hiring, training, scheduling and day to day management. The Manager of Camp Programs sits in the Sue Ling Gin Center for Education and Public Programs and reports to the Senior Manager of Family Programs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Planning

• Develop, coordinate, and implement engaging camp offerings throughout the year that utilize and spotlight collections, exhibitions, and the expertise of the Field Museum staff

• Research and design age-appropriate camp curriculum that focuses on natural science and recreational activities, scaffolding to accommodate the learning needs of all campers

• Design and coordinate camp schedules that support curated camp themes and objectives

• In coordination with the Senior Manager of Family Programs, set and track program goals and including content priorities, program participation, revenue, and sustained museum engagement

• With the Senior Manager of Family Programs, set implementation plans including calendar of program deadlines, balance short and long term goals, and overlapping timelines

• Establish and maintain organizational systems for program coordination and research

• Identify and coordinate all resource needs including facilitation materials, supplies, technology, staffing, and internal museum support

• With the Senior Manager of Family Programs, oversee the research, evaluation, and review strategies to inform program growth and development

• Review and refine program policies and procedures to ensure a safe and healthy program environment that supports the needs of campers and staff

• Lead camp activities and facilitations as needed

• Assist with general Family Program and Department needs

Operations

• Manage the camps budget with the Senior Manager of Family Programs and oversee the ordering and maintaining of camp supplies

• Work closely with the Technology team on the setup of ticketing and registration structures, including ACME ticket sales, CampDoc registration platform, camp webpages, and related legal forms and waivers

• With the Learning Operations Coordinator, maintain accurate and up-to-date reports to track progress of camp programs and support general customer service needs

• Coordinate camp logistical needs such as space reservations, Museum Event Orders, staff communication channels, and work with external partners

• Ensure all set-ups and operations are in place throughout the program season

• Other duties as assigned

Supervision

• Oversee the hiring, training, scheduling and day to day management of camp staff

• Supervise related camp staff including but not limited to Instructors, Teaching Assistants, Program Assistants, and other support roles during camp sessions.

• Serve as supervisor for three Program Assistant II positions, these are year-round part-time staff

Communication

• Develop strategies and timelines for camp communications such as registration reminders, welcome packets, and evaluation surveys

• Effectively handle requests and concerns from parents and caregivers

• Communicate directly with participants and families and serve as on-site lead to troubleshoot issues as they arise

• Professionally facilitate in a calm and professional manner

• Work closely with the Marketing Department to assist in the development or advertising and promotional content and strategies to ensure revenue goals are met

Miscellaneous

• Represent The Field Museum at various promotional opportunities

• Assist with general Family Program and Department needs

• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• The ideal Candidate must have a minimum of 5-7 years of experience developing and implementing camp curricula and demonstrate the ability to manage the day to day responsibilities of camp.

• Supervisory experience is a must.

• The Manager of Camp Programs must be well-organized, self-motivated, and flexible in an ever changing environment.

• Strong organizational and customer service skills required.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are a must.

• Professional demeanor and ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders required.

• Must be enthusiastic and demonstrate a passion for science and museums.

• Candidates must be able to consistently work during academic breaks and school holidays and occasional weekends.

• This position requires a lot of physical activity, including long periods of walking and standing, and the ability to move at least 20 pounds of equipment. Energetic candidates are best.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Camp Management, Recreation and Leisure, or similar type of experience, required.

• Certified and approved by the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism, and Related Professions and/or American Camp Association is a plus.

The Field Museum is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination, embracing diversity, and fostering mutual respect. We value the unique perspectives each team member brings, which empowers our ability to innovate and overcome challenges.

At the Field Museum, we are dedicated to making our career website and recruitment process accessible to everyone. If you encounter any difficulty when using or accessing our online application, or if you need a reasonable accommodation for completing your application, participating in interviews, or any other part of the selection process, please reach out to us at accessibility@fieldmuseum.org.