Arts Camp Director

The Organization: The Dolores Huerta Foundation (DHF) is a growing 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our mission is to inspire and organize communities to build volunteer organizations empowered to pursue social justice. DHF is based in Bakersfield, California. We organize in the counties of Tulare, Fresno, Kern, and the high desert area of Los Angeles County. We are seeking Student Success Mentors who are passionate about supporting this work.

Background

DHF will host a two-week performing arts camp for middle school and High School students (ages 13-17 years old) piloting July 23- August 5, 2023. The camp will include theater, spoken word, dance, creative media and visual art sessions. This free, residential camp will offer youth an opportunity to learn a variety of art forms directly from established artists engaged in movement building. Youth will be participating in 2 sessions each weekday (one pathway class and one elective), attend excursions and community service projects on the weekends, and perform in a culminating performance for the public.

Job Summary

The DHF Arts Camp Director will be responsible for overseeing planning, programming, and development of a two-week art intensive summer camp for youth. This includes training, supervision and evaluation of program staff, coaches, and volunteers. This job is full-time and requires year-round planning and preparation for the two-week camp. DHF offers a competitive compensation and benefits package.

This position includes, but is not limited to, the following job responsibilities:

Articulates and represents DHF's history, philosophy and strategy in the arts, internally and externally, in their communications with staff, partners, and families.

Develop recruitment materials: application, award letter, welcome packet, orientation packet, etc.

Plan external and internal events for the camp participants (such as field trips and activities)

Oversee daily camp activities and create activity schedules.

Support the modification of activities for campers with diverse abilities.

Communicate with youth families as needed.

Ensure the wellbeing of campers; develop and implement safe practices and a healthy camp environment.

Oversee the management of participant data (online registration and electronic health records)

Coordinate camp programming with staff

Collaborate with HR Department to ensure timely implementation of onboarding, orientation, and resolving HR issues

Train, supervise and evaluate program staff, coaches, and volunteers.

Design professional development plans to cross train Coaches, Counselors, Peer Leads, Assistant Coaches, Wellness staff, and Support Counselors.

Budget and financial oversight and reporting

Create transportation plan for all regions

Create communication plan

Create an evaluation plan for program

Plan for camp scaling and expansion in future years

Requirements

Demonstrable experience as a camp director managing similarly structured camps or programs.

Extensive experience in planning and developing camp curriculum, as well as supporting the modification of activities when required.

Advanced ability to hire, train, and oversee camp employees, as well as ensuring the campers' well-being.

Extensive experience in working with youth, as well as arranging camp accommodations, meals, supplies, and equipment.

Child Development background/knowledge

Demonstrated commitment to social justice

Experience managing budgets and monitoring expenses.

Proficiency in office software and Google suites, including MS Word, Excel, Outlook Express, and Powerpoint

In-depth knowledge of activity-related safety regulations, as well as health and sanitation requirements.

Ability to document processes and perform recordkeeping.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Expectation to be onsite at a minimum of 50% of the time (12 hours per day) and on call 24/7 from July 23- August 5, 2023.

Bilingual (Spanish and English) preferred

EDUCATION

Bachelor's Degree in Education, Arts, or a related field.

Combination of education and work experience with a minimum of 5 years experience in youth programming, arts education, programming and/or production.

K-12 Teaching experience preferred

Job Specific Competencies

Strategic Thinking: Possesses a broad understanding of organizational strategic planning, implementation and evaluation.

Leadership: Demonstrates understanding of a variety of leadership and management principles and practices.

Mission Focus: Possesses advanced knowledge and understanding of the challenges and opportunities relating to the mission of the organization.

Technical Skill: Knowledge of graphic design and digital media; knowledge of the art community and education institutions; Extensive experience planning and organizing events and public programs.

Communication: Communicates clearly, both verbally and in writing. Is an effective public speaker. Communicates effectively and professionally among all levels of the organization and the public.

Ethical Practice: Models the highest level of ethics, integrity, DHF values and social responsibility.

Relationship Management: Demonstrated experience working with staff at all levels in a collaborative environment; commitment and ability to promote and sustain positive workplace values and relationships

Interpersonal Skills: Ability to work well under-pressure, remain calm and controlled when faced with difficult situations. Strives for immediate address.

Benefits

COMPENSATION:

• 75% of Medical Premium paid by DHF
• Paid Life Insurance
• 401(k) Plan with Employer Match
• Accrued Paid Vacation
• Internal learning and development programs
• Location - Kern County
• Full-Time
• Employment Status: Non-Exempt