Camp Director, Camp Naru

About Us

YS Kim Foundation is dedicated to empowering Korean Americans by fostering leadership, celebrating cultural identity, and building a vibrant, connected community. Through signature initiatives such as Camp Naru the YS Kim Scholars Program, and year-round community engagement efforts, we provide meaningful opportunities for youth and young adults to embrace their heritage, form lasting connections, and develop as confident, impactful leaders. Our mission is to inspire the next generation to thrive with pride in their cultural identity and a commitment to making a difference.

Camp Naru is a transformative overnight summer camp designed to inspire identity development and foster a strong sense of community through a vibrant Korean American cultural lens. As a flagship program of the YS Kim Foundation, Camp Naru empowers Korean American youth by helping them embrace their heritage and build confidence. Camp Naru welcomes campers for a dynamic blend of cultural exploration and recreational activities. Through a thoughtfully curated curriculum, we provide an immersive experience where campers grow in self-awareness, form lasting friendships, and develop a deep appreciation for their cultural identity—all within a supportive, fun, and inclusive environment.

Position Summary

The Camp Director is responsible for executing on the board’s vision and overseeing all camp operations, including strategic planning, staffing, programming, budgeting, risk management, and stakeholder engagement. A key priority is the expansion of Camp Naru in 2026, ensuring long-term sustainability, program excellence, and community impact.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Growth

• Establish clear goals and develop strategic plans that support the camp’s growth, sustainability, and alignment with both its core mission and the organization’s broader objectives.
• Maintain a strong relationship with the YS Kim Board of Directors, providing updates and ensuring camp initiatives align with the foundation’s overall vision.
• Work closely with the Camp Advisory Board, leveraging their expertise and support to implement key initiatives.
• Manage board relationships, ensuring effective communication and engagement to support camp growth and sustainability.
• Define key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure impact and drive continuous improvement.
• Identify and implement innovative approaches to enhance camp programming, engagement, and operational efficiency.

Marketing, Outreach & Community Engagement

• Develop marketing strategies to increase camper enrollment, alumni engagement, and community awareness.
• Build and maintain relationships with campers, families, alumni, donors, and community partners.
• Serve as the primary liaison for parents, community partners, stakeholders, and external organizations.
• Represent the camp at events, conferences, and industry networking opportunities.

Staff Management, Training, and Leadership Development

• Lead the recruitment, hiring, and training of all camp staff and volunteers, ensuring a highly qualified and motivated team.
• Design and implement leadership and professional development programs for staff.
• Set clear standards for staff onboarding, training, background checks, and performance to ensure consistency and excellence.
• Mentor key staff, including the Assistant Camp Director and Program Coordinator, to build leadership capacity.

Programming & Logistics Oversight

• Oversee programs to ensure alignment with Camp Naru’s mission, vision, and values.
• Collaborate with the Assistant Director and Program Coordinator to create engaging, age-appropriate, and culturally relevant programming.
• Review and approve key programs and logistics to ensure smooth operations, safety, and high-quality experiences, while overseeing event planning and evaluation.
• Foster an inclusive environment for campers of diverse backgrounds and abilities.
• Innovate and integrate new trends and best practices to enhance the camper experience.

Operations & Safety Compliance

• Oversee all camp operations, including program planning, logistics, and on-site management, ensuring seamless execution.
• Develop and implement the camp’s communication strategy, serving as the primary spokesperson.
• Lead policy review and development, driving continuous improvement.
• Ensure full compliance with safety, health, and regulatory standards, maintaining a secure environment.
• Direct crisis management and emergency response planning, ensuring staff preparedness.
• Establish mandatory safety training, requiring key personnel to be First Aid and CPR certified, with additional certifications as needed.

Financial & Budgetary Oversight

• Develop and manage the camp budget, ensuring resource allocation aligns with long-term sustainability.
• Monitor financial performance, identify cost-saving opportunities, and provide regular updates to senior leadership.
• Lead fundraising efforts, including securing business sponsorships, grants, and donor relations to support scholarships and program expansion.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Communications, Leadership, Business Administration, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience in camp management or a similar youth-focused environment; 7-10+ years preferred.
• Experience in camp operations, education, youth engagement environments, or nonprofit work is strongly preferred.
• Proven experience in developing and managing engaging, culturally relevant youth programming.
• Strong expertise in community engagement, fostering an inclusive culture, and building meaningful partnerships.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Background in strategic planning, operations, and financial management.
• Ability to expand and manage large-scale programs effectively.
• Strong decision-making, risk assessment, and crisis management skills.
• Excellent marketing and community outreach abilities.
• Familiarity with Korean-American culture, identity development, and heritage education.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and social media platforms.

Certifications & Safety Requirements

• First Aid and CPR certification required; additional safety certifications preferred.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe and well-regulated camp environment.

Personal Attributes

• Proactive, decisive, and resilient leader with a passion for youth development and community engagement.
• Cultural sensitivity and the ability to inspire and lead a diverse team.

Mandatory Commitment

The Camp Director must attend pre-camp training and camp week each year. For 2025, these sessions are scheduled from August 7 to August 16. Travel and accommodations for this period will be provided.

Work Environment & Schedule

• Hybrid role based in NYC, with occasional travel for camp sessions, community events, and team meetings.
• Evening and weekend availability is required for events and engagement initiatives.