Program Director
Position Overview
The Program Director is a key member of the council’s leadership team, responsible for the strategic direction, execution, and quality of all council-coordinated programs, events, and outdoor experiences. This role is highly collaborative and deeply rooted in volunteer engagement, working closely with a broad network of community leaders, staff, and Scouting volunteers to deliver impactful experiences for young people.
This position oversees the planning and operations of summer camp programs, year-round activities, and volunteer-led initiatives. The Program Director will inspire, guide, and empower volunteers to lead council events, ensuring a consistent and high-quality Scouting experience that aligns with the council’s mission and strategic priorities.
As Program Director, you will directly shape the Scouting journey of thousands of youth by creating experiences that are adventurous, character-building, and led by passionate volunteers. Your leadership will strengthen the council’s ability to deliver on its promise to prepare young people for life—through engaging programs, exceptional properties, and a thriving culture of volunteer service. The Program Director reports to the Director of Support Services.
Responsibilities
Volunteer Engagement & Leadership
- Serve as the staff advisor to key volunteer-led groups from the Outdoor Programs and Activities Committees (target sports, aquatics, training, etc.), Alumni Committee, and Camp Masters.
- Recruit, train, and mentor assigned volunteer committees.
- Build a culture of volunteer empowerment through clear communication, ongoing training, and active recognition of service.
- Oversee marketing and volunteer recruitment strategies to increase camp attendance and program engagement.
- Responsible for the volunteer-led development and maintenance of the council program calendar and the event registration/camp reservation system.
Program Strategy & Development
- Lead the creation and implementation of the council’s year-round program calendar, including resident camps, day camps, JROTC camps, Cub Scout events, Scouts BSA programs, STEM activities, and special initiatives like Scouting for Food.
- Develop new programmatic offerings and strengthen existing programs.
- Provide strategic guidance to support future investment in program expansion
and innovation. - Develop partnerships with community organizations and event sponsors to enhance program offerings and access.
- Build relationships with community organizations to create revenue-sharing opportunities for Scouts to participate in that include but are not limited to sporting events, community festivals, museum overnights, etc.
- Serve as staff advisor to National Scouting Programs: High Adventure Treks, Jamboree.
Budget & Operations Oversight
- Develop and manage an annual program and camping budget exceeding $1.5 million.
- Track and report on program participation, financial performance, and volunteer engagement metrics.
- Secure funding opportunities and sponsorships to sustain and grow program offerings.
- Maximize the utilization of council properties by non-scouting organizations.
- Recruit, hire, and manage resident camp and program staff.
- Management of four camp trading posts, including staffing, inventory control, and sales objectives.
Other Responsibilities
- Work with the customer support team in the office related to program calendars, Black Pug bookings, billings, and required paperwork from the commitment of support to the final delivery of the program.
- Assure the council’s long-range strategy achieves its mission and programs meet the stated objectives.
- Other duties as assigned by the Director of Support Services.
Education
- Required – Bachelor’s from an accredited college or university
Qualifications
Key Competencies
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Required Skills and Qualifications
- Minimum age 21 (unless prohibited by law).
- Subject to criminal, reference, and motor vehicle background checks.
- Willingness to work long, irregular hours, including evenings and weekends.
- Ability to travel for work, professional development, or training.
- Ability to reside at camp during resident programs.
- Professional Scouting experience or able to meet the eligibility requirements.
- Minimum of 3 years of program/camp leadership experience (6+ years preferred).
- Experience successfully promoting and marketing events.
- Ability to lead cross-functional team,s including volunteers and professionals.
- Capable of developing and executing strategic plans and long-range goals.
- Experience building and maintaining budgets.
- Strong time management and organizational skills.
- Ability to manage multiple events and priorities simultaneously.
- Comfortable working with boards, committees, and senior leadership.
- Familiarity with health, safety, risk management, and youth protection protocols.
- Ability to create innovative and engaging youth program experiences.
- Comfortable with public speaking and engaging diverse audiences.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to build relationships with volunteers, community leaders, and donors.
- Strong customer service and conflict-resolution skills.
Preferred Skills
- BSA Camp school certification.
- BSA program training certifications (lifeguard, NRA, climbing).
- CPR/First Aid Training.
- Knowledge of NCAP (National Camp Accreditation Program) standards.
- Knowledge of Scouting America policies, mission, and structure.
- Familiarity with employment practices and Scouting’s personnel system.
- Proven ability to recruit, train, guide, and inspire adult volunteers.
- Experience supervising part-time and seasonal staff.
- Successful fundraising and sponsorship sales history.
Benefits
All councils are equal opportunity employers and offer a competitive salary, based on the council’s geographic location. Professional Scouting offers benefits to include major medical, prescription coverage, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability, accidental death, retirement plan, plus compensation for authorized and approved business-related expenses, including phone and mileage reimbursement. We also offer a generous vacation policy and holiday observances.
Salary or Salary Range: $50,000 – $60,000
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Refer to this link for BSA career information: https://www.scouting.org/careers/working-with-us
