About this opportunity
Mandel JCC of Cleveland lists this Director of Camp Wise opportunity in beachwood, Ohio. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Director of Camp Wise
Mandel Jewish Community Center of Cleveland
A Transformational Leadership Opportunity
Position Summary
For more than a century, Camp Wise has helped young people build confidence, leadership skills, lifelong friendships, and meaningful connections to Jewish identity, community, and leadership. Founded in 1907, Camp Wise is one of the Mandel JCC's flagship programs and most significant community assets. Located on a 250-acre property in Chardon, Ohio, approximately 40 minutes from Cleveland, Camp Wise combines a vibrant camp community with preserved forests, trails, streams, and outdoor adventure spaces.
As Camp Wise approaches its landmark 120th Summer in 2027, the organization is undertaking a Historic Campus Transformation that includes brand-new camper cabins, a new 650-seat dining hall, recreation and arts facilities, a newly developed staff village designed to recruit, support, and retain adult and senior staff members, and a soon-to-be-constructed Director's House.
Camp Wise's impact extends far beyond the summer months through its connection to the Mandel Jewish Community Center of Cleveland, one of Northeast Ohio's leading nonprofit community organizations. Through this partnership, Camp Wise advances a broader mission of building community, fostering personal growth, and creating meaningful experiences across generations.
The Mandel JCC's Beachwood campus is home to fitness and aquatics facilities, an Early Childhood Center, arts and cultural programming, Jewish life initiatives, adult engagement opportunities, and the agency's popular J-Day Camps. Joining the Mandel JCC means becoming part of a collaborative, mission-driven organization dedicated to connection, enrichment, wellness, and lifelong community engagement.
The Director is responsible for the overall leadership, momentum, management, and performance of Camp Wise. The Director reports directly to the President & CEO and works closely with the Camp Wise Committee, Mandel JCC senior leadership team, and Mandel JCC Board of Directors. Year-round operations are based at the Mandel JCC in Beachwood, Ohio, with on-site residence and leadership in Chardon, Ohio during the summer season.
Core Leadership Responsibilities
Strategy, Vision & Growth
Lead the long-term vision, strategy, culture, and growth of Camp Wise.
Partner with JCC leadership and project teams to contribute programmatic vision and operational insight toward the Historic Campus Transformation.
Drive enrollment growth, retention, and long-term sustainability.
Operations & Program Excellence
Oversee overall camp operations, safety, and performance.
Lead integration of newly developing facilities into seasonal programming.
Ensure ACA standards, risk management, safety, and security compliance.
Foster a culture of program innovation and operational excellence.
Leadership, Culture & Talent Development
Recruit, supervise, develop, and inspire leadership staff.
Position Camp Wise as a premier employer for summer counselors and leadership staff.
Strengthen year-round and seasonal staff recruitment and retention strategies.
Promote accountability, growth, and service excellence.
Financial Stewardship & Philanthropy
Lead annual budgeting and business planning.
Partner with the Mandel JCC Philanthropy Team.
Support donor engagement and stewardship.
Help ensure long-term financial sustainability.
Community Engagement, Alumni Relations & Jewish Identity
Serve as a visible leader within Camp Wise and the broader Jewish community.
Strengthen relationships with campers, families, alumni, donors, and partners.
Support alumni engagement and lifelong Camp Wise connections.
Foster meaningful connections to Jewish identity, values and community.
Serve as a year-round ambassador for Camp Wise.
Immediate Priorities (Years 1–2)
Campus Modernization & Integration
Leverage Existing Culture
Talent Pipeline Development
Enrollment & Brand Growth
Measures of Success
Successful integration of historic camps transformation.
Enrollment and retention growth
Strong staff recruitment and retention outcomes
Effective financial stewardship
Leadership Profile
Positive Energy to Campers and Staff
Financial Acumen
Ability to Drive Vision and Purpose
Experience Building Effective Teams
Effective Communication
Accountability
Ability to Instill Trust
Experience Balancing Stakeholders
Decision Quality
Talent Development & Mentorship
Desired Experience
Leadership experience in overnight camping, youth development, education, recreation, nonprofit leadership, or related fields
Deep familiarity with ACA accreditation standards and overnight camping best practices
Passion for developing young people and building Jewish community
Success leading teams and managing complex operations
Strong financial and organizational management skills
Exceptional communication and relationship-building abilities
Experience navigating periods of growth, change, or organizational transformation
Work Location & Arrangements
Year-Round Office: Mandel Jewish Community Center (Beachwood, Ohio).
Summer Residence: On-site living provided at Camp Wise (Chardon, Ohio) during the summer.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary:
$135,000–$165,000 annually, commensurate with experience, qualifications, and overall fit for the role.
Benefits:
Comprehensive benefits package including healthcare, retirement options, generous PTO, and Mandel JCC program discounts and membership.
Housing: On-site housing provided during the summer season through existing Director cabin and the soon-to-be-constructed Director's House.
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Worksite address
beachwood, OH, 44122, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.