About Summer Discovery

Our mission is to provide best-in-class, immersive summer college enrichment experiences that perfectly balance courses curated by top tier universities in diverse fields of study, with opportunities for students to have fun, travel and explore new places with new friends.

We support students in their mission to deepen their knowledge of their academic passion and foster college-ready confidence through hands-on learning experiences in their preferred field of study. We are the industry trailblazers, applying nearly sixty years of learning, refinement and relationship building into what we do each day.

Simply put, our team is obsessed with summer and determined to help our students excel, building lifelong skills, embracing intellectual curiosity, innovation, and a love of learning.

What is the job?

OurSummer Program Directors play a pivotal role in shaping the social and educational experience of students across multiple college campuses. As a Director, your primary responsibility is to oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of a dynamic summer program designed to enrich students" academic and personal growth. You will collaborate closely with college faculty, staff, and community partners to ensure the program"s objectives are met and that students have a memorable and impactful experience.

The ideal candidate will be a dynamic leader with strong organizational skills, a passion for education, and a proven track record of managing complex programs. Experience in academic administration, student services, or a similar field is highly desirable. If you are committed to making a difference in students" lives and excel in a collaborative, fast-paced environment, we invite you to apply and lead our summer program to new heights.

In a leadership position, you"ll be living on campus and working around the clock, with varied and unpredictable hours. This means you"ll be available 24/7 to support and supervise students, handle emergencies, and engage in all program activities. Your work schedule will be dynamic and may change based on the needs of the program

Essential Functions:

Program Development & Management: Oversee the summer program's structure, ensuring it aligns with the goals and needs of the students. Manage day-to-day operations, including scheduling, resource allocation, and logistical coordination.
Staff Leadership: Train and supervise a team of on campus leaders and Resident Counselors. Provide ongoing support and professional development to ensure high standards of delivery and a positive working environment.
Student Engagement: Foster a supportive and inclusive environment that encourages student participation and engagement. Address any concerns or issues that arise, and act as a mentor and advocate for students throughout their summer experience.
Partnership & Outreach: Build and maintain relationships with college administration, community organizations, and other stakeholders. Promote the program to potential participants and partners, and work to expand its reach and impact.
Evaluation & Reporting: Implement evaluation processes to assess the effectiveness of the program. Gather and analyze feedback from students, staff, and partners to continuously improve the program. Prepare comprehensive reports for stakeholders and contribute to strategic planning for future iterations.
HR PolicyAdministration & Staff Work Environment: Implement and uphold HR policies to ensure compliance, fostering a respectful, inclusive, and supportive work environment for all staff members. Responsible for ensuring compliance with employment regulations and collaborating with Human Resources to address employee relations and conduct issues.
Policy Adherence: Implement and enforce all policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Handbook and Staff Manual.
Orientation Participation: Attend and engage in virtual and in-person orientation sessions before the program begins to ensure comprehensive understanding of program protocols.
Daily Oversight: Supervise and coordinate academic, recreational, and social activities for students, including weekend schedules.
Staff Supervision: Oversee and support the staff team, ensuring effective collaboration, adherence to program guidelines, and the provision of a positive and productive work environment.
HR Policy Enforcement & Staff Work Environment: Implement and uphold HR policies to ensure compliance, fostering a respectful, inclusive, and supportive work environment for all staff members. Responsible for ensuring compliance with employment regulations and collaborating with Human Resources to address employee relations and conduct issues.
Emergency Response: Handle emergencies efficiently and coordinate with the Nurse and residential staff as needed.
Student Well-being: Monitor and support the safety and well-being of students, addressing academic, socio-emotional, and social interaction needs.
Residential Life: Manage residential operations to create a positive and supportive environment within the assigned residence hall.]
Pre/Post Summer Tasks required: Oversee program opening/closure, including: storage coordination, technology equipment return, pre summer university partner calls and administrative tasks, and completion of post-summer tasks. Leadership responsibilities extend beyond student and staff departure.
Role Modeling: Serve as a positive role model, demonstrating leadership, integrity, and a high standard of behavior.
Problem Resolution: Address and resolve student and facility issues promptly and effectively.
Policy Enforcement: Adhere to all Summer Discovery policies including staff curfew, prohibition of alcohol and drugs, and conduct standards.
Additional Duties: Perform other related duties as assigned to contribute to the overall success of the program.

Competencies:

Leadership Experience: Proven ability to lead and inspire teams.
Conflict Resolution: Skilled in managing and resolving conflicts.
Strategic Thinking: Capable of developing and executing strategic plans.
Effective Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Cultural Competency: Experience working with diverse groups.
Organizational Skills: Excellent at managing multiple tasks and priorities.
Staff Development: Skilled in training and mentoring team members.
Crisis Management: Proficient in handling emergencies and making quick decisions.
Budget Management: Experience in managing budgets and resources effectively.
Innovative Problem-Solving: Ability to create innovative solutions to challenges.
Adaptability: Flexible and responsive to changing conditions.
Community Engagement: Experience building positive relationships with stakeholders.

Other Items of Note:

Health & Stamina: Maintain good physical and mental health to engage fully in all program activities.
Surveillance: Monitor large areas for safety, both day and night.
Living Conditions: Adapt to living and working in potentially non-air-conditioned spaces during the summer.
Movement: Engage in continuous movement across the campus while supervising students.
Schedule/Location:
Location: On-campus residency required throughout the program duration. Summer location is discussed during the interview process and can depend on availability and skill set requirements.
Orientation: Create and lead an on-campus staff orientation five days prior to the program start.
Work Schedule: Flexibility in schedule required due to the dynamic nature of the work. We do offer one day off for every two weeks on campus.
Commitment: In a leadership position, you"ll be living on campus and working around the clock, with varied and unpredictable hours. This means you"ll be available 24/7 to support and supervise students, handle emergencies, and engage in all program activities. Your work schedule will be dynamic and may change based on the needs of the program

Education/Experience/Qualifications:

Educational Background: Completion of a four-year university degree.
Relevant Experience: Demonstrated leadership experience in higher education or camp settings, with a proven ability to manage programs, supervise staff, and engage effectively with students.
Certifications: First Aid/CPR certification preferred.
On-Campus Residency: Ability to reside on campus for the entire duration of the program, ensuring full immersion in the daily operations and student experience.

Employment is contingent upon a satisfactory background check

Summer Discovery embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

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Summer Discovery

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