Summer Camp Director (Palo Alto)

Galileo Learning brings best-in-class educational programs to tens of thousands of kids each year through 75+ in-person summer day camps across the country. Galileo is an educational innovation camp working with kids in K-8 education. We believe the world needs innovators and that innovation can be taught. 

We were named one of the Best & Brightest Places to Work in the Nation in 2023, have been on the Best Places to Work in the Bay Area list more than 12 times, have been named one of Forbes’ Best Small Companies, were named a Top 100 Real Impact Company, are a Diversity Jobs Top Employer, and are authentically committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion —which includes offering a robust financial assistance program.

We work with local schools to host engaging, hands-on summer camps, where we work closely with parents and community members to create welcoming, inclusive environments for students. In addition, through our "Galileo X" program, we partner directly with school districts and charter school networks to offer our innovative programming at no cost to families in underserved communities, expanding access and fostering creativity for even more young innovators. 

Join us in shaping the next generation of fearless creators and problem-solvers!

Camp Directors are the driving force behind our vibrant summer day camp communities at Galileo Learning. In this dynamic role, you’ll take on the responsibilities of General Manager for one of our camp locations, serving campers across K-8: all the way from rising Kindergarteners to Camp Counselors in Training.

Reporting to the regional Field Program Manager, you will be responsible for creating a welcoming, joyful environment that embodies the magic of Camp Galileo! You’ll manage and mentor staff, oversee day-to-day camp operations, provide a safe and inspiring camp experience, and cultivate a culture of curiosity, creativity, and endless fun for all.

This is a seasonal role working February 24, 2025 - August 30, 2025, with a varied schedule divided into three distinct “seasons”: Pre-Camp Training & Camp Prep: up to 15 hours per week, On-Site Camp Responsibilities: 40 + hours per week, Post-Camp Wrap-Up: up to 10 hours total.

YOU ARE:

• Inspired by Galileo’s Mission: You are drawn to innovative education, project-based learning, and the professional yet playful culture that sets Galileo apart. The idea of fostering the next generation of innovators excites you.

• An Operations Champion: You know what it takes to run a top-notch youth program. With a keen eye for camper safety and customer experience, you effortlessly prioritize tasks and solve problems on the fly to keep camp running smoothly.

• A Student-Centered Leader: You thrive in building connections with K-8 age campers. Your mix of humor, warmth, and a focus on safety elevates the camp experience, making every day unforgettable for both campers and staff.

• Flexible and Proactive: Change is your playground. You adapt to evolving situations with energy and enthusiasm, embracing challenges with a solutions-first mindset.

• Supportive & Empowering: You bring out the best in others; your leadership style is grounded in celebrating wins, fostering innovation, and coaching your team for continuous growth.

YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Overseeing Summer Day Camp Operations

  • You’ll take charge of every aspect of camp, ensuring smooth daily operations while fostering an inclusive and joy-filled environment for campers, their families, and staff.

  • You’ll collaborate with Field Operations & HQ teams to ensure your camp is fully stocked and ready for action. Your expertise in managing inventory, keeping classrooms organized, and optimizing facility spaces will ensure a seamless camp experience.

  • Utilizing our extensive training and resources, you’ll efficiently manage your tasks, time, and responsibilities both before and during the summer to plan and operate a successful camp program.

  • During the camp pre-season, you will engage actively with both asynchronous and live training, connect with and welcome your seasonal camp staff, participate in a supportive Camp Director learning cohort, and check in weekly with your manager to plan and prep for a stellar camp launch.

• Leading and Coaching a Stellar Team

  • You will inspire, coach, and develop your team to deliver the best camp experience possible.

  • Depending on the size of the camp location, you will directly manage a summer camp staff of typically 15 - 30 team members. Our largest camps can have 80+ staff, who you will manage with the support of your assistant camp director team.

  • In partnership with our People & HR teams, you’ll handle compliance and employee relations matters and enforce company policies, including staff onboarding, timecard approvals, and conducting daily safety checks.

• Championing Community Relationships & “Camp Magic”

  • You'll be at the heart of bringing Galileo’s mission to life—fostering creativity, innovation, and joy in a supportive and dynamic camp atmosphere.

  • As the face of Galileo in your community, you’ll consider parent and student perspectives in every decision you make, building strong relationships and trust. You may also attend community events in the camp pre-season to connect with potential camper families.

  • You'll connect with camper families for regular check-ins to share camper experiences, discuss behavior, address concerns, and ensure that every camper is well-supported to get the most out of their summer with Camp Galileo.

COMPENSATION
The estimated total compensation for this role in Year 1 includes the following components:

• Weekly Salary:$1,450 weekly salary based on geography and tenure. For the duration of summer camp operations, the Camp Director position is Full Time, exempt.

• Training & Camp Preparation Rate: $23 per hour based on geographic location and tenure. For the duration of training and camp preparation, the Camp Director position is Part Time, non-exempt.

• Potential Bonus & Commission: $1 per camper enrollment

  • The enrollment bonus is calculated based on the total camper week enrollments for the summer and is calculated and paid at the close of the summer.

  • Additional commission opportunities for “add-on weeks” enrollments

• Other Benefits:

  • Unlimited free camp for your child(ren), OR two free weeks to be gifted (including AM/PM Extended Care)

  • 15% off Friends and Family Discount for those you love

  • Priority nomination for Innovation for All (financial assistance) scholarship for anyone you know

  • Eligible for mileage reimbursement above 40 miles round trip per day

This estimate reflects a good faith effort to provide a realistic understanding of what a new hire may earn in their first year. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as experience, skill set, and performance.

• 3+ years of work experience in K-8 education, or a combination of relevant collegiate coursework and work experience

• 1+ year of demonstrated management experience and ability to coach a team toward success

• Ability to work part-time, remotely, starting in February 2025 (8-12 hours per week), and full-time, on-site, starting in June 2025

• Ability to travel to two onsite training events during the pre-camp season

• Flexibility to meet changing needs and demands while balancing multiple priorities

• Valid CPR/First Aid certification OR ability to become certified prior to the start of camp

• <CA only> Valid Mandatory Report Certification OR ability to complete certification prior to the start of camp

At Galileo, we value divergent thinkers who bring various experiences and viewpoints to the table. We strongly encourage members of underrepresented groups and people of diverse backgrounds to apply.

Camp Directors start from a wide variety of backgrounds, including but not limited to: school teaching, camp counseling & leadership, after-school programming, coaching, museum education, and leadership in retail or customer service. In addition, research shows that while men apply to jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the requirements, women and other underrepresented people tend to only apply when they match all criteria. Even if you don't necessarily meet every checkbox in the job description, but you think you have what it takes, we encourage you to apply.

SCHEDULE DETAILS:

Exact dates will vary based on the date of hire and camp location operating dates.

Pre-Camp Training & Camp Prep: up to 15 hours per week

• Typically late February through early June

• Flexible, remote schedule from late February until 2-3 weeks before your camp start date (early June or early July, depending on the location). During this time, you'll participate in regular live trainings, weekly check-ins, and a weekend retreat in the Bay Area. You may also attend local marketing events and complete a camp walk-through.

On-Site Camp Responsibilities: 40 + hours per week

• Early June through early August, depending on camp operations dates

• You'll be onsite for “Camp Prep Week,” site setup and staff training days the week prior to the camp launch.

• Once camp is in session (6-8 weeks), you'll typically work around 45 hours per week, splitting schedules with your assistant camp director team to ensure there's always a manager on site. While hours can vary, you’ll usually cover a range of shifts between 7 am and 6 pm, adjusting as needed to support camp operations.

Post-Camp Wrap-Up: up to 10 hours total

• 3 - 4 weeks after closing of camp location

• After camp ends, you'll work remotely for an additional up to 10 hours to finish camp administrative tasks, write staff performance reviews, and close out the season.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Occasionally lift and carry up to 30 lbs.

• Constantly operate a computer (including typing, reading)

• Frequently remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time

• Constantly communicate in-person, virtually, and from a range of distances

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

During your onboarding process, you may need to complete a Tuberculosis (TB) screening, a background check, and mandated reporter training (California only). More details will be provided during your onboarding process.

COVID-19

All on-site employees will be required to demonstrate that they have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, unless they qualify for an accommodation/exemption for medical, disability, or religious reasons. Vaccination status will be confirmed only after an offer of employment has been accepted and will not affect the consideration of any person’s application.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Galileo Learning is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

We comply with the ADA and provide reasonable accommodations that allow qualified applicants/employees to perform the essential functions of the job. To request accommodation, contact our People Services team. Please note that our job descriptions are only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible responsibilities, tasks, and duties