Camp Director

Who We Are:

Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) is the nation’s premier conservation and preservation organization. The Trustees’ preserves, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts. Our properties are open to all, and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in all that we do. We aim to protect special places for future generations to enjoy in perpetuity, and have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 27,000+ acres on more than 120 reservations that are open to the public. As a non-profit conservation organization, we are funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and our 100,000 Member households. We encourage you to learn more about The Trustees on our website, www.thetrustees.org.

Posting Information:

Salary: $25/hour  

Hours per week: 

• November-December: 15-25 hours/month  

• January-March: 35-45 hours/month 

• April-May: 40-50 hours/month 

• June-August: 40 hours/week, Monday–Fridays, 8:30AM-4:30PM 

• Occasional evenings and weekends for camp trainings and parent communications 

Job Classification: Year Round – Part-Time – 10-month 

Job Type: Required onsite full-time during the camp season; remote option and reduced hours in the off-season 

Location: deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, Lincoln, MA 

What You’ll Do:

Are you someone who values collaborative, interdisciplinary, place-based education and the intersections of art, nature, and science? Are you creative, open-minded, curious, and flexible, and have strong organizational, computer, and management skills? As the director of deCordova Camps, you will develop each summer’s unique themes that spark the imagination and creativity of staff, campers, and families alike. 

The Hive is a 5-week camp designed for sixty campers ages 5-12 who are curious about the world around them and interested in exploring nature and contemporary artistic ideas through energizing and emergent collaborations culminating each week in large-scale installations in the Sculpture Park.   

Summer Studio for Teens offers two weeks for small cohorts of 13–16-year-olds to refine and expand artistic techniques; create meaningful connections between art, nature, and self; and develop confidence in their unique artistic voice.   

For information about this year’s exciting weekly themes and projects, please visit: deCordova Camps 

The Role:

As the deCordova Camp Director, you will report to the Senior Regional Engagement Manager and collaborate on the development and management of The Hive and Summer Studio for Teens. You will be responsible for all aspects of camp planning, budgeting, marketing, hiring, training, and leading deCordova’s cohort of innovative Art & Nature Instructors (artists, educators, makers, naturalists) who work in consort with campers to create magnificent, immersive sculptures in the park each summer week. 

Specifically, you’ll be responsible for: 

• Serve as the Director of The Hive, serving up to 60 campers per 5 weeks in July and August and for Summer Studio for Teens, serving ten campers for one week before one week after The Hive 

• Develop and oversee the camps’ emergent, art- and nature-based curriculum that responds each summer to deCordova’s artworks and exhibitions plus instructors’ and campers’ interests and skills 

• Recruit, interview, hire, train, and manage a team of seasonal camp staff: Assistant Camp Director, Art & Nature Instructors, Camp Behavior Specialist, and Junior Instructors 

• Manage camp registration, parent communication, camp marketing, town licensing, and other camp administrative work, using dedicated CampBrain software and other platforms as required  

• Participate in statewide Trustees Camp Director meetings and trainings  

• Lead Instructor and Junior Instructor trainings addressing all content, policies, and procedures  

• Collaborate with Lincoln Nursery School and Trustees staff to prepare and breakdown studios for the transitions from Lincoln Nursery School classrooms to deCordova’s summer camps 

• Support the Assistant Camp Director with training and managing Junior Instructors ages 15–18 

• Collaborate with Instructors on weekly installation and de-installation of camper Park sculptures 

• Support individual camper needs, challenges, and wellness, sometimes requiring one-on-one supervision 

• Take the lead on communicating with camper parents as necessary before and during camp 

• Along with the Assistant Camp Director, serve as the camp Health Care Supervisor by coordinating and overseeing first aid and camper medications as necessary 

• Collaborate with deCordova’s Tour & Interpretation Manager on developing camp themes, connections, content, and exhibiting artists 

• Collaborate with deCordova’s supportive curators, preparators, and stewards for an inspiring and smooth running of camp 

What You’ll Need:

Skills and Experience:

• Required: 
• 3 years of related work experience  
• 3 years of supervisory experience  
• A bachelor’s degree or related work experience in place of academic credentials  
• Appreciation of process-based, collaborative artmaking using unique materials and materials from the natural world 
• Experience working with youth, families, and the public in an educational setting   
• Experience working with or managing high schoolers 
• Ability to learn quickly and function and act independently   
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, needed for both internal and external stakeholders: colleagues, artists, children, and families.     
• Strong organizational skills: ability to manage projects and workflow, using time and resources effectively.     
• Technical sophistication is highly beneficial in this role, managing several technology platforms 
• High regard and aptitude for teamwork, collegiality, customer service, and visitor experience.     
• Camp Director certification (training provided as needed)   
• Staff training experience    
• First Aid, CPR, and AED certification (training provided as needed)   
• Interest in working for a mission-driven organization focused on conserving and presenting nature and culture across the state.    
• Preferred: 
• Master's degree in Education, Art, Environmental Studies, or related field 

Eligibility Criteria: 

• Must be able to lift upwards of 50 pounds 
• Must be willing and able to accomplish tasks in variable outdoor summer weather conditions  
• Must be able to stand, walk, and navigate varied terrain 
• Current authorization to work in the United States – a candidate must have such authorization by his or her first day of employment. 
• A valid driver’s license, as well as a satisfactory driving record as outlined in The Trustees’ driving policy.  
• A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check. 

Don’t quite have all the skills and experience listed above? We still want to hear from you! Research shows that historically marginalized groups are less likely to apply if they do not meet every single requirement. We are committed to building a diverse team and encourage you to apply even if you are missing some of the skills and experience above.

Questions? Contact our People team at people@thetrustees.org

Your Benefits:

• Sick time: Mass Sick Time

• Reciprocity: Employees have access to free and discounted admission and membership to more than 50 nearby museums and cultural institutions.

• Discounts: Enjoy free entry to all Trustees properties, discount event tickets, and discounted merchandise at our stores and on stays at our inns. 

Equal Opportunity and Diversity:

The Trustees is a proud equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any protected status including, but not limited to, age, race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual preferences, nation of origin, religion, or disability status and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with varying abilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants. We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts, who are at the core of our mission.

The Trustees’ commitment to advancing the organization’s vision for this work may be found here: Diversity, Belonging, Inclusion and Equity.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible work environment. To request reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact us at people@thetrustees.org.