Summer Travel Camp Director, Chicago

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!

Site Directors lead dynamic summer camps for K–8th grade, serving as both site General Managers and the public face of the organization. Under the direction of a Field Program Manager you will open and operate a Camp Galileo location serving campers and their families within your community!

You will lead a dynamic seasonal team of educators as well as enthusiastic entry-level staff to create joyful, safe environments, and ensure smooth daily operations. With a focus on exceptional camper and family experiences, you will uphold program quality, foster creativity, and deliver excellence in customer care, curriculum, and team leadership.

Core Responsibilities:

• Bring Galileo’s spirit to life:  Infuse camp with joy, tradition, and creativity. Build an inclusive environment where every camper, staff member, and family feels seen, supported, and inspired.
• Lead with ownership and vision: Own every aspect of your camp’s launch from preseason planning through end-of-summer wrap-up. As both operational lead and culture builder, oversee every detail from daily camp operations to parent communication, while delivering an exceptional program.
• Keep camp safe and running smoothly: Prioritize camper safety and family trust at all times. Anticipate needs, adapt quickly, and problem-solve on the fly to ensure camp runs seamlessly, even when things don’t go as planned.
• Develop and manage your team effectively: Train and mentor a staff of 10–40. Provide clear expectations for instructional and program standards, ongoing feedback, and professional development, while also handling core management responsibilities such as staffing, scheduling, and payroll.
• Model creativity and innovation: Use the Galileo Innovation Approach (GIA) to encourage curiosity and problem-solving. Lead your team in turning challenges into opportunities, keeping both spirit and operations aligned to Galileo’s mission.
• Build strong partnerships: Serve as the primary face of camp. Communicate proactively with families, facilities partners and HQ support teams, collaborate with your Field Program Manager, and cultivate trust with community partners, staff, and campers.

Location & Work Schedule:

This is a seasonal role running February-September 2026, with a schedule divided into three phases. Exact dates will vary based on your hire date and the dates of camp operations. 

• Phase One: Training & Prep (Feb–June/July): Up to 15 hrs/week, flexible and remote. Includes a Bay Area retreat, marketing events (some evenings/weekends), and on-site prep the week before camp starts.

• Phase Two: On-Site (June–August): 40+ hrs/week during camp season (6–8 weeks), typically 45 hrs/week split with your assistant director team. Hours vary between 7am–6pm.

  • This role requires frequent travel to up to 6 camp locations within your region. You will provide support where needed, sometimes stepping in with little notice to ensure uninterrupted camp operations.

  • Once camp is in session (6-8 weeks), you'll typically work around 45 hours weekly. Due to the substitute nature of this role, your weekly schedule and assigned camps will vary based on where coverage is needed most during the camp season. You will cover a range of shifts between 7 am and 6 pm. When not scheduled or called in as a Camp Director or Assistant Camp Director, you will be a flexible on-site substitute to support the general successful operations of camp.

• Phase Three: Wrap-Up (Aug–Sept): Up to 5 hrs total, remote, for final admin tasks and staff reviews.

Compensation:

(Year 1 estimate):

• Preseason (Feb–June): Earn hourly pay ($21/hour) for flexible, part-time prep and training
• Camp Season (June–Aug): Transition to a weekly salary ($1,350/week) as a full-time, exempt Camp Director during summer operations
• Postseason (Aug–Sept): Wrap up with light part-time work, paid hourly ($21/hour)
• Bonus/Commission: Earn an additional $1 per camper-week enrollment, plus potential commission for add-on weeks

Exact compensation may vary and will be based on multiple factors, including geography and Galileo camp director tenure.  Our pay practices are guided by a commitment to equity and informed by market benchmarking and internal audits to minimize bias and ensure fairness across all roles.

Perks:

• Free camp for your child(ren) or two giftable weeks (incl. extended care)
• 15% Friends & Family discount
• Priority nomination for financial assistance for someone you know

• 3+ years of experience in working in education/child development (K-8 preferred) or related coursework

• 1+ year of team management and coaching experience or supervisory experience

• Availability for part-time remote work starting Feb 2025, and full-time on-site work starting June 2025 (dates vary by location)

• Willingness to travel in the region to up to 3 in person marketing events, in the preseason

• Ability to travel to multiple locations across one or more region(s) throughout the summer

• Flexibility to adapt and manage multiple priorities 

• Ability to complete all required state certifications before camp starts

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. If you think you have what it takes to be successful in this role, we encourage you to apply.

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.