Director of Camp and Retreat Ministries

The Director of Camp and Retreat Ministries is responsible for the overall leadership, administration, and oversight of all Camp and Retreat Ministries (CRM) within the Upper New York Conference of the United Methodist Church (UNY). The Director ensures consistent implementation of best practices in operations, financial stewardship, risk management, and life-changing program delivery across all CRM sites, so that campers and guests experience God's love through community, spiritual growth, and engagement with nature in support of our mission and vision. 

Strategic Functions

• Convene and guide the CRM Staff Lead Team (Site Directors and other staff as designated)
• Collaborate with Site Directors to provide strategic leadership for Camp and Retreat Ministries (CRM), including the development and execution of long-range strategic, financial, property, and fund development plans for the ministry and each site.
• Collaborate with the Conference Camp and Retreat Ministries Team to provide vision, governance, and strategic direction for Camp and Retreat Ministries throughout the Conference.
• Oversee the financial health of CRM by ensuring accurate financial systems, timely reporting, achievement of revenue and budget goals, and accountability for site-level financial procedures.
• Ensure the development and implementation of a comprehensive marketing strategy and enrollment goals for CRM, and oversee implementation across sites in coordination with Conference communications.
• Ensure the effective stewardship, maintenance, safety, and long-term sustainability of all CRM facilities and properties, including implementation of safety policies, staff training, risk management practices, and capital improvement planning.
• Supervise Site Directors and assigned central office staff, providing leadership, coaching, accountability, and performance management.
• Partner with Site Directors and the Human Resources Department to ensure compliance with Conference and New York State policies, procedures, and employment practices.
• Ensure strong relationships with the Foundation Board of each site, and other key stakeholders in support of CRM's mission and sustainability.
• In partnership with the CRM Staff Lead Team, and the CRM Conference Team, identify and engage with consultants as needed.

Program Functions

• Support Site Directors as they implement programming through coaching, presence, and encouragement. 
• Ensure all CRM programs, services, and activities align with the mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities of the Upper New York Conference.
• Provide leadership and oversight for the planning, implementation, evaluation, marketing, and safe operation of camp, retreat, and year-round programming in collaboration with Site Directors and Conference staff.
• Provide direct program leadership and support as needed.

Organizational Functions

• Serve as a member of the Missional Excellence Team and assist the Director of Missional Excellence in matters related to property stewardship and reporting to the Conference Board of Trustees.
• Represent the Conference through participation in staff gatherings, trainings, Annual Conference sessions, and regional, jurisdictional, and national Camp and Retreat Ministry networks.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Missional Excellence.

  Core Competencies

• Christ-centered and Christ-like 
• Committed to continuously growing in intercultural competence. 
• Build and maintain relationships rooted in honesty, integrity, and honor confidentiality. 
• Work collaboratively to produce innovative solutions. 
• Communicate clearly and accurately, in writing and orally, with unifying messages that motivate action. 
• Inspire and influence people to achieve challenging goals and positive results. 
• Manage the performance of team members, setting clear and measurable goals. 
• Understand complex systems and organizations and lead people through change, disruption, and difference. 
• Attend to details and deadlines. 
• Support the vision, mission, and core values of the United Methodist Church and the Upper New York Annual Conference 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience is required, Master’s degree preferred. (Recreation or Hospitality Management, Business, Public Administration,)
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with employees at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy, with the ability to analyze and interpret data.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365, including Teams, Excel and Word.
• Knowledge of the mission, vision of the Upper New York Conference. 
• Experience with Camp and Retreat Ministries is preferred.
• Excellent understanding of organizational health and collaborative team leadership.

Technical and Physical Requirements: The position requires the employee to sit and stand throughout the workday frequently. The position occasionally requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds. A valid NYS driver's license and reliable transportation is required. The position requires evening and weekend responsibilities, extensive travel within UNY, and some travel outside the region. The position is hybrid with regular presence at the UNY Conference Center in Liverpool, NY, as determined in conversation with the Director of Missional Excellence.