Assistant Director of Youth Services - JCCs of North America

Assistant Director of Youth Services
Shorefront YM-YWHA of Brighton Manhattan Beach
3300 Coney Island Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11235

The Assistant Director of Youth Services plays a vital role in supporting the overall mission of the camp, fostering year-round youth engagement, cultivating teen leadership and developing meaningful Jewish-themed programming. This role will be instrumental in creating camp themes, curricula, and youth leadership development initiatives that reflect Jewish values, ensuring impactful experiences for both campers, teens and staff. In addition, the Assistant Director will oversee summer camp specialists, manage year-round teen programming, and build relationships that sustain participation and growth.

Camp Leadership and Curriculum Development

• Design and implement a comprehensive camp curriculum that incorporates learning, team-building, and enriching activities.
• Develop age-appropriate programs, activities, and educational sessions.
• Collaborate with the Camp Director to create annual camp themes that align with Jewish traditions, values, and culture.
• Ensure the integration of a variety of activities such as music, arts, science, sports and more into the daily camp experience.
• Mentor youth interested in joining camp staff in leadership roles, preparing them for future positions within the camp structure and beyond.

Year-Round Teen Program Development & Engagement

• Develop and lead year-round programs that target teen engagement.
• Plan and facilitate events, workshops, and social gatherings aimed at building a strong teen community.
• Work closely with local schools and community organizations to expand outreach and increase teen participation.
• Utilize social media and other digital platforms to promote year-round teen programming, creating a continuous connection between camp seasons.
• Design and facilitate leadership development initiatives and workshops that focus on team-building, conflict resolution, public speaking, and mentorship.
• Ensure that leadership programming reflects Jewish values.

Summer Camp Specialist Supervision

• Assist in the recruitment, hiring, and training of specialists, ensuring they are prepared for their roles.
• Oversee and support the summer camp specialists, including instructors in areas such as sports, arts, music.
• Provide ongoing mentorship and guidance to specialists to ensure high-quality programming across camp activities.
• Conduct regular meetings with specialists to review progress, resolve issues, and ensure alignment with camp goals.

Administrative and Operational Support

• Assist the Director of Youth Services with day-to-day operations, including scheduling, budgeting, and logistics.
• Act as a liaison between campers, parents, staff, and community partners to address concerns and provide clear communication.
• Assist in marketing and outreach efforts to promote camp enrollment and program success.
• Step into the role of Director when needed during their absence.

Community Engagement and Networking

• Play a key role in planning, promoting and facilitating all Shorefront Y community events.
• Build relationships with schools, and community organizations to promote partnerships.
• Attend and represent the Shorefront Y at relevant community events, conferences, and gatherings.
• Collaborate with community leaders to enhance the visibility and reputation of the Shorefront Y and its programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in education, Jewish Studies, Youth Development, or related field (master's preferred).
• 3-5 years of experience in camp leadership, youth programming, or Jewish education.
• Strong knowledge of Jewish traditions, values, and practices, with a passion for fostering Jewish identity in youth.
• Proven ability to develop and implement engaging programming for children, teens, and staff.
• Excellent leadership and supervisory skills, with experience mentoring staff and young leaders.
• Exceptional communication, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Proficiency in social media and digital engagement tools.

Personal Attributes

• Passionate about camping and youth engagement.
• Creative, with the ability to develop innovative programs and activities.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships with teens, staff, parents, and community members.
• Committed to the mission and values of the Shorefront Y, with a focus on community-building, leadership, and Jewish life.
• Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to manage multiple projects and responsibilities year-round.

$55,000 - $65,000

Located in the heart of the largest Russian speaking community in North America, the Shorefront YM-YWHA has been committed to serving the diverse population of Brighton-Manhattan Beach for over half a century. A vibrant Jewish community center and social service agency, the Shorefront Y integrates immigrants into American society, inspires families and individuals to reconnect to their Jewish roots and provides a full array of cultural, educational, wellness, immigrant and human social services for people of all ages year-round.