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, .
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:
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
Requirements
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.