Assistant Director of Pali Adventures

About Pali

Pali Mountain is a premier year-round camp, outdoor education facility, and retreat center located on 250 forested acres in the San Bernardino Mountains. We serve over 50,000 guests annually through three distinct programs-Pali Adventures, Pali Institute, and Pali Retreat-and pride ourselves on delivering unforgettable experiences in a setting that blends rustic charm with modern infrastructure.

Our campus includes over 100,000 square feet of buildings, a 30,000-square-foot dining hall, 850+ beds across multiple sleeping villages, and more than 75 dedicated activity areas, including zip lines, climbing towers, ropes courses, and specialized instructional spaces. Pali is accredited by WASC, ACA, and AEE, and is a proud member of WAIC and AEE.

Join us in making the mountains move.

Job Overview

At Pali Adventures, our campers don't just go to summer camp-they leap into a mountaintop world of imagination and transformation. Whether they're launching rockets, walking the flying trapeze, or performing live comedy, kids ages 8–16 choose their own unforgettable experiences.

We're proud to welcome thousands of campers each summer. With a veteran staff return rate of over 50% and a culture that blends zany energy with serious heart, Pali is a place where magic happens daily-and we're seeking an enthusiastic, operations-minded Assistant Director to help lead it all.

This role blends big-picture systems thinking with boots-on-the-ground engagement. You'll oversee paperwork, manuals, accreditation, budgets, and compliance while staying fully visible and involved in daily programming. Whether it's breakfast with a bunk or running a giant relay, campers will know your name-and know they matter.

Key Responsibilities

• Off Season Responsibilities (September–May)
  • During the off season, your focus will be on the critical planning and preparation that makes our summer programming a success. You'll be instrumental in developing the frameworks and systems that ensure a seamless and unforgettable camp experience.
• Program Development
  • Creative Program Design: Collaborate with the Camp Director to design and implement innovative and engaging programs, including daily electives, large-scale special events, and high-energy evening rallies.
  • Manuals & Documentation: Author and maintain all operational guides, staff manuals, and camper handbooks. Ensure these documents are clear, comprehensive, and reflect the camp's core values and entertainment-driven mission.
• Operations and Administration
  • Budgeting and Procurement: Take ownership of the camp's off-season budget, tracking expenses, managing vendor relationships, and overseeing the purchasing of all program supplies and materials. Ensure inventory systems are robust and efficient.
  • Accreditation and Compliance: Serve as the primary point of contact for the ACA (American Camp Association) accreditation process, managing all necessary documentation and ensuring the camp remains in continuous compliance with all standards.
• Marketing Execution
  • On-Property Outreach: Work with the leadership team to host lunches for visiting outdoor education schools, promoting our unique entertainment-focused summer camp to potential campers and their families.
  • Marketing: Oversee and support staffing of marketing events including on-site activations at schools and festivals, camp fairs, and specialized marketing events.
• Staffing Management
  • Seasonal Staff Support: Assist in the full hiring cycle, from interviewing and vetting candidates to leading the onboarding process. Collaborate with the Camp Director to prepare the seasonal team for their roles, with a focus on building a culture of energy and performance.
  • Onboarding: Support Director in planning and managing the onboarding process of staff each season, including training, cultural experiences, and role assignment.
  • Leadership Training: Develop and refine the leadership training curriculum for senior staff and counselors, focusing on skills in performance, crowd management, and creative problem-solving.
• On Season Responsibilities (June–August)
  • The on season is where the magic happens. You'll live at camp in Running Springs (housing provided) and be a visible, energetic leader. Your role is to be a consistent presence, supporting staff, engaging with campers, and ensuring all programs run smoothly with a "show-must-go-on" mindset.
• Front-Line Leadership and Engagement
  • Visible Camp Presence: Be a high-profile presence at least half of all meals, rallies, and camp-wide programs. You will share this front-and-center role with the Camp Director, ensuring campers and staff always know who you are and see your positive energy.
  • Event and Program Management: Take the lead on select evening and weekend events. You'll be the person bringing the fun, energy, and enthusiasm to these key programs.
  • Troubleshooting and Support: Be the calm leader in moments of chaos. Your ability to troubleshoot with a smile will be key to a successful summer.
• Daily Operations and Supervision
  • Logistics and Scheduling: Work with the Camp Director to manage the day-to-day logistics, including scheduling, transportation, and supply distribution, ensuring every part of the program is running on time.
  • Departmental Supervision: Directly supervise key departments and staff members, including group leads, specialty heads, and floaters. Provide ongoing mentorship, guidance, and support to ensure all staff are performing at their best.
  • Ongoing Compliance: Work with the Camp Director to oversee daily ACA requirements, documentation, and reporting to maintain a safe and well-run camp.
• Conflict Resolution and Issue Management
  • Camper and Staff Mediation: Act as a primary resource for mediating conflicts between campers and staff. Apply established camp policies with fairness and empathy to resolve disagreements, address behavioral issues, and ensure a positive camp environment.
  • Parent Communication: Serve as a key point of contact for parent inquiries and concerns. Handle sensitive issues with professionalism, provide clear and reassuring communication, and work to resolve problems in a timely manner.
  • Incident Response and Escalation: Develop and execute clear protocols for escalating significant incidents, including health concerns, safety violations, and major conflicts, to the Camp Director and appropriate authorities. Maintain meticulous documentation for all incidents and resolutions.

Ideal Candidate

• You have 5+ years of leadership experience in youth programs, education, or overnight camp
• You love structure and systems-but you also love campfires, costumes, camper silliness and leading from the front.
• You have experience with accreditation (ACA preferred) and budget management
• You're as comfortable leading a staff meeting as you are giving a high-five at morning lineup
• You're a clear communicator who builds strong relationships with campers and staff
• You thrive in dynamic environments and care deeply about creating a safe, inclusive camp culture

Salary and Benefits

• $65,000–$90,000/year
• Performance bonuses available
• Medical / Dental / Vision insurance
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Professional development and leadership growth opportunities