We’re seeking an energetic leader to make SPARC’s summer camp programs the best they can possibly be!
Application Deadline: April 15 (applications will be accepted until the position is filled)
The Director of Summer Fun is a new position to lead some of SPARC’s most exciting, fastest growing programs. Within the past six years, SPARC’s summer camp enrollment has tripled in size, with almost 1,000 young people from age 4 to 18 spending anywhere from one to four weeks in fun, uplifting performing arts programs throughout the region. The position reports to the Senior Director of Education (Erin Thomas-Foley), and will be a highly responsible leader who will “own” the summer camp programs and provide visible, dynamic leadership.
The position is a part-time position, with significant variation in weekly hours required during the year:
- From September to November, we anticipate 5 hours per week, working to evaluate the previous summer’s programs and lead efforts to refine them and plan for the following summer.
- In December, we plan for the weekly hours to increase to 15, as heavy planning of enrollment marketing materials gets underway. This schedule continues through the Spring, with summer camp fairs and other activities to boost enrollment, while also working to recruit and contract the faculty and counselors for the upcoming summer.
- In May, the position kicks into its highest gear, with final planning, faculty meetings, supplies gathering, and then primary oversight of all camp sites throughout the summer — this period will require the Director’s full attention (40 hours per week during this period). Following the end of summer programming in mid-August, the final weeks are devoted to wrap-up, surveying, and other communications, and then the cycle begins anew in September.
This is a permanent position — our ideal candidate is someone who can see themselves in this role for several years, providing consistency and growth for these vital programs. The yearlong contract for the position is $18,000, and there are no other employment benefits offered with the position. Those already holding other part-time/adjunct positions with SPARC are eligible to apply for this role, as well, provided it does not conflict with other duties.
You’ll work side-by-side with a positive, collaborative, creative team of educational leaders committed to profoundly influencing the lives of young people through exemplary performing arts education.
Qualifications
Personality:
- Student focus. Our ideal candidate has a strong student focus, putting their learning, enjoyment, and safety above all else.
- Positive attitude. Our team succeeds when all members have a can-do spirit, are fun to be around, and do not complain, make excuses, or gossip.
- Self-starter, self-manager. We need someone who takes initiative, anticipates needs, and gets things done on time.
- Detail oriented. There are many moving pieces in SPARC, and we need someone who makes complex things seem simple.
- Positive communicator. We want someone who can be counted on to focus on the positive, inspire the team, value his/her colleagues, and have enthusiasm for representing SPARC to groups large and small (including brief public remarks).
- Trustworthy. Our team and constituents need to be able to count on the follow-through and responsiveness of the person in this role.
- Decisive. Though senior leadership is always available to support you with sensitive problems, we need someone comfortable making decisions and judgment calls.
- Adaptive. We need someone who is able to handle unexpected situations in stride, and who is prepared and capable to step in for a member of his/her team at a moment’s notice.
- Committed to excellence. We give our students, families, faculty, and the community a “wow experience” with SPARC at every opportunity.
Professional:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree.
- Experience: At least 3 years’ direct teaching experience in performing arts education. Prior experience administering educational programs a plus.
- Technical: Advanced skills with Microsoft Office.
- Transportation: Possesses a car, valid driver’s license, and acceptable driving record.
- Enthusiasm for details, organization, and deadlines.
- Experience with SPARC’s summer camps, or those of other performing arts education organizations.
Responsibilities
1. Plan the locations, schedules, staffing, and material for all SPARC summer camps: currently Sparclers Jr.; Sparclers; BRAVO Jr.; BRAVO; Advanced BRAVO; Goochland Shining Stars; August Adventure Jr.; August Adventure; and in concert with the Production Manager, Tech Theatre Camp.
2. Participate in the preparation, design, proofing, and distribution of printed and electronic materials promoting SPARC summer camps.
3. Leading SPARC’s efforts at summer camp fairs, schools, and other organizations/community events to promote enrollment in SPARC’s summer camps.
4. Develop and manage the annual budget for all summer camps (currently $336,000).
5. Recruit, contract, train, and supervise all camp directors, faculty, and counselors for SPARC summer camps.
6. Make regular visits at all camp locations to inspire, support, and supervise the teams and interface with students and families.
7. Participate as a member of the educational leadership team, under the guidance and support of the Senior Director of Education.
8. Other duties as assigned by the Senior Director of Education or Executive Director.
To reiterate, this is an administrative role -– not an advanced teaching role. Our ideal candidate will be capable of teaching in any of the roles this position supervises, but will not be regularly assigned to do so. This role is about managing the detailed affairs of the extensive camp programs.
To Apply
To apply, please submit the following materials to sparc@sparconline.org by April 15:
- Cover letter and PDF of your resume
- Writing sample
- Contact information for personal and professional references
If you’re not a candidate for this position, please share it with others who you think might be a good fit!