Associate Director, URJ Henry S. Jacobs Camp

Ass ociate Director , Henry S. Jacobs Camp

Location: Hybrid (Virtual and onsite at Jacobs Camp in Utica, MS )

Organization: Union for Reform Judaism

Employment Type: Full Time, Benefits Eligible , Exempt, MNGT

Department: Camps & Immersives

Reporting to : Camp Director

Start Date : ASAP

Salary Range : $70,000 - $75,000 plus competitive benefits package

The Role

The Union for Reform Judaism’s (URJ) Henry S. Jacobs Camp seeks a dynamic, passionate, and strategic Associate Director to help lead a vibrant and transformative summer camp, as well as meaningful year-round youth and family engagement programs. The Associate Director plays a central leadership role in advancing the URJ’s mission to foster inclusive communities of belonging, where young people from diverse backgrounds — including Campers of Color, LGBTQ+ campers, campers with disabilities, and others from underrepresented communities — are empowered to become leaders, build a better world, and engage in Jewish life throughout their lives.

What You Will Do

Lead &Inspire Camp Life

• Foster a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for campers and staff.

• Oversee summer schedules, camp-wide programs, evening events, and special guests to ensure engaging and aspirational experiences.

• Integrate Jewish life and values into all aspects of programming.

• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to design and implement engaging, mission-aligned summer and year-round programs that reflect the URJ’s values and vision.

Grow Our Community

• Lead camper recruitment and retention strategies, partnering with congregations and community organizations.

• Serve as a primary point of contact for families, providing clear communication and exceptional service.

• Support recruitment, onboarding, and retention of a mission-driven staff team.

Develop People &Programs

• Mentor and supervise full-time and seasonal staff, cultivating leadership skills and professional growth.

• Design and deliver staff training programs, including pre-camp orientation and year-round leadership development.

• Manage operational logistics , compliance, and program coordination with precision and creativity.

Who You Are

You are a strategic, energetic, and people-centered leader who thrives in inclusive, mission-driven communities. You are passionate about youth development, program innovation, and creating experiences that empower young people to become leaders and active participants in Jewish life.

Keys to Success (the must-haves)

• Passion for Youth & Camp Programs: Deep commitment to youth development and transformative camp experiences.

• Leadership & Collaboration: Inspire and guide staff while fostering a collaborative, positive team culture.

• Relationship Building: Build meaningful connections with campers, families, staff, and partners.

• Program Development: Design and implement engaging, mission-aligned programs year-round.

• Operational Excellence: Highly organized with the ability to manage complex logistics , compliance, and programs.

• Commitment to Belonging: Create equitable , inclusive spaces where every participant feels valued and empowered.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in youth development, camping, education, or related fields; experience in a supervisory or management role is preferred.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience required ; advanced degree in education, Jewish studies, nonprofit management, or related field preferred.

• Ability to work on-site at Henry S. Jacobs Camp in Utica, MS during the summer and other peak periods, with flexibility for virtual work during the rest of the year.

• Willingness to travel for recruitment, URJ gatherings, and professional development (typically 6–8 events per year).

• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and extended hours during the summer camp season.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and comfort learning new platforms such as CampMinder , Salesforce, Zoom, and Slack.

• Ability to lift and carry 20+ pounds as needed for program activities and operational duties.

About Us

Every team member at the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) plays an essential role in our mission to create a whole, just, and compassionate world. Our team is creative, thoughtful, and innovative. Each member of the team is empowered to make meaningful contributions to achieving our shared goals. Our diverse team is made up of individuals with different skills and backgrounds and every team member is willing to take risks as well as take action to develop and create big ideas for the future of the Reform Movement. While this position focuses on a particular area of work, every team member is a vital part of our overall success .

The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) provides vision and voice to build strong communities that, together, transform the way people connect to Judaism and change the world. We acknowledge that due to racism, ableism, homophobia, and other forms of oppression, that our communities are not whole until everyone experiences a sense of belonging within the Jewish community. As the largest Jewish movement in North America, we stand for a Judaism that is inclusive and reflective of a wide range of identities and accept the responsibility of dismantling oppression both inside and outside of our communities. Through camping, youth experiences, programs, information sharing, and networking opportunities, our over 850 congregations and 14residential camps create opportunities for our communities to enhance their capacity to build and expand community, engage in meaningful and authentic Jewish life, deepen Jewish learning, energize worship, pursue social justice and develop inspired leadership. Together, our employees and stakeholders, are creating Reform Judaism of today.

Application Process

Apply o nline and include a one-page cover letter along with your resume, outlining your skills and experience and how you meet the essential functions and qualifications of the position. We look forward to hearing from you!  

The URJ strives to be a welcoming and inclusive environment that acknowledges diversity as a critical strength . We promote strenuous policies and practices of equal opportunity and diversity, equity, and inclusion. It is our objective to recruit, hire, and retain the most qualified individuals including those of any race, color, religion , gender, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Our equal employment philosophy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, compensation, benefits, training, promotions, transfers, job benefits, and terminations. The URJ encourages applications from women, people of color, persons with disabilities, individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+, and other often underrepresented groups.