Camp Director, Tomato Patch Workshops

If you're exploring new career opportunities or seeking a dynamic and supportive work environment, consider Mercer County Community College (MCCC). As a publicly supported institution committed to open access and student success, MCCC strives to attract, retain, and support a highly skilled and diverse workforce—our most valuable asset.

At Mercer, campus culture and belonging are celebrated, and our sense of community is deeply rooted in both our mission and daily practices. With two distinct campuses—the James Kerney Campus in the heart of Trenton and our expansive 292-acre West Windsor Campus just six miles away—MCCC offers the benefits of a robust institution with the close-knit feel of a true community.

In addition to meaningful work and a supportive culture, employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes credit course tuition waivers for themselves, their spouses, and dependents—making higher education more accessible for the whole family. With 69 degree programs and 35 credit certificate options, there are countless ways to grow with us—both personally and professionally.

JOB DUTIES

The Camp Director, Tomato Patch Workshops is responsible for the overall leadership, administration, and daily operation of the Tomato Patch summer theatre program. This role ensures a safe, engaging, and enriching environment for youth participants by overseeing staff, programming, and performance execution. The Camp Director provides artistic direction for festival performances while maintaining operational excellence, staff development, and a high-quality camp experience for all participants.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

(Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This list of tasks is illustrative ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class. It does not imply that all positions within the class perform all of the duties listed, nor does it necessarily list all possible duties that may be assigned.)

• Provide overall leadership and direction for all Tomato Patch Workshop sessions, ensuring alignment with program goals and institutional standards
• Oversee daily camp operations, including scheduling, programming, and staff coordination
• Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all campers through implementation of appropriate supervision, policies, and emergency procedures
• Collaborate with the Manager, Kelsey Theatre to develop and implement camp policies, procedures, and program structure
• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate camp staff; foster a positive, professional, and inclusive team environment
• Plan and facilitate pre-camp staff training and ongoing staff meetings to ensure consistency, communication, and program quality
• Coordinate and manage camp schedules, activities, and staff assignments to ensure smooth daily operations
• Address and resolve behavioral issues involving campers in a fair, consistent, and developmentally appropriate manner
• Provide artistic direction for festival performances, including developing run-of-show, directing, and narrating performances as needed
• Monitor program effectiveness and implement improvements to enhance camper experience and staff performance
• Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with all applicable policies and regulations
• Perform other duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide direct supervision to Tomato Patch Instructors, Counselors, and Administrative support staff
• Assign and monitor daily work, schedules, and staff coverage to ensure smooth camp operations
• Coordinate and support staff in the execution of program activities and responsibilities
• Train, coach, and provide ongoing guidance to staff to ensure consistency and program quality
• Address performance concerns and provide constructive feedback to support staff development
• Participate in the recruitment, selection, and onboarding of camp staff in collaboration with the Manager, Kelsey Theatre
• Foster a positive, professional, and collaborative team environment
• Ensure compliance with camp policies, procedures, and safety standards
• Maintain appropriate staff-to-camper ratios to support the safety and supervision of all participants

WORKING CONDITIONS

This is a temporary, seasonal position aligned with the duration of the Tomato Patch summer program.
Please note that assigned tasks and responsibilities span both campuses for all MCCC positions.

ADA AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Positions in this class typically require: ability to use a key board, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.

Sedentary Work:Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of youth development principles, behavior management strategies, and camp safety standards
• Knowledge of theatre production, performance direction, and stage management principles
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills with the ability to motivate, coach, and develop staff
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage with children, parents, and staff
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment
• Ability to create a positive, inclusive, and engaging environment for youth participants

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Performing Arts, Education or related field
• Minimum of two to three (2-3) years of supervisory experience, preferably in a camp, educational, or youth development setting
• Prior experience working in a camp, theatre, or educational environment
• Must successfully pass a background check
• Experience in theatre direction, performance production, or arts education
• Ability to teach at least one Tomato Patch class per session
• Experience managing youth programs or summer camps
• Demonstrated ability to effectively engage with parents and handle sensitive situations