Executive Camp Director

Executive Camp Director

Canoe Island French Camp

Canoe Island, San Juan Islands, Washington

The incoming Executive Camp Director will begin transitioning into the role in April 2027, working alongside the current leadership team to ensure a thoughtful and successful leadership transition.

The Opportunity

Canoe Island French Camp seeks an inspiring and strategic Executive Camp Director to lead a beloved non-profit with rich traditions into its next chapter. The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader, skilled manager, and relationship builder who is passionate about youth development, outdoor education, francophone culture, and nonprofit.

The Executive Camp Director leads the camp's development and strategic vision, finances and fundraising, oversees all employees, and leads the camp's day-to-day operations and seasonal programming to ensure the continued success of Canoe Island French Camp.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Camp Director is responsible for the camp's daily operations, which includes seasonal programming, seasonal hiring, staff and camper supervision, camp communication, transportation and logistics, emergency management, and registrar duties, among others.

About Canoe Island French Camp

Founded in 1969, Canoe Island French Camp began as a small French-language summer program on Orcas Island. The camp later moved to its permanent home on the 47-acre Canoe Island, located just off the southern shore of Shaw Island in Washington's San Juan Islands. In 1992, the organization became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Today, campers experience the unique opportunity to live on a private island while learning about French language and francophone cultures in a supportive and engaging camp environment. The camp's blend of language immersion, arts, cultural studies, outdoor recreation, athletics, and environmental education creates a distinctive experience that engages mind, body, and spirit.

Canoe Island French Camp serves approximately 200 campers each summer through four residential camp sessions, supported by 26 seasonal staff and a dedicated year-round team. The campus also hosts school programs, family camps, retreats, and other educational and community-based events.

The camp is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) and is a member of the Western Association of Independent Camps, reflecting its commitment to the highest standards of safety, quality, and camp excellence.

Mission

Canoe Island French Camp (CIFC) provides children and families with a superior camp experience through the study of language and cultures of francophone regions, traditional camp activities, and the investigation of the natural and cultural history of Canoe Island and the Salish Sea, all in a nurturing and beautiful natural environment.

CIFC empowers campers to become their best selves and caring, committed members of both the San Juan Islands community and the wider world.

Primary Responsibilities

Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership and organizational vision to ensure the long-term sustainability of CIFC.
• Partner with the Board of Directors to advance long-term goals and priorities.
• Lead organizational planning efforts and support implementation of strategic priorities.
• Manage programming year-round for CIFC, which include but are not limited to 4 summer sessions between June and August, shoulder season sessions held April, May, and September, and volunteer work weekends.
• Evaluate camp programs and participant feedback to support continuous improvement and ensure a high-quality camper experience.
• Foster a collaborative, mission-driven culture among staff, board members, volunteers, and community partners, while preserving and sharing CIFC's rich traditions and history.

Staff + Operations

• Hire, recruit, supervise, support, and evaluate seasonal and year-round staff, while overseeing staff development, performance management, and organizational policies. Staff positions include, but are not limited to, program directors, chefs, counselors, medical staff, and volunteers.
• Promote professional development and cultivate a positive work environment.
• Ensure program and operational excellence.
• Coordinate transportation and logistics (including camp visitors and supplies) to and from CIFC.
• Serve as the camp's Registrar, managing all registration and enrollment functions, including camper applications, enrollment records, required documentation, and related communications with families.
• If not a holder of a U.S. Coast Guard captain's license (minimum Master 25 Gross Registered Tons) required to operate the camp's inspected vessel, La Reine, hire and manage at least one qualified staff member who holds the required U.S. Coast Guard captain's license.

Accreditations + Facility Management

• Ensure ongoing compliance with all applicable regulations, insurance requirements, and accreditation standards, including American Camp Association (ACA) and Western Association of Independent Camps (WAIC) standards, and lead preparation for and successful completion of all required inspections, audits, and accreditation reviews.
• Oversee long-range planning for facilities, infrastructure, maintenance, and capital improvements.
• Coordinate transportation and logistics (including camp visitors and supplies) to and from CIFC.
• Plan and execute CIFC emergency responses.
• Oversee health, safety, and risk management practices to ensure the well-being of campers, staff, volunteers, and guests.
• Help maintain CIFC facilities and amenities to the highest standards.
• Support responsible management and preservation of the island campus and its natural resources.

Financial Management

• Oversee financial planning, reporting, and management of organizational resources.
• Develop and manage the annual operating budget.
• Work with the Board of Directors to ensure sound financial practices and long-term financial sustainability.
• Ensure the sustainability and accessibility of the camp's financial aid and scholarship programs.

Communications and Community Engagement

• Oversee marketing, communications, enrollment, and community engagement strategies.
• Develop and implement strategies to support camper recruitment, enrollment, retention, and continued program growth.
• Oversee communication between CIFC and seasonal staff, camper families, and program participants.
• Strengthen relationships with families, alumni, former staff, community organizations, and educational partners.
• Develop partnerships that advance the organization's mission and visibility.
• Serve as a visible and enthusiastic advocate for Canoe Island French Camp in the San Juan Islands and beyond.

Fundraising + Revenue Development

• Lead fundraising efforts, including donor cultivation, grants, and major gifts.
• Strengthen and diversify revenue sources.

Working Environment + Schedule

This is a full-time, year-round position requiring significant on-site presence at Canoe Island French Camp. During the summer camp season, the Executive Camp Director is expected to maintain a highly visible presence at camp and be available as needed to support camp operations, including evenings and weekends. The position requires flexibility throughout the year based on camp programming and organizational needs.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Five or more years of senior leadership experience at a summer camp or educational program.
• Experience managing budgets, staff, and organizational operations.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, donor relations, or revenue development.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to reside in the San Juan Islands region and spend significant time on-site at camp.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Canoe Island French Camp.
• Successfully complete and maintain all required background checks and screenings applicable to the Executive Director role, including criminal history, sex offender registry, and any state, federal, or youth-serving organization requirements.
• Current First Aid, CPR, AED, and Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification, or willingness and ability to obtain all required certifications prior to beginning employment.
• Willingness to participate in a USCG-approved random drug screening program for the captain and any staff serving as mate/deckhand aboard La Reine.

Desired Qualifications

• Appreciation and knowledge of French language and francophone cultures.
• Experience working with a nonprofit board of directors.
• Experience with boating, sailing, or other maritime activities
• Holder of, or willingness to obtain, the appropriate U.S. Coast Guard captain's license (minimum Master 25 Gross Registered Tons) required to operate the camp's inspected vessel, La Reine.

Compensation and Benefits

Canoe Island French Camp offers an annual salary of $120,000-$165,000, with the final salary determined based on experience and qualifications.

Benefits include, but are not limited to, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off and holidays, on-island housing, and retirement benefits.

Partners Are Welcome to Apply

Canoe Island French Camp is open to applications from partners who are interested in sharing the leadership of the organization. For the right candidates, the Executive Camp Director responsibilities may be structured as two complementary positions and salaries, with responsibilities divided based on each individual's experience, strengths, and areas of expertise. Partners interested in this arrangement are encouraged to apply together and describe how they envision sharing the responsibilities of the role.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Canoe Island French Camp is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.

Applications

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to apply@canoeisland.org