Executive Director

The New England Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church is seeking an Executive Director for Wanakee. This role is responsible for balancing vision and financial solvency and mitigating operational risk through identification, assessment and implementation of compliance and risk management practices. The person in this role will report to the New England Conference’s Director of Connectional Ministry/ Assistant to the Bishop and Board of Camp and Retreat Ministries. This role will shape, promote, and implement growth strategies through visionary, spiritual leadership, and will oversee all aspects of the camping and retreat ministries with a particular focus on growing and developing ministries for Youth and Young Adults. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Provide organizational and spiritual leadership to maintain, modify, and expand the impact of Camp Wanakee through programming, hospitality, and stewardship.  
• In collaboration with the Director of Connectional Ministry and Board of Camp and Retreat Ministries, provide long-range planning and development for the camp, financial solvency, vision for ministry, and financial resources through marketing, and capital development. 
• Lead the on-going exploration, innovation, and development of new program initiatives to keep the camp programs fresh & cutting edge, for both the summer and shoulder seasons to leverage the strengths of the camp and to appeal to needs of Youth, Young Adults, and the local constituency. Be familiar with the principles of inclusivity and have experience with integrated programming for special needs campers. 
• Provide leadership directly or indirectly for the Wanakee Staff, connecting the staff together as community to each other and to the vision of the organization. 
• Oversee the financial management of Wanakee, including the yearly budget development and monitoring of the financial progress and provide reports to the Director of Connectional Ministry and Board of Camp and Retreat Ministries. Ensure on-going transparency with the Board about the Camp’s finances. 
• Oversee working with all government and regulatory agencies, and maintain camping standards as set forth by the United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministries Association and the American Camping Association. Review existing policies on a regular basis and recommend changes to the Director of Connectional Ministry and Board of Camp and Retreat Ministries as appropriate. 
• Responsible for developing relationships with other camps, conferences, and camp directors, and participation in the United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministries Association and American Camp Association. 
• Perform other duties as requested. 

Qualifications:  

• A bachelor’s level degree in education, recreation, environmental education, or a related field (comparable experience will be considered as an alternative to this requirement) 
• First Aid, CPR and additional training is strongly preferred.  
• At least 5 years of previous experience working in a camp and retreat environment is required.  
• Must have a valid driving license.  
• Must live at Wanakee, in the house provided, and be on call 24 hours a day for emergencies and security when guests/campers/staff/volunteers are on site. 
• Ability to attend meetings/conference calls outside normal working hours and manage groups during some weekends. 
• Genuine passion for people, camping, and outdoors is required. 
• Proven project management experience is required. 
• Previous experience overseeing property/facilities management, building construction, operations and building maintenance. 
• Business acumen, particularly in the area of budget development, fiscal control, and basic accounting skills. 
• Competent working knowledge of Microsoft office [Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook]; knowledge and experience with an accounting software package would be an asset. 
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills. 
• Comfortable and effective at communicating with diverse groups of people and maintaining confidentiality. 
• Current knowledge or willingness to learn the polity and theology of The United Methodist Church is required. 

Physical requirements:  

• Physical ability to participate in activities, run, climb, swim, or lift and work outside in all weather conditions. 
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. 

Email resume and cover letter to: hr@neumc.org 

Closing Date: September 30, 2023 

The New England Conference of the United Methodist Church is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively seeks and encourages applications from minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities. All offers of employment are subject to the applicant successfully completing background, reference, and other applicable checks. 

Contact: Samie Harris

Phone: 615-369-2314