Organization Description
Friends of Slumber Falls (FSF) is a nonprofit organization led by alumni, parents, volunteers, and donors of Slumber Falls Camp. Each has been moved by the ministry and community formed at Slumber Falls Camp and feels strongly that SFC has a bright future. Together with key donors, FSF raised the necessary resources to purchase the camp property and support the transition period.
FSF has taken autumn 2023 for reflection and evaluation to assess staffing structures and needed renovations. They now look toward 2024 to welcome a new Executive Director, nurture new and existing partnerships, continue renovations, engage in strategic planning, and anticipate a robust summer camping program.
Job Description
Join the fantastic team at Slumber Falls Camp! Friends of Slumber Falls (FSF) seeks a dynamic, creative, and spiritually grounded Executive Director to lead Slumber Falls Camp. Slumber Falls Camp (SFC) is nestled on the Guadalupe River on a quiet and peaceful 20-acre property. Founded in 1958, SFC provides an inclusive and welcoming Christian summer camp and year-round retreat setting for children, families, churches, and organizations throughout the region. SFC has served as the spiritual home to thousands of children, families, and individuals over the past 65 years. Founded by members of the United Church of Christ, the property was purchased in 2023 by Friends of Slumber Falls to continue this important and meaningful ministry.
The new Executive Director will closely partner with a deeply committed Board of Directors and lead a growing and dedicated staff to revitalize and re-envision Slumber Falls Camp for the next 65 years and beyond!
Responsibilities of the new Executive Director
Leadership & Strategic Planning
- Working in partnership with the Board, shape the future direction of Slumber Falls Camp and ministry.
- Ensure the core values of an inclusive and welcoming faith-led community are lived out in programming, community building, and care for the property.
- Develop annual and long-range planning efforts that ensure the continued vitality of the ministry of Slumber Falls Camp.
- Ensure the business model and revenue streams are robust and include sound financial management, effective stewardship of resources, and hold mission at the core. Provide leadership to the board’s annual budget planning process and oversight of the estimated $400,000+ budget.
- Support the development and work of board committees which provide guidance and volunteer leadership to programs, facilities, fundraising, and communications.
Community Relationships and Fundraising
- Foster a strong sense of connection and community among Slumber Falls campers, families, supporting churches, retreat guests, donors, and other community members that reflects the warm, welcoming, and inclusive values of SFC.
- Build strong relationships with key volunteers, donors, supporters, and community partners that enhance and promote the ministry of SFC.
- Develop an annual giving plan in partnership with the Fundraising Committee. Nurture strong relationships with major donors that foster their continued connection with SFC. Ensure FSF meets its annual fundraising goals through the continued development of its fundraising initiatives.
- Nurture strong partnerships with churches that have historically supported SFC. Develop an outreach plan to expand connections and partnerships with values-aligned organizations throughout the region.
- Develop and steward the partnership with the Texas Agricultural Education & Heritage Center to integrate mutually beneficial programming at SFC.
Program Planning & Oversight
- Develop an annual program plan in partnership with the Program Committee that includes a robust summer camp program as well as opportunities for connection and spiritual development throughout the year.
- Set an annual camp calendar including summer camp weeks, training, and volunteer development.
- Assess capacity and desire for new camp offerings, review camper and family evaluations, and seek opportunities for continued improvement and innovation in the program offerings.
- Ensure SFC is in compliance with all local and state regulations regarding Youth Camps. Integrate best practices of the American Camping Association in program and facility management.
- Oversee summer and program staff to ensure smooth operations and leadership development opportunities for volunteers and summer staff.
- Serve as a guide and sounding board for volunteer directors and camp staff in ensuring a safe and successful camp week. This includes attending to the social-emotional and behavioral issues that may arise and following all camp policies, emergency response, and reporting procedures as outlined in camp policies and state and local regulations.
Staff Development and Management
- Serve as the head of staff in ensuring the organization’s values are reflected in the hiring and supervision of staff and the smooth operations and continuous improvement of SFC.
- Support the day-to-day coordination between facilities, operations, & programs. Supervise the Director of Facilities and Operations Manager.
- Lead the annual staff review process and provide ongoing feedback and supervision to staff. Connect staff with appropriate professional opportunities that support their continued growth as professionals.
- Provide continual evaluation and development of the Summer Adult Leadership Training (SALT) program and volunteer programs.
- Make recommendations on staffing models and HR policy changes to the board for their review and consideration.
Qualifications
- Passion for outdoor ministry and the ways it can support positive development in children and youth. Commitment to inclusive Christian values that welcome all and reflect the love of God in community.
- Five to 10 years of leadership experience in outdoor education, faith formation, program development, education, or other similar nonprofit or mission-driven settings.
- Experience fundraising and developing relationships with key donors and supporters that foster connection and generosity.
- Familiarity with leader and program development for volunteers, children, youth, and young adults and emerging best practices.
- Thoughtful and direct supervisor who holds organizational values at the core while ensuring smooth and efficient operations and management. Previous experience managing staff is required.
- Experience working with nonprofit boards, developing and managing comparable organizational budgets, and guiding the board’s strategic planning and governance work.
- Savvy relationship builder and communicator who naturally builds connections with a diversity of people and organizations. Ability to passionately communicate the mission and vision of SFC internally and externally.
- Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive Christian ministry setting. Nurtures a sense of Belonging among a diverse community across race, gender, LGBTQ+, age, and socio-economic status.
- Ability to work independently and efficiently, attention to detail, self-starter. Appreciation for getting the job done well and building community in the process. Sense of humor, grace, and grounding in one’s own faith journey.
Benefits Health insurance and retirement match. Meals when food service is in season. The ED may take advantage of the on-site housing option.
