Manager, Camp Operations

Company Description CISS – Canadian International Student Services Inc. has been connecting international students with safe, supportive, and transformative educational experiences in Canada since 1979. The organization offers high school programs, summer camps, leadership and skills courses, and English language learning opportunities that help students build confidence, global competencies, and lasting friendships. Staff members create a stimulating and caring environment where learners grow academically, socially, and personally. Each student is matched with programs aligned to their individual needs, interests, and goals. CISS promotes cross-cultural understanding and communication, enabling students to leave with enhanced skills, personal growth, and memorable experiences.

Role Description The Manager, Camp Operations is a full-time position, primarily working from home during the off-season. The ideal candidate is based in the Greater Toronto Area and can travel to the office and attend in-person meetings with site partners, camp staff, agents, and colleagues as required. During the peak summer season, the manager is required to work on-site daily across our Ontario programme locations.

This role takes responsibility for the year-round planning, management, and successful delivery of CISS’s summer programmes. The manager oversees staff recruitment, training, scheduling, and supervision, setting clear expectations, addressing performance concerns, and making staffing decisions when needed. Working closely with camp Directors, they coordinate activities and logistics, uphold safety and organizational standards, and ensure programming reflects CISS’s educational and cultural objectives. They take the lead in responding to emergencies, resolving student and parent concerns, and managing group leader expectations.

The manager also plans and monitors operational budgets, controls costs, and maintains effective communication with colleagues, agents, and site partners.

During the off-season, the manager takes an active role in sales by responding to and following up on inquiries, providing programme information and quotations, supporting registration, and converting interest into confirmed bookings. They also coordinate occasional smaller groups and lead preparations for the following summer. This includes reviewing feedback and operational results, identifying improvements, and following through on changes to procedures, staff training, and programme delivery.

The role requires initiative, sound judgement, and accountability for completing work that strengthens programme quality, efficiency, and the student and staff experience each season.This role oversees daily operations of our summer programmes, including staff recruitment, scheduling activities, supervising staff, coordinating logistics, and ensuring adherence to safety and organizational standards.

Qualifications

• Supervisory Skills: Strong team leadership skills, including staff recruitment, training, coaching, and performance management.
• Camp Experience: Experience managing camp, educational, recreational, or youth programmes, ideally in a residential setting.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal English communication skills, including active listening and clear communication with colleagues and partners.
• Customer Service: A responsive and professional approach to supporting students, families, agents, and group leaders.
• Operations Management: Experience with scheduling, logistics, resource allocation, budget monitoring, and cost control.
• Problem-Solving and Judgement: Ability to take the lead in emergencies, resolve concerns, and make difficult decisions when needed.
• Sales Support: Experience responding to inquiries, providing programme information and quotations, following up with prospective clients, and building relationships.
• Organization and Initiative: Strong attention to detail, ability to manage competing priorities, and independent follow-through.
• Programme Improvement: Ability to review feedback, identify improvements, and put practical changes into action.
• Youth Safety and Cross-Cultural Awareness: Knowledge of youth safety practices and experience working with international students or culturally diverse groups.
• Location and Availability: Based in the Greater Toronto Area, or able to meet the position’s travel requirements, with daily on-site availability during the peak summer season, including evenings and weekends as required.
• Driver’s Licence: A valid driver’s licence and the ability to travel regularly between Ontario programme locations.
• Education: Post-secondary education in education, recreation, hospitality, management, or a related field is preferred.
• Additional Languages: Additional language skills, particularly Spanish, are an asset.

Thank you to all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.