Assistant Camp Director Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Company Description

Galileo is a nationally recognized summer day camp dedicated to empowering young innovators to change the world! Since 2002, we’ve inspired hundreds of thousands of kids across 90+ diverse communities, becoming a leader in the Innovation Education Movement.

At Galileo, innovation, purpose, and personal growth come together to create an environment where your unique talents shine, and your impact is celebrated. We’re committed to fostering a culture that champions inclusion for all, continually innovating to ensure every voice is heard. We have been named one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in the Nation four times, including in 2025, and we’ve made the Best Places to Work in the Bay Area list over 12 times.

Join us in shaping the next generation of fearless creators and problem-solvers!

Job Description

As Assistant Camp Director, you’ll work closely and collaborate with the Camp Director to oversee daily camp operations, support staff, and ensure a joyful, safe, and inclusive experience for all campers. This position involves independently leading and supervising the Extended Care program, collaborating with the Camp Director on daily operations, and providing operational leadership during busy periods. The Assistant Camp Director also plays a crucial role in staff support and team management; this role offers an exciting opportunity for individuals eager to develop their leadership skills in a hands-on, dynamic setting.

Core Responsibilities

Extended Care Program Management (After Camp Program)

• Independently direct, plan activities, train, and supervise the Extended Care program, acting as the leader of our after camp care programing; 3pm-6pm.
• Create a safe, fun, and engaging environment by balancing camper safety, operational needs, and staff support.
• Maintain staffing ratios, releasing camp counselors and interns as needed.
• At sites with multiple Assistant Camp Directors, one will be assigned as the extended care lead with all ACDs able to manage this program if needed.

Daily Camp Operations:

• Collaborate with the Camp Director to ensure a safe and joyful program, ensuring daily tasks are completed and acting as "manager on duty" in the Camp Director's absence
• Flexibly assist with managing camp rotations and cover duties as needed, stepping in to lead camper groups or facilitate curriculum.
• Lead by example, participating in camp activities, chants, songs, and skits to promote a vibrant camp spirit and exemplary customer service.
• Partner with the Camp Director to lead and coach the camp team, with a particular emphasis on managing Summer Interns.
• Supervise and assign daily tasks to staff, coordinating coverage during staff breaks, and overseeing responsibilities during Extended Care.

Administrative Support:

• Effectively use camp systems, such as Salesforce and the Camp Planner to ensure essential administrative tasks related to family registration and communication with families are completed throughout the day.
• Use creative problem-solving to prioritize daily tasks effectively and maintain camper safety.

Build Your Skills with Ongoing Training and Support

• Continue leadership development through ongoing coaching, mentorship, and training from camp leaders, building a foundation for future leadership opportunities at Galileo and beyond.
• Paid online training focused on building your leadership and operations management skillset. This training is flexibly self-paced with the potential for additional virtual learning sessions.
• In-person training and setup days: one prep day for camp leadership and two camp setup days for all staff, to ensure you are confident and ready for an incredible summer!

Work Location & Schedule

This is a temporary/seasonal role, requiring consistent availability to work Monday - Friday during the Summer camp season.

This is an on-site position; Galileo Camps operates multiple camps within the region and will confirm your exact work location during the hiring process.

Full-Time and Part-Time Assistant Camp Director roles may be available; this is determined by the expected camper enrollment per camp location.  Shift time will vary between 7:00 am - 6:30 pm, local time.

• Full-Time: 40 hours/week, Monday–Friday
• Part-Time: Up to 30 hours/week, Monday–Friday
• Employment start and end dates vary by location

PAY & PERKS

• Your exact pay will be determined based on a variety of factors, including work-site location and tenure:
  • Pay ranges from $21.00 to $25.00 per hour, determined based on camp location and years worked with Galileo Camps.
  • All staff receive a training pay rate for hours worked prior to the start of camp, which includes all online training and set up day; the training pay rate is the local minimum wage rate. 
• One free week of camp for your own child!
• 15% Friends and Family Discount
• Priority scholarship nominations
• Membership in the Galileo Alumni Community of over 20,000 inspiring changemakers!

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in K-8 education, child development, or related work/education
• 6+ months of leadership or supervisory experience preferred
• Experience mentoring, coaching, or supervising children in groups of 15+
• Availability for full-time camp work (4–8 consecutive weeks, depending on location)
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with enthusiasm and urgency
• Willingness to complete pre-camp requirements (background checks, onboarding, training, CPR/First Aid)
• Must be 18 years of age by May 1, 2026

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. If you think you have what it takes to be successful in this role, we encourage you to apply.

Additional Information

Please note that our job descriptions are a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible responsibilities, tasks, and duties.

During your onboarding process, you may need to complete a Tuberculosis (TB) screening, a background check, and mandated reporter training (California only). More details will be provided during your onboarding process.

Physical Demands

• Some lifting and carrying up to 60 lbs.
• Typing, writing, reading
• Seeing, hearing and speaking, both nearby and at a distance
• Use hand and fingers to help with classroom supplies and operate equipment
• Frequent standing sitting, walking and kneeling

Galileo Learning complies with ADA requirements and may provide reasonable accommodations that allow qualified employees to perform the essential functions of the job. To request an accommodation, contact our People Services team.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Galileo Learning is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

We comply with the ADA and provide reasonable accommodation that allow qualified applicants/employees to perform the essential functions of the job. To request an accommodation, contact our People Services team. Please note that our job descriptions are only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible responsibilities, tasks, and duties

Galileo is a nationally recognized summer day camp that's all about empowering young innovators to change the world! With over 70 diverse communities served and hundreds of thousands of kids inspired since 2002, we are a leader in the Innovation Education Movement.
Here, innovation, purpose and personal development converge, creating an environment where your talents shine, and your impact is celebrated. We invest, test, and continually iterate to sustain a culture that values differences and centers inclusion for all. In fact, we were named one of the Best and Brightest Companies to work for in the Nation in 2023 and 2024. We have also been on the Best Places to Work in the Bay Area list more than 12 times, were named one of Forbes’ Best Small Companies in 2017, and a Top 100 Real Impact Company in 2019.
If you are intrigued by innovation education, project-based learning, and working in a professional, welcoming, kid-centered environment, join us!