Location and Job Title:

Division Head- Lower Division
Harold and Elaine Shames JCC on the Hudson
371 S Broadway
Tarrytown, NY 10591

Principal Responsibilities:

Overview

The Division Head ensures that our River Friends campers experience a gentle, nurturing introduction to camp life. This leader manages and supports staff, guides daily routines, and ensures developmentally appropriate care for campers aged 1.5-3 years old.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a core member of the camp Leadership Team, working closely with the Camp Director, Upper Division Head, and Administrative Assistant to fulfil the camp's mission and to model best practices in early childhood education.
• Supervise and mentor approximately 15 staff members in the lower division of approximately 90 campers.
• Support staff in building warm, trusting relationships with young campers.
• Encourage teamwork, inclusion, and problem-solving among campers and staff.
• Manage and ensure smooth transitions, toileting routines, and separation support.
• Ensure age-appropriate activities are being planned and executed by activity coordinators and provide support and feedback, when necessary.
• Ensure safety and adherence to camp policies across all activities.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for parent communication and concerns in the Lower Division.
• Communicate with parents daily to share updates, progress, achievements, and address concerns.
• Represent the Shames JCC and River Friends Day Camp with professionalism and discretion at all times, maintaining confidentiality and integrity in all actions and communications, both within and outside the workplace.
• Collaborate with the Administrative Assistant to manage attendance and records.
• Observe classrooms and activity areas regularly and provide feedback to staff.
• Provide supervision and support of the efficacy and safety of the aquatics program in the Lower Division.
• Foster a predictable routine that helps campers feel safe and confident.
• Model patience, empathy, and play-based learning practices.
• Contribute to daily arrival and dismissal, special events, and camp-wide programs.
• Pre-Camp duties include, but are not limited to: Collaborating with Camp Director on camp schedule and camp programming, hiring of staff, and the development of staff training and orientation opportunities.
• Participate in all required training and development opportunities preceding and during camp, including orientation and staff meetings and Parent Nights.

Minimum Qualifications:

Qualifications & Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of experience in early childhood education, camp, or preschool supervision.
• Strong understanding of child development for ages 1.5-3.
• Experience in camp, school, or recreational management and ability to guide and mentor staff with warmth and clarity.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Creative approach to programming and group dynamics.
• CPR/First Aid certification preferred, or willingness to obtain.

Hours: Approximately 10 hours per month during the months of January- May, plus all trainings and orientations for camp. Camp hours are Monday through Friday 8 am- 3 pm with extended care hours from 7:30 am through 6 pm during the camp season.

Camp Dates: June 29- August 21, 2026 (no camp on July 3)

Salary:

Under $25,000

Agency Information:

The Shames Jewish Community Center on the Hudson has grown to be the center of Jewish community life in the Westchester Rivertowns, providing educational, social, cultural, recreational, fitness and wellness programs for individuals of all ages, all faiths and all backgrounds. It is a warm and welcoming place to be.

The Shames JCC is a 75,000 square foot facility on a 6.6 acre campus . Our current membership of almost 1800 families from throughout Westchester County enjoy our state of the art fitness and aquatics centers, a full court gymnasium, a varied scheduled of adult and children's activities, and an early childhood program that is second to none. Focusing on its mission to keep our members Moving, Learning and Connecting, the Shames is the place where adults can take over 100 free exercise classes, attend a lecture, workshop or special event and make lasting relationships. Youngsters come to our Early Childhood Center for their first learning experience. They participate in our after-school program, day camps, and a full range of enrichment classes, including music, sports, and crafts. Our special needs program offers services and activities for all ages.

The JCC offers member and non-member programs and provides scholarship opportunities for those who cannot afford activity fees.