Director of the National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp)  

Revision: April 12, 2023
Position: Director of the National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp)
Reporting Relationship: Executive Director
Classification: Half-time (The workload will vary considerably throughout the year.)
Primary Work Location: Camp Pocahontas (aka Camp Thornwood), Pocahontas County, WV, and at the Davis Campus, Tucker
County, WV (when in session in June/July)
Application Link: jobs.nysacademy.org

The Director’s primary responsibility is to plan and conduct the National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp), the flagship  program of the National Youth Science Academy (NYSAcademy), formerly the National Youth Science Foundation. The NYSCamp is conducted at Camp Pocahontas (aka Camp Thornwood) in Pocahontas County, WV and at our Davis  Campus in Tucker County, WV. The NYSCamp is an annual program that honors approximately 120 high-achieving  rising and graduating high school seniors (ages 16-18) with two students (called delegates) representing each US  state, Washington, DC, and others from the western hemisphere nations. This year-round half-time position with  approximately eight weeks of 24/7 responsibilities while the program is in preparation and in session in June/July. 

Each year the director is responsible for hiring and managing camp staff, recruiting and selecting camp presenters,  and overseeing the application process for delegates, including acting as a liaison for all state and national selection  coordinators. Additionally, the Director works with the Executive Director and the Board of Trustees to help maintain  relationships with all NYSAcademy stakeholders, including granting agencies, potential donors, and program alumni. 

Qualifications and Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s Degree (required) or Master’s Degree (preferred) from an accredited college or university with a preference for degrees in STEM-related fields. 
• Demonstrated management and leadership ability. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. Proficiency in Spanish is a plus. 
• Valid motor vehicle operator’s license. 
• Ability to pass a background check. 

Essential Functions and Responsibilities: 

Staff: 

• Coordinate the recruitment, employment, training, and supervision of all part-time and seasonal staff members of the NYSCamp, including: 

o Program staff (approximately 30 staff members with direct contact with delegates) 

o Support staff (approximately 10 staff members including kitchen, custodial, and grounds) • Oversee the distribution and collection of all necessary employment forms and preparation of all necessary payroll documentation according to NYSAcademy protocol. 

Financial: 

• Work with the Executive Director or their designee to propose a budget for NYSCamp.
• Support fundraising activities related to NYSCamp. 
• Support the Executive Director or their designee in preparing, submitting, and servicing grants and grant applications for the NYSCamp. 
• With support from the Executive Director, prepare all NYSCamp-related leases and contracts. Program:
• Develop and follow a year-round program planning calendar for the NYSCamp. 
• Coordinate the selection of delegates to the NYSCamp following NYSAcademy guidelines.
• Coordinate all logistics related to the delegates’ participation in the NYSCamp including distribution, collection, and processing of information and forms. 
• Develop and implement a STEAM academic program consistent with NYSCamp tradition that often includes as many as 45 volunteer guest STEM expert presenters at the NYSCamp. 
• Coordinate all logistics related to the participation of volunteer presenters. 
• Develop and implement a program of special events in the tradition of the NYSCamp.
• Develop and implement an outdoor adventure program in the tradition of the NYSCamp.
• Coordinate the publicity of the NYSCamp. 
• Coordinate the evaluation and improvement of the NYSCamp in cooperation with the NYSAcademy’s Program Oversight Committee. 
• Attend and report at regularly scheduled Board of Trustees meetings throughout the year.
• Prepare and present and end-of-camp report to the Board of Trustees to then be disseminated to all NYSCamp stakeholders. 

To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references at jobs.nysacademy.org The pay range for this position is $31,000 to $41,000 

The National Youth Science Academy is an equal-opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure  against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and  other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability,  veteran’s status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

Apply Here