Interim Director of Camps and Retreat Ministries

Interim Director of Camps and Retreat Ministries

The East Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church announces a search and invites applications for the position of Interim Director of Camps and Retreat Ministries. The Conference seeks an experienced and spiritually grounded leader to provide strategic and operational leadership to its three camp and retreat sites during a period of transition. The Interim Director will serve as an extension of the Connectional Ministries Office, offering guidance and stability while helping to prepare the way for long-term, sustainable leadership in this vital ministry area.

The mission of The United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Camp and retreat ministries advance this mission by creating sacred spaces for spiritual formation, community building, and transformational encounters with God. The East Ohio Conference’s three camps are essential centers of this ministry, providing year-round opportunities for faith development, leadership formation, and Christian fellowship.

The Interim Director of Camps and Retreat Ministries will provide overall direction and support for the Conference’s camp operations, ensuring that programs remain spiritually centered, financially sound, and aligned with the strategic vision of the Conference. This role is anticipated to span a period of approximately two and half to three years, with any continuation beyond that timeframe determined by future organizational needs. This position will work closely with the Board of Camps and Retreat Ministries (BCRM), camp directors, staff, and conference leadership to implement recommendations from the Camp Sustainability Study and strengthen systems that support ministry effectiveness and long-term vitality.

Essential Functions:

• Supervise and support the three Camp Directors and staff.
• Conduct regular site visits and leadership coaching.
• Facilitate monthly leadership meetings and team support.
• Lead implementation of the Camp Sustainability Study recommendations.
• Coordinate transitions related to staffing, structure, and systems.
• Assist the Board of Camps and Retreat Ministries (BCRM) in shaping a shared, sustainable vision.
• Ensure spiritually centered summer programs and retreats.
• Strengthen connectional ministry with East Ohio congregations.
• Gather and share camp stories that demonstrate impact and mission.
• Oversee budget development and financial health.
• Support accreditation, compliance, hiring, and capital planning.
• Maintain safety and hospitality standards across sites.
• Promote summer camp, retreats, and conference engagement.
• Work with Conference Communications to craft unified messaging.
• Represent camping ministries to clergy, congregations, and conference events.
• Attend Connectional Ministries Team Meetings.
• Attend Annual Conference as a member of Connectional Ministries Team.
• Attend and support conference wide events (i.e., Convocation of the Laity, Clergy Schol of Ministry, Bishop Days on the Districts, etc.).

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s in a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 3–5 years leadership experience in camp or retreat ministry.
• Proven ability in staff supervision, budget oversight, program development.
• Proficient communicator with strong relational skills.
• Adaptive leader who brings calm and clarity during change.
• Active follower of Jesus Christ with commitment to the UMC mission.
• Engaged in a local church, with Wesleyan theological grounding.
• Demonstrates fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22–23) in all leadership interactions.

Compensation & Benefits

• Annual Salary of $60,000.
• East Ohio Conference benefits including health insurance, pension contributions, mileage reimbursement, and access to professional development funds.

Work Environment

• Hybrid model: remote work + regular camp site presence
• Requires travel, evening/weekend availability, and ability to navigate outdoor terrain

Closing Date: December 5th

The East Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively seeks and encourages applications from minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities. All offers of employment are subject to the applicant successfully completing background, reference, and other applicable checks.

No Staffing Agencies or Recruitment Firms