Chief Operating Officer & Camp Director - Stanford Sierra Camp and Conference Center

Chief Operating Officer & Camp Director

Location:

South Lake Tahoe, CA (Fallen Leaf Lake) | Final date to receive applications: 4/1/2026

Stanford Sierra Camp & Conference Center is a beloved alumni family camp and conference center situated on Fallen Leaf Lake. It serves thousands of guests annually, blending hospitality, tradition, and lifelong Stanford connection in a unique residential setting.

• Strategic Leadership: Provide overarching leadership for all camp and conference operations; partner with the Board and Stanford Alumni Association to establish multi‑year goals, financial plans, and operational priorities; identify and resolve high‑level strategic issues; allocate resources effectively across departments.
• Financial Oversight: Lead annual budget development, rate‑setting, and long‑term capital planning; oversee all departmental budgets; drive revenue performance across summer camp and conference seasons; meet annual financial goals, including donation commitments.
• Operational Excellence: Design and implement systems, processes, and staffing structures to support growth and efficiency; evaluate organizational effectiveness and adjust structures to optimize performance; provide strategic input on policy and program development.
• Staffing & Employee Relations: Oversee recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and performance management for year‑round leaders and 150+ seasonal staff; foster a culture of professionalism, inclusion, and accountability; address sensitive employee relations matters and ensure legal compliance; manage seasonal employee housing dynamics.
• Team Leadership &
  
  Coaching:
  
  Develop and retain high‑performing leaders through coaching, feedback, and professional development; directly supervise senior managers; exemplify calm, solution‑oriented leadership with strong conflict resolution skills.
• Summer Program Leadership: Oversee the development of engaging, family‑centered summer programming for all ages; partner with program leaders to design inclusive, educational, and recreational experiences; maintain active visibility with guests to assess satisfaction and enhance programming.
• Conference & Hospitality Management: Establish high standards for conference services and guest engagement; collaborate with Sales & Marketing to ensure seamless event logistics and exceptional service delivery.
• Food Service Oversight: Partner with the Executive Chef to deliver high‑quality, high‑volume food service operations; ensure operational efficiency and elevated dining experiences; monitor food service budgets and performance.
• Guest & Alumni Relations: Cultivate meaningful relationships with alumni, guests, business partners, and the Fallen Leaf community; address concerns proactively and strengthen SSC’s reputation for excellence; support philanthropic engagement and long‑term alumni connection.
• Facilities, Safety &
  
  Risk Management:
  
  Ensure facilities remain safe, functional, and visually appealing; oversee emergency response systems and maintain EMT certification; partner closely with the Fallen Leaf Fire Department and ensure compliance with safety inspections.
• Water System Management: Maintain CA T‑2 Water License and oversee all water system operations; ensure water treatment, testing, reporting, and regulatory compliance; coordinate inspections and continuing education requirements.

• Bachelor’s degree and at least seven years of progressive administrative and financial leadership experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Senior leadership experience in camp operations, hospitality, higher education, or a related environment strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead large, diverse teams and seasonal workforce populations.
• Advanced financial acumen, including budget planning and long‑range forecasting.
• Strong strategic thinking, analytical, and problem‑solving capabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence diverse stakeholders.
• Proven success navigating complex employee relations matters with emotional intelligence and sound judgment.
• Knowledge of industry regulations and compliance…