John Knox Center
Published: December 25, 2024
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Description
Are we looking for YOU?: If you're ready for an adventure that blends faith, fun, and leadership, apply now and be part of something life-changing! Are you passionate about outdoor ministry, building relationships, and leading transformative experiences? John Knox Center is on the lookout for a dynamic Program Director to join our team! This is no ordinary job-it's an adventure! You'll help develop Christ-centered, fun-filled programs for youth all while working in the great outdoors. From overseeing summer camps to year-round retreats, you'll be hands-on in shaping the next generation of Christian leaders and providing radical hospitality! That's right! John Knox Center is searching for a full-time Program Director who is an energetic Christian leader to guide our programs and be part of the overall camp ministry. We're seeking an outgoing, people-person with strong communication skills to join our ministry team. The ideal candidate will be a relationship builder who is creative, hard-working, and service-oriented, and who has previous camp experience.
The primary role of this position is to develop, administer, promote, and lead the day-to-day operations of our growing summer camp program, environmental education program, special events, and guest group hospitality. We are looking for a team player who is a positive proactive person excited about giving every camper and guest the best experience possible, willing to jump in wherever is needed to meet that goal.
Who we are: John Knox Center was established in 1960 as a summer camp and Christian retreat. Over the years retreats expanded beyond Presbyterian congregations to other church denominations, schools, businesses & other groups. Rental guests come for retreats, team building and to participate in events year-round. In 1994, the River Ridge Environmental Education Program was founded and is now one of the most popular outdoor education locations for schools in East Tennessee. In the fall and spring, our River Ridge Environmental Education Program hosts approx. 1,500-2,500 participants each year. While these programs are popular, Summer Camp is the heart and soul of the ministry. During the summer approx. 200 campers and 15 staff come from around the world to be in a Christian community together. This small number gives us the ability to form lasting bonds with all our campers. We are a ministry of the Presbytery of East Tennessee (PCUSA). We believe EVERYONE has a place at CAMP. We welcome, affirm, and support young people and adults of all abilities and disabilities, experiences, races, ethnicities, socio-economic backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, citizenship or immigration status, religion and non-religion, and any other category people use to define themselves or others. We hire staff who fit within this community believing camp is for everyone.
Location Information: John Knox Center is an ACA-accredited camp located in Ten Mile, TN on a beautiful 140-acre property. Site amenities include swimming, canoeing, kayaking, ropes course, archery, and hiking trails throughout the property and the best sunsets anywhere. We are nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains and boast 3.9 miles of shoreline on Watts Bar Lake (Tennessee River). We are only 45 minutes from Knoxville, TN, 2 hours from Nashville, TN & 3 hours from Asheville, NC & Atlanta, GA. 90 minutes from Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 15 minutes from the closest town (Kingston, TN).
Compensation & Benefits:
- Salary Range: $31,500 - $34,500. Paid monthly and medical benefits are covered by the employer for the employee with the option of dental and vision at the employee's cost.
- Medical benefits and pension (PCUSA Board of Pensions) to begin upon start of employment.
- Private 3 bedroom, 2 bath residence- provided for the duration of employment & meals provided while guests are onsite at no cost. Housing is located onsite and a short walk from most camp spaces. The residence is not furnished but has appliances (washer, dryer, microwave, dishwasher, HVAC). The residence also has a wood-burning fireplace.
- High-speed Wi-Fi, utilities, and use of waterfront recreation equipment are provided.
- Use of an organization-owned vehicle when available for work needs.
- PTO days are provided and will be negotiated at the time of hire.
- Cell phone provided.
- Professional development funds and time allotted annually.
Work Environment:
- Full-time with a flexible schedule required including evenings and weekends.
- Office and outdoor setting.
- Periods of intense activity during summer camp and guest group hosting; more flexible schedule in the quieter months.
- Able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs., move around the property without assistance, and spend several hours standing.
Apply or Questions: Applicants should submit a letter of interest and resume with contact information for 3 references to execdirector@johnknoxcenter.org Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
PURPOSE:
This position serves to design, implement, and evaluate all programs of John Knox Center, a ministry of the
Presbytery of East Tennessee, PC (USA). This is accomplished by demonstrating exceptional organizational and
supervisory skills, possessing critical thinking skills, and evaluation abilities to develop relevant, meaningful, and
attractive programming that meets the needs and expectations of the various ages of camp clients.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Serve God as a member of a Christian Church and be able to articulate a strong Christian faith, based in the Reformed Tradition.
- Possess a neat personal appearance, dependability, honesty, congeniality, creativity, and flexibility.
- Previous relevant program, staff supervision, and spiritual leadership experience required.
- Excel without direct, constant supervision, maintaining accountability and responsibility.
- Possess the ability to understand, embrace, and articulate the mission, vision, and purpose of the John Knox
- Center to all ages in a variety of settings.
- Exhibit a positive team attitude with a willingness to go above and beyond to provide hospitality to guests.
- Experienced and comfortable in using a variety of technologies. (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher,
- social media, email, etc.).
- Bachelor's degree or relevant PCUSA programmatic experience desirable.
- Ability to attain certifications and accreditations as needed.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Work closely with the John Knox Executive Director to evaluate the ongoing needs of the Presbytery and
- greater community to maintain a ministry that is relevant to our partners.
- Work together with John Knox Center staff for the welfare of guests and the furthering of the ministry and
- mission.
- Provide hosting services for groups using John Knox Center facilities, acting as the main contact person
- between John Knox Center Staff and groups during their stay as needed.
- Develop, schedule, publicize, supply staff and materials, and evaluate existing and new programs for
- children, youth, and adults.
- Oversee all curricula utilized for programming.
- Ensure activities are operated within the John Knox Center operating budget.
- Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate program staff, including seasonal program employees.
- Serve as the focus for marketing and creating new revenue streams for all John Knox Center Programs.
- Provide programmatic resources and leadership to Presbytery, churches, and guest groups.
- Implement and annually review relevant American Camp Association (ACA) standards.
- Actively participate in the Presbyterian Church Camp and Conference Association (PCCCA).
- Work with the Program Sub-committee of the Outdoor Ministries Team of the Presbytery of East Tennessee.
- Participate in regular staff meetings and lead occasional staff devotion.
- Accept additional responsibilities and undertake additional duties as assigned.
- Engage annually in continuing educational opportunities as guided by the Executive Director.
- Participate in maintaining John Knox Center’s online presence, including posting on social media.
- Use camp management software.
- Create and publish materials, paper and digital, to promote the ministry of John Knox Center.
- Supervise specialized program activities, such as rope course, archery, nature center, etc.
ACCOUNTABILITY:
The person in this position is a member of the John Knox Center Leadership Team and shall be accountable to
the Executive Director as their immediate supervisor and in covenant with other team members to further the
mission of the John Knox Center.
TERMS:
The Program Director position is a full-time salaried position with a starting salary between the agreed-upon range per year to be paid monthly with full benefits available at the beginning of employment. This position requires onsite residence with private housing provided. The person in this position is subject to termination in accordance with the Personnel Policies of the John Knox Center.
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