Odyssey International Camp is a cultural exchange organization which provides cultural immersion and summer camp counselor programs in the United States to international students and youth workers from around the world. Odyssey is designated by the U.S. Department of State as a sponsor for the J-1 Bridge USA Exchange Visitor Program. We are authorized to administer and monitor J-1 Exchange Visitors from foreign countries while they fulfill roles as camp counselors with American summer camps. We have many missions and goals, the most important of which are:
- Provide a safe and structured platform for Exchange Visitors to participate in J-1 exchange programs in the United States.
- Increase mutual understanding between people of the United States and people of the world through person-to-person exchanges.
- Provide authentic cultural experiences by allowing young adults from around the world to immerse themselves in American camps and communities.
- Create unforgettable summer experiences for both counselors and campers, promoting cultural understanding and personal growth.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
We are seeking a Director of our Summer Camp Counselor program. As program director, you will be the main point of contact for Odyssey's domestic partner camps, international agents and camp counselor exchange visitors. You will be responsible for the day-to-day and long term success of the program, including recruiting qualified international applicants, matching them with U.S. summer camps, managing relationships with stakeholders, establishing new partnerships and expanding Odyssey's services to a wider audience. The role provides a high degree of independence and room for growth. As a remote role, it also requires self motivation, initiative and accountability. The ideal candidate has a strong background in summer camp administration or similar roles in the Exchange Visitor Program industry.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
- Manage and grow Odyssey's portfolio of international recruiting sources (Schools, agents, direct recruitment)
- Manage and grow Odyssey's portfolio of domestic summer camps
- Increase the number of international applicants matched with U.S. camps
- Respond to messages and calls from stakeholders in a timely, positive and professional manner
- Study and learn the rules and regulations of the J-1 Summer Camp Counselor Program
- Ensure Odyssey maintains proper participant and partner documentation, according to program regulations
- Attend industry conferences and seminars around the country
- Visit host camps and exchange visitors
- Apply for and maintain Alternate Responsible Officer status
- Update information in proprietary and government databases
- Conduct program training and educational sessions with partners
- Monitor and respond to the Odyssey 24/7 emergency hotline on a rotating basis
- Create and explain reports as requested by managers
- Other responsibilities as needed
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
All applicants must possess the following:
- Previous experience in the J-1 Summer Camp Counselor Exchange Visitor Program, or;
- Previous experience as a summer camp director or administrator
- Established relationships and contacts within the summer camp industry
- U.S. Citizenship or Legal Permanent Resident
- No criminal history (criminal background check required)
- Excellent formal writing and communication skills (writing sample required)
- Fluency in Microsoft Office Suite
- Strong customer service ethic
- Must be confident commanding a room and educating industry professionals
- Willingness to travel domestically (up to 20% of the time)
- A keen interest in cultural exchange and the summer camp experience
- An understanding of the challenges faced when visiting or integrating into a foreign culture
- Must be comfortable with working independently
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Previous work experience in the J-1 exchange program industry or other exchange programs
- Previous work experience in the summer camp industry
- Previous study or work abroad experience
- Second language skills
BENEFITS
- Competitive salary and bonus
- Fully remote work option
- Flexible work schedule
- Full medical and dental insurance after 90 days of employment
- 401(k) after one year of employment
- Company trips and excursions
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
Application Question(s):
- Are you willing to provide a cover letter outlining your experience and interest in this position?
Experience:
- Cultural Exchange: 1 year (Preferred)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: Remote