Executive Director Camp Gray

Job Description

Summary/Objective:

The Executive Director shall have general direction over the operations of Camp Gray, a Catholic camp and retreat center founded in 1953 and operating as a ministry of the Diocese of Madison. This position provides strategic leadership and oversight of all operations to advance the organization's mission "To Know Christ and Make Him Known," ensuring long-term sustainability, growth, and impact. The Executive Director works closely with the Board of Directors and the Camp Advisory Board, diocesan leadership, donors, and stakeholders to steward the organization's resources, strengthen its visibility, and expand its reach to more than 5,000 summer campers and retreat participants served annually.

Essential Job Functions:
•Provide visionary leadership and execute strategic plans aligned with Camp Gray's mission and long-term goals.
•Oversee all organizational operations, including finance, facilities, risk management, and program infrastructure.
•Develop and manage annual budget; ensure strong financial stewardship, reporting, and accountability.
•Lead and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies, including major gifts, annual appeals, grants, and donor relations.
•Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors, support governance process, board development, and committee engagement.
•Serve as the primary liaison to the Advisory Board.
•Cultivate relationships with diocesan leadership, community partners, alumni, and benefactors.
•Oversee marketing and communications to enhance visibility and engagement.
•Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and accreditation standards, including maintaining accreditation and successful completing of audits through the American Camp Association (ACA).
•Oversee and provide leadership to full-time, part-time, and seasonal staff including hiring, development, and performance management.
•Foster strong organizational culture rooted in Catholic values, leadership development, and operational excellence.

Required Competencies:
•Should strive to personally know, love, and serve Jesus Christ through active participation in the life of the Catholic Church.
•Must publicly profess and strive to follow Catholic teachings as proclaimed by the Magisterium of the Church.
•Demonstrated success in fundraising, strategic planning, and organizational management
•Should have strong interpersonal skills, collaborating effectively and joyfully with people from diverse backgrounds.
•Strong written and verbal communication skills, with attention to detail.
•Contribute to a positive working environment through words and actions, and maintain a positive and professional demeanor.
•Demonstrate integrity and a striving for excellence at work.
•Excellent organizational and time-management abilities, with the capacity to multitask, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
•A reputation for ethical work, honesty, reliability, and professionalism in all interactions.
•Ability to effectively work with diocesan staff, priests of the diocese, and parish and school staff.
•Ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment with competing demands.
•Proficient knowledge of Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc.)

Required Education & Experience:
•Bachelor's degree required, Master's degree in business administration, nonprofit management, or related field preferred
•Minimum of 5-10 years of senior leadership experience, preferably in nonprofit, ministry, or mission-driven organization

Supervisory Responsibilities:
•Direct supervisor of Camp Gray staff

Work Relationships:
•Camp Gray Board of Directors
•Camp Gray Advisory Board
•Bishop of the Diocese of Madison
•Diocese of Madison Chancery Staff

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:
•This position regularly requires sitting, standing, and the ability to lift moderate weight.
•Must possess a valid driver's license and the ability to provide reliable transportation for travel locally and regionally as needed.
•Requires occasional evenings and weekends for events, board meetings, and donor engagement
•This position requires living in provided on-site housing

Classification:
•Full Time

Reports to:
•Camp Gray Board of Directors

Other Duties:
•This job description is not designed or intended to be a comprehensive or exhaustive list of all activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of an employee in this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice, at the discretion of the Bishop of the Diocese of Madison.

About the Employer

Founded in 1953, Camp Gray is a Catholic summer camp and retreat center in the Diocese of Madison located on 225 acres of land in Reedsburg, WI. Established by Monsignor Francis Xavier Gray, the camp was created to provide youth with a safe environment to grow in faith and experience nature. Its mission, "to know Christ and make Him known," guides all programing, emphasizing spiritual growth, community, and fun. Each summer, Camp Gray served more than 5,000 campers through week-long sessions designed for students in grades 2-12.