Executive Director

Organization Overview:

Rowe Camp and Conference Center (Rowe) is an historic camp and retreat space in the mountains of northwest Massachusetts that builds community and transforms lives by creating opportunities for people to explore, reflect, grow and play. Our vision: a world filled with people who are actively creating inclusive, participatory communities filled with joy, respect, love…and a little bit of weirdness.

Nestled in the picturesque Berkshires in the town of Rowe, Massachusetts, Rowe provides year-round programs – including camps, retreats, and workshops – for people of all ages. In the summer months between late June and September, Rowe offers camp programs for youth and adults that foster a strong sense of community, promote self-exploration and creative expression, and create strong bonds and lifelong friendships. The spirit of Rowe continues throughout the fall, winter and spring months when we function as a welcoming in-person and online workshop and retreat center for adults, families, and young people seeking to explore their creativity and interests, learn or practice a new skill, and gather together in community. Since its founding 100 years ago, Rowe has welcomed thousands of people of all ages and from all walks of life and has become a beloved home to generations of “Rowies.” People love Rowe and they love themselves for coming to Rowe. 

We at Rowe are thrilled to celebrate a remarkable milestone: the 100th anniversary of our treasured summer camps. Established in 1924 by Reverend Anita Trueman Pickett, the camp was envisioned as a sanctuary to confront and address the pressing issues of race, industry, and war. Fifty years ago in 1974, our founding Executive Director Douglas Wilson inaugurated Rowe as a year-round retreat and workshop space for adults to explore far-ranging subjects in community with one another. Since then, Rowe has evolved into a vibrant camp and retreat community for children, youth, and adults that is welcoming, loving, and human-centered for everyone we serve.

Role Overview:

Rowe is in search of our next Executive Director to lead the Camp and Conference Center into our next 100 years. The Executive Director of Rowe will serve as the organization's visionary leader and operational steward. From crafting strategic initiatives to overseeing day-to-day operations, the role will be instrumental in ensuring the continued success and sustainability of Rowe. With a focus on fostering a culture of inclusivity and hospitality, the Executive Director will lead with empathy, integrity, and a passion for our mission.

Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Collaborate with the Board to develop and execute a bold and creative strategic plan aligned with Rowe's mission and organizational goals.
• Program Management: Plan and implement diverse programming in collaboration with the Board and staff. Direct the organization, coordination, and management of retreats and workshops. Co-develop marketing strategy and oversee implementation.
• People Management: Manage the recruiting, hiring, and development of a highly effective staff team. Oversee the hiring and supervision of summer camp directors. Provide all employees with coaching, mentorship, performance management and reviews. 
• Revenue Generation: Develop and implement creative and effective programming initiatives to drive revenue and ensure sustainability. With the Board, lead fundraising and membership campaigns to meet annual fundraising goals, which have recently been in the low 6 figure range.
• Financial Oversight: Safeguard financial resources to ensure the long-term health of Rowe. Develop and implement effective and creative financial strategies, systems, and processes. Co-create with the board and direct the annual budget, which is roughly $750,000 - $1,000,000. Ensure compliance with audit and tax requirements.
• Operational Management: Oversee and direct year-round operations, including administration, human resources, and facility management. Cultivate an environment that welcomes campers, attendees, and guests. 
• Community Engagement: Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with constituents, including campers, attendees, guests, donors, and other stakeholders. Lead outreach efforts to promote Rowe and its programs to diverse audiences.

Who You Are:

Required Qualifications: (We encourage applicants who meet a majority of the requirements below to apply, even if you do not meet all of them.)

• At least five years of progressive leadership and management experience in a nonprofit organization, preferably in camping, education, ministry, adult facilitation, hospitality or a related field.
• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience. 
• A connection to and understanding of youth and human development.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience generating organizational revenue, and leading budget management, fundraising (individual giving), and strategic organizational planning.
• Technical ability to comfortably operate: a client relationship management system, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workplace, Quickbooks, HR and payroll management systems.
• Familiarity with nonprofit governance and labor laws, procurement practices, GAAP standards.
• Familiarity with or ability to quickly learn Massachusetts Recreational Camp laws.
• Able to effectively collaborate and communicate with the Board, volunteers, alumni, and other stakeholder groups.
• Strong community engagement and relationship-building skills.

Values you hold:

• Exemplify Rowe’s core values of being welcoming, accepting and inclusive.
• Understand the resource constraints of non-profit organizations and the necessity to wear many hats and creatively solve problems.
• Always seek understanding in your interactions with others inside and outside of the organization.

Nice-to-Have Qualifications:

• Experience as a camp or retreat center director, or experience leading youth programming or adult conference programming.
• Experience working closely with a board of trustees/directors.
• Demonstrated success raising at least low 6 figures, annually.
• Master’s degree in a related field.

Location, Residency Requirement, and Compensation:

The starting salary range for this position is $70,000-$85,000, commensurate with experience. Annual performance raises are determined with the Board. Benefits for full-time staff also include medical and dental coverage, a retirement plan, and paid sick and vacation time.

The Rowe Center provides a rare opportunity to live your values in the workplace. A high priority is placed on community, acceptance and work-life balance. Many employees take advantage of our generous employee housing program (some food & all utilities included, rent heavily subsidized) and not only work but also live on our tranquil 50-acre wooded campus nestled in the heart of the Berkshire mountains. 

To fully embrace the spirit of community at Rowe, our Executive Director resides either on-site or within a reasonable commuting distance. This arrangement enables our Director to actively engage with our vibrant community and staff, fostering strong relationships and connections integral to Rowe's success. Additionally, being nearby ensures prompt availability to address any emergent needs on campus, further enhancing the sense of security and support for all involved.

Intangible benefits include living in the beautiful hardwood forests of western Massachusetts and interacting with a community of forward-thinking, ethical, and progressive people who are seeking to collectively do good in the world.

How to Apply:

Rowe is partnering with RCG Talent Solutions to find our next Executive Director. Please direct any application questions to openroles@rcgtalent.com. Interested candidates should submit a resume and complete the application for the role by clicking here. 

The ideal start date is between August 15 and September 15, 2024.

Rowe Camp and Conference Center is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We celebrate the unique perspectives and talents of our community and strive to create a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Discrimination on the basis of race, gender, religion, age, disability, or any other protected status is not tolerated.

How to Apply:

Rowe is partnering with RCG Talent Solutions to find our next Executive Director. Please direct any application questions to openroles@rcgtalent.com. Interested candidates should submit a resume and complete the application for the role by clicking here. 

The ideal start date is between August 15 and September 15, 2024.

Rowe Camp and Conference Center is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We celebrate the unique perspectives and talents of our community and strive to create a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Discrimination on the basis of race, gender, religion, age, disability, or any other protected status is not tolerated.