The VIA (Very Important Ascenders) Lead is responsible for the overall leadership, organization, and supervision of IMG Academy’s VIA Program for campers ages 8–10. This position oversees all aspects of VIA camper life, including daily operations, programming, scheduling, incident management, and camper/family communications. The VIA Manager ensures a nurturing, structured, and safe environment that allows the youngest campers to thrive socially, emotionally, and physically while experiencing the IMG Academy standard of excellence. This role reports directly to the Student Life Head of Camp.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Oversight

• Provide daily leadership and supervision of the VIA Program.
• Oversee VIA dorm operations, ensuring consistent supervision, structure, and camper safety.
• Supervise VIA staff and manage scheduling, mentorship, and coverage.
• Uphold IMG Academy’s policies, standards, and behavioral expectations throughout the program.

Program Development & Coordination

• Develop and implement engaging, age-appropriate programming for 8–10-year-old campers.
• Coordinate with Student Engagement, Housing, and Sports Directors to align athletic, educational, and recreational activities.
• Manage daily schedules, including rest times, activities, and special events tailored to younger campers.
• Support planning and supervision of special events, themed nights, and campus activities.

Camper Experience & Family Engagement

• Ensure all VIA campers feel supported, included, and safe within their dorm and activity environments.
• Communicate regularly with parents and guardians to provide updates, resolve issues, and highlight camper achievements.
• Manage the VIA check-in, check-out, and daily sign-in procedures.
• Serve as the main point of contact for VIA families during their camper’s stay.

Staff Development & Supervision

• Supervise VIA mentors, counselors, and support staff.
• Provide coaching, feedback, and ongoing training to maintain excellence and consistency.
• Promote a positive, inclusive, and team-oriented work culture among staff.

Safety, Accountability & Incident Management

• Oversee and manage camper-related incidents, behavior issues, and emergencies.
• Partner with Campus Safety, Health Services, and Student Life leadership to ensure adherence to IMG safety protocols.
• Maintain accurate documentation of incidents, attendance, and staff performance.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Recreation, Child Development, or related field required (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience working in youth programming, residential life, or camp management.
• Experience managing or working with children ages 8–10 strongly preferred.
• Proven track record of supervising staff and creating child-centered programming.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to connect with young campers and foster a nurturing environment.
• Skilled in conflict resolution, behavioral guidance, and risk management.
• Excellent collaboration skills with families, staff, and leadership teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and camp management systems.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Requires evening, weekend, and extended hours during camp season.
• Must be highly visible, accessible, and engaged with campers and staff.
• Ability to work in a residential, fast-paced, and high-energy camp environment.

Background Requirements:

• Requires a background check upon offer
• Requires a drug test upon offer

Don’t meet every single requirement? We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Get to know us better: 

www.imgacademy.com

www.imgacademy.com/careers

IMG Academy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.