Galileo is a nationally recognized summer day camp that's all about empowering young innovators to change the world! With over 70 diverse communities served and hundreds of thousands of kids inspired since 2002, we are a leader in the Innovation Education Movement.
Here, innovation, purpose and personal development converge, creating an environment where your talents shine, and your impact is celebrated. We invest, test and continually iterate to sustain a culture that values Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. In fact, we were named one of the Best and Brightest Companies to work for in the Nation in 2023. We have also been on the Best Places to Work in the Bay Area list more than 12 times, were named one of Forbes’ Best Small Companies in 2017, and a Top 100 Real Impact Company in 2019.
If you are intrigued by innovation education, project-based learning, and working in a professional, welcoming, kid-centered environment, join us!
Galileo is looking for an entrepreneurial, operational leader to join our team as an Area Director for Chicago territory. As we continue to define our presence in the region and grow our customers by 20-25% year over year, the Area Director will be the inspirational ambassador of the Galileo brand. The Area Director will ensure that Galileo is a first-choice camp for families in the area, that camps are tightly managed to deliver an exceptional experience with strong financial results, that our team of “Galileans” is inspired and supported to deliver exceptional customer service, and that there is a strategy to grow and evolve Galileo’s business in the area.
YOU WILL
You will be the “General Manager” of the Chicago Galileo territory, ensuring the Galileo summer programs in your region are the first choice camp for families. Your time will be equally split between the following essential responsibilities:
You will lead the local strategy for Galileo’s growth:
You’ll use available market data and knowledge of the community to develop a strategic growth plan, including identifying specific sites and projections for enrollment
You will own the P&L for a portfolio of sites
Secure and retain site relationships and negotiate facilities contracts that are mutually beneficial
With the marketing team, develop an enrollment strategy to deliver the expected results
With the finance team, set revenue targets and manage the budget
You will effectively manage the people for your team:
In partnership with our recruitment and training teams, you’ll hire, train, and manage an inclusive team, including Camp Directors and other Field team members.
You'll be part of and collaborate with the Field teams of other geographies, modeling our company values and mindsets to create and establish strong culture for all full-time and summer staff.
You’ll deliver exceptional camp results:
You’ll evaluate the success of camps by reviewing staff and family satisfaction results and assessing camp quality through on-site presence.
You’ll collaborate internally to prioritize program and systems improvements that result in a high quality camper and parent experience year round.
YOU ARE
You’re inspired by Galileo’s mission and purpose and can tell that story. You believe innovation education, project-based learning, and joyful camp experiences change lives. You can use storytelling to bring people along to your vision, knowing what resonates with audiences so that ultimately Galileo is a first-choice camp for families, staff, and our partners.
You love being a general manager. You are committed to building strong, high-performing teams that are dedicated to Galileo’s mission, and know how to pull in resources both within your team and within the organization to solve recruitment, hiring, operational, and financial challenges. You are a strategic problem solver and hard-working do-er who can manage a variety of projects simultaneously. You are committed to quality, are prepared to put in long hours when necessary, manage your time well and can see the forest and the trees to get the best results most effectively.
You are an entrepreneur who feels personal responsibility for results. You can read and manage a budget, do some quick analysis, and generate next steps based on quantitative and qualitative inputs. You view impact through the lens of measurable outcomes and hold a commitment to excellence. You're motivated by setting and achieving growth targets while improving the quality of our programs.
You love the Chicago area. You have a passion for connecting deeply with the educational community and families who live there and are curious to unpack the story of your community and how Galileo can solve its summer programming challenges.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
This is a Full Time, year-round role. We anticipate the total compensation for this position to be within $90,000 - $150,000 / year. Your exact compensation will be based on a variety of factors including geography and professional experience.
Employee medical, vision, dental and 401k benefits provided by Galileo
Employee Assistance Program, Options for life insurance, commuter benefits, and more!
We believe that a balance between work and life is essential to happiness and success, so work hard and take the time you need; we offer a flexible PTO policy. PTO is not limited and we strongly recommend that employees take time off to rest and recharge.
Sick pay is accrued in accordance with local laws.
Generous parental leave and extensive support with leave planning
Unlimited free camp for your child(ren), OR two free weeks to be gifted (including AM/PM Extended Care)
10% Friends and Family Discount for those you love
Priority nomination for Innovation for All (financial assistance) scholarships for anyone you know
LOCATION
Hybrid within the Chicago Area, Illinois. The role is a hybrid of work-from-home (remote) and onsite at Galileo Camp locations. Candidates must be located within the geographic area and be able to commute 45-60 minutes to locations in and around Chicago on a regular basis year-round and weekly during the summer camp season.
We are only able to employ candidates who are based in the following states: California, Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, or Washington.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, advanced degree preferred
Experience in multi-site operations management, managing programs or services
Experience with setting financial goals and managing a P&L
Experience with the local camp, education, or parent market
Minimum 5 years experience managing individuals and a team
Staff hiring and recruiting experience
Minimum 2 years experience working with K-8 education; experience working at camps a bonus
Ability to travel throughout the area and be onsite frequently and urgently, within 1 hour (especially in the summer), and make trips to Galileo Headquarters (Oakland) and possibly to other territories a few times a year.
At Galileo Camps, we value divergent thinkers who bring many different experiences and viewpoints to the table! We also strongly encourage members of underrepresented groups and people of diverse backgrounds to apply. Additionally, research shows that while men apply to jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the requirements, women and other underrepresented people tend to apply only when they match all criteria. If you think you have what it takes to be successful in this role, we encourage you to apply.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Occasionally lift and carry up to 30 lbs.
Constantly operate a computer (including typing, reading)
Frequently remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time
Constantly communicate in-person, virtually, and from a range of distances
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
During your onboarding process, you may need to complete a Tuberculosis (TB) screening, a background check, and state specific training. More details will be provided during your onboarding process.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Galileo Learning is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment 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.
We comply with the ADA and provide reasonable accommodation that allow qualified applicants/employees to perform the essential functions of the job. To request an accommodation, contact our People Services team. Please note that our job descriptions are only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible responsibilities, tasks, and duties
Galileo is a nationally recognized summer day camp that's all about empowering young innovators to change the world! With over 70 diverse communities served and hundreds of thousands of kids inspired since 2002, we are a leader in the Innovation Education Movement.
Here, innovation, purpose and personal development converge, creating an environment where your talents shine, and your impact is celebrated. We invest, test and continually iterate to sustain a culture that values Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. In fact, we were named one of the Best and Brightest Companies to work for in the Nation in 2023. We have also been on the Best Places to Work in the Bay Area list more than 12 times, were named one of Forbes’ Best Small Companies in 2017, and a Top 100 Real Impact Company in 2019.
If you are intrigued by innovation education, project-based learning, and working in a professional, welcoming, kid-centered environment, join us!