Employment
Current Job Openings
POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Program Director will work to further the mission of Red Willow Ministries by providing outstanding ministry experiences through exceptional leadership, innovative year-round program development, leading a quality summer camp experience, and fostering of community through relational ministry.
This is a full-time position and will report to the Executive Director.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Management
1. Recruit and lead the summer seasonal staff of 15-20.
2. Work with the Site Manager to ensure camp facilities are well maintained, and ready for guests.
3. Demonstrate financial accountability and leadership for local operations.
Program Leadership
Foster and model Christian leadership and faith formation in all areas of programming at Red Willow site including summer programs, programmed retreats, and hosted retreats.
Work to develop leaders for service in the church and world.
Seek out and listen to congregation leaders to identify program needs.
Create, develop, market, implement, and evaluate innovative summer ministry experiences including residential camping programs, adventure programs, day camp ministries, mission trips, and intergenerational programs that meet identified needs.
Oversee the daily operations of the summer programming including daily camp activities, weekly and daily schedules, camper and summer staff supervision and assignments, with a focus on health & safety policies and procedures as prescribed by the American Camp Association.
Coordinate housing, food service, and facility needs with all staff
Ensure all staff certifications are maintained and records kept.
Create, develop, market, implement, and evaluate a minimum of four (4) programmed retreat experiences per year.
Hospitality
Provide exceptional hospitality for all guests at Red Willow including both programmed ministries and hosted ministries.
Assist staff with food service as needed.
Assist staff with schedule planning for all facility usage; assist with preparation and cleaning before and after user groups as needed.
Provide leadership in seeking innovative ways to boost the guest experience.
Outreach
Assist in the planning and promotion of programs and fundraising events.
Partner with congregations, pastors, and youth workers to encourage participation in Red Willow programs and the use of facilities.
When possible, attend youth director and/or rostered leader gatherings across the synod to strengthen the connections with congregations of the North Dakota ELCA Synod and neighboring congregations/communities.
Visit a minimum of ten to fifteen (10-15) congregations per year in effort to recruit program participants, strengthen ministry partnerships, and build relationships with congregational leaders.
Administration
Enforce and practice all policies and procedures adopted by Red Willow.
In partnership with all year-round staff, maintain ACA standards for Red Willow.
Ensure proper use of registration, development, and financial management software and recording procedures.
Oversee Camp store ordering, inventory and procedures.
Work in partnership with all Red Willow staff to use common and approved practices, policies, and procedures.
Attend various conferences, retreats, and other Lutheran Outdoor Ministry opportunities for the purpose of training and growth.
QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:
Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. Preference given to candidates with 2–3 years of related work experience (such as camp and conference programming or children/youth ministry), a college degree in a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience: Experience supervising staff or volunteers, particularly in camping, Christian education, youth/children’s ministry, or similar settings. Ideally, 1–2 years of experience in outdoor ministry, education, or childcare programming. Background in program development or ministry is a plus. Familiarity with the ELCA and or the Protestant Church at large.
Skills: Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record. CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain). Lifeguard certification is a plus, or willingness to be certified. Understanding of Christian education and faith formation practices. Basic computer skills, familiarity with social media platforms (e.g., Instagram, Facebook), and the ability to learn job-specific software or systems.
Personal Qualities: Strong verbal and written communication skills. Organized, self-motivated, and able to work both independently and collaboratively. Demonstrates resilience, problem-solving abilities, and serves as a positive role model for children, youth, and young adults.
LOCATION
Red Willow Ministries is located near Binford, ND. This position has the option of living on-site in camp-provided housing or can be remote within the Eastern North Dakota Synod in a location that has easy access to presence with our partners and to our site, such as Grand Forks, or Fargo.
COMPENSATION
Salary range is $35,000–$40,000, commensurate with experience, and includes paid vacation, sick leave, health benefits, and employer retirement contributions.
TO APPLY
Along with a current resume and three references, please provide a cover letter sharing why this role resonates with you, how your gifts and experiences align with our ministry, and what excites you about serving in this setting. Email all items to jess@redwillowministries.com with “Program Director Application” in the subject line. We’ll begin reviewing applications and conducting interviews as they arrive; and the position will remain open until filled. We look forward to hearing from you.
Please note instructions on applying in the job information.
Summer Job Openings
Qualifications:
Be at least 18 years of age.
Have served as a counselor for at least one year at Red Willow Ministries (RWM) or another camp.
Have an active faith life and live out being a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Desire and willingness to make the gospel of Jesus known to all people through actions, words, and life.
Ability to teach and lead counselors.
Desire and willingness to show Christ’s love to all people.
Ability to work cooperatively with other staff and volunteers.
Flexibility to adapt to various situations and needs of the camp. Job responsibilities may change at the discretion of the Executive Director, according to the needs of the ministry at RWM.
Responsible to:
Directly responsible to the Program Director
Generally responsible to the Executive Director
Responsibilities:
Serve as a VBS team leader
Assist the Program Director in training and leading summer staff.
Assist in the daily operations of the camp program.
Pray for, encourage, help evaluate, lead devotions, and assist counseling staff daily.
Care for the spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being of campers.
Assist campers in an emergency (fire, injury, etc.); observe loading/unloading of buses; and possess the strength and endurance required to maintain the supervision of campers and counselors in any given area of RWM property.
Encourage campers in their faith and faithfully teach Christ’s love, the scriptures, and acceptance.
Help the Site Director maintain a clean and safe camp. There will be a designated time for this each week, typically on Fridays after the close of camp.
Possible Additional Responsibilities:
Aquatics Director
Challenge Course Manager
Crafts Leader
Music Director
Salary: $550/week
Qualifications:
Have faith in Jesus Christ.
Desire and willingness to make the gospel known to all people.
Ability to teach in accordance with a Lutheran understanding or a willingness to learn about Lutheran teachings.
Desire and willingness to show God’s love to all people.
Enjoy working with youth of all ages.
Ability to work cooperatively with other staff and volunteers.
Flexibility to adapt to various situations and needs of the camp. Job responsibilities may change at the discretion of the Executive Director according to the needs of the ministry at Red Willow Ministries (RWM).
Recommended:
Be at least 18 years or older.
Applicants younger than 18 will be considered with additional supervision, training, and adjusted responsibilities.
Responsible to:
Directly responsible to the Program Director.
Generally responsible to the Executive Director.
Other camp leadership as needed or as directed by the Executive Director or Associate Program Director (e.g., Site Director, Head Cook, Office Manager).
Responsibilities:
Care for the spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being of campers.
Encourage campers in their faith and faithfully teach them the scriptures.
Lead campers in typical camp-related activities.
Help manage camper behavior.
Maintain a clean and safe cabin area.
Assist campers in an emergency (fire, injury, etc.); observe loading/unloading of buses, and possess the strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers across RWM property.
Help the Site Director maintain a clean and safe camp environment. There will be designated time for this each week, typically on Fridays after the close of camp.
Salary: $500/week
Qualifications:
Be at least 18 years of age.
Previous experience in site maintenance, custodial work, food service, or similar roles is helpful but not required.
Have an active faith life and live out being a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Desire and willingness to serve in a Christian camp setting and support the ministry of Red Willow Ministries (RWM) through behind-the-scenes work.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Willingness to learn and take direction from leadership staff.
Flexibility to adapt to various situations and the needs of the camp. Job responsibilities may change at the discretion of the Executive Director, according to the needs of the ministry at RWM.
Responsible to:
Directly responsible to the Site Director (for maintenance and cleaning tasks) and the Head Cook (for kitchen duties).
Generally responsible to the Executive Director.
Responsibilities:
Assist with general site maintenance, including basic repairs, lawn care, and minor building upkeep.
Help with cleaning and sanitization of cabins, bathrooms, dining hall, and other camp facilities.
Support the kitchen team by assisting with meal preparation, dishwashing, and maintaining a clean and organized kitchen.
Ensure that camp facilities remain safe, functional, and welcoming for campers and staff.
Set up and take down spaces for camp activities, meals, and special events as needed.
Assist in unloading and organizing food deliveries, supplies, and other inventory.
Help with garbage removal, recycling, and general upkeep of outdoor spaces.
Maintain a servant-hearted attitude while supporting the ministry of RWM through hospitality and care for the camp environment.
Possible Additional Responsibilities:
Lifeguard duties (if certified)
Running camp store operations
Assisting with special projects, such as painting or small construction tasks
Providing additional kitchen help for large events or guest groups
Salary: $425/week
The Summer Assistant Cook supports the Head Cook in preparing nutritious, well-balanced meals for campers, staff, and guests throughout the summer season. This role helps create a positive, efficient, and welcoming dining experience that reflects the hospitality and mission of Red Willow Ministries.
Responsibilities include:
Assisting with daily meal preparation, cooking, and baking
Helping maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen and dining hall
Supporting food service during meals, including serving, restocking, and monitoring dietary needs
Washing dishes, managing kitchen cleanup, and following food safety procedures
Receiving and storing food deliveries
Working collaboratively with kitchen staff to ensure timely meal service
Contributing to a positive, team-oriented environment
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in food service or willingness to learn
Ability to follow instructions and work efficiently in a fast-paced setting
Strong teamwork, communication, and time-management skills
Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 30 lbs
ServSafe certification (or willingness to be trained)
Season:
Late May through early August; schedule includes mornings, evenings, and some weekends.
JOIN OUR SUMMER STAFF
In his book Camp, Michael Eisner, the former CEO of Disney; said that even with his Ivy League education, working at camp was the most important training of his life.
Working at summer camp provides opportunities as cabin leaders, lifeguards, coordinators, and support staff to grow and learn in a demanding, challenging, and loving environment. To work together with a community of vibrant young adults to create and provide an atmosphere here at Red Willow for campers and fellow staff to grow in their faith and as people. As Christians we strive to show campers how ridiculous, funny, loving, amazing, beautiful, and fun god’s creation is. No matter who you are, you will find something working at camp, whether that is your faith, part of yourself, or lifelong friends, you will find it here. Will it be easy? No, not a chance, but is it worth it? Absolutely.
If you are 18 years old or older, and interested in serving on staff, please contact our office using below; you can also reach us using the contact form on this website.