Assistant Director, Retreat Center URJ Camp Newman

Job Description

Job Description

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, URJ CAMP NEWMAN RETREAT CENTER

Location : Camp Newman (4088 Porter Creek Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404)

Organization : Union for Reform Judaism

Employment Type : Full Time, Benefits Eligible, MNGT, Exempt

Department : Camps & Immersives – URJ Camp Newman

Reporting to : Retreat Center Director

Start Date : ASAP

Salary Range : $70,300 - $72,000 plus competitive benefits package including onsite housing if preferred

Level / Salary Grade : People Manager (Foundational) / C

THE ROLE

The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) seeks an experienced, motivated, and relationship-driven Assistant Director for Camp Newmans’s Retreat Center to lead the growth, operations, and guest experience of our year-round retreat center. In this role, you will combine exceptional hospitality leadership with strategic operational oversight to create meaningful, inclusive, and welcoming experiences for all guests — including People of Color, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and other underrepresented communities.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

LEAD UNFORGETTABLE RETREAT EXPERIENCES

Be the onsite point of contact for retreats, ensuring every detail runs smoothly and every guest feels welcomed.

Collaborate with Food Service and Operations Teams to deliver seamless, high-quality events tailored to client needs.

Customize retreat programming to create memorable, engaging experiences from start to finish.

Oversee health, safety, and emergency response protocols during all events.

Maintain accurate event records and documentation in Gazebo and internal systems.

INSPIRE AND LEAD YOUR TEAM

Supervise the Hospitality Coordinator and seasonal event staff, fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing team culture.

Hire, train, and mentor staff and seasonal employees, cultivating a team committed to excellence and guest satisfaction.

Build and maintain relationships with local vendors to support hospitality and offerings.

SUPPORT SUMMER OPERATIONS

Serve as a member of the summer Leadership Team, ensuring successful experience for campers, staff, and visitors.

Assist with summer visitor programs onsite, providing leadership, guidance, and hands-on support as needed.

WHO YOU ARE

You are an organized, proactive, and people-centered professional who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. You bring warmth, empathy, and professionalism to every interaction, whether you’re engaging with guests, staff, or vendors. You are passionate about creating Jewish immersive experiences and creating inclusive communities where everyone feels a sense of belonging. You take pride in delivering seamless operations and memorable experiences, balancing attention to detail with big-picture thinking. You are a collaborative leader, a creative problem-solver, and someone who enjoys turning challenges into opportunities to make every retreat and camp experience exceptional.

KEYS TO SUCCESS (THE MUST-HAVES)

Lead with Warmth and Professionalism – You create welcoming, inclusive experiences for all guests, staff, and vendors, ensuring everyone feels valued and respected.

Stay Organized and Detail-Oriented – You manage complex events, registrations, and operational systems with precision, keeping everything running smoothly.

Communicate Clearly and Collaboratively – You proactively share information, listen actively, and work with your team to solve problems efficiently.

Embrace Flexibility and Problem-Solving – You adapt quickly to changing circumstances, anticipate challenges, and find creative solutions under pressure.

Champion Community and Inclusion – You actively foster a culture of belonging, ensuring that every guest and staff member feels seen, supported, and welcomed.

Passion for Jewish Camping – You bring enthusiasm and a deep appreciation for the mission of Jewish camp, helping to create meaningful experiences for campers, families, and staff.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Prior experience managing hospitality operations, events, or retreat centers, preferably in a camp, conference, or nonprofit setting.

Availability to spend extended time onsite at Camp Newman during retreats and summer operations, including evenings and weekends as needed.

Familiarity with event management software, registration systems, or operational databases (experience with Gazebo preferred).

Living onsite is strongly encouraged to support responsiveness to guest needs, emergencies, and overall facility operations. Onsite housing is available for this position.

ABOUT US

Every team member at the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) plays an essential role in our mission to create a whole, just, and compassionate world. Our team is creative, thoughtful, and innovative. Each member of the team is empowered to make meaningful contributions to achieving our shared goals. Our diverse team is made up of individuals with different skills and backgrounds and every team member is willing to take risks as well as take action to develop and create big ideas for the future of the Reform Movement. While this position focuses on a particular area of work, every team member is a vital part of our overall success.

You will be instrumental in shaping the future of URJ Camp Newman and contributing to a meaningful mission. Join a dedicated team of professionals working to inspire young leaders and foster lifelong engagement in Jewish life. Together, we can make a positive impact and build communities where every individual feels a sense of belonging.

The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) provides vision and voice to build strong communities that, together, transform the way people connect to Judaism and change the world. We acknowledge that due to racism, ableism, homophobia, and other forms of oppression, that our communities are not whole until everyone experiences a sense of belonging within the Jewish community. As the largest Jewish movement in North America, we stand for a Judaism that is inclusive and reflective of a wide range of identities and accept the responsibility of dismantling oppression both inside and outside of our communities. Through camping, youth experiences, programs, information sharing, and networking opportunities, our over 850 congregations and 14 residential camps create opportunities for our communities to enhance their capacity to build and expand community, engage in meaningful and authentic Jewish life, deepen Jewish learning, energize worship, pursue social justice and develop inspired leadership. Together, our employees and stakeholders, are creating Reform Judaism of today.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Apply online and include a one-page cover letter along with your resume, outlining your skills and experience and how you meet the essential functions and qualifications of the position. We look forward to hearing from you!

The URJ strives to be a welcoming and inclusive environment that acknowledges diversity as a critical strength. We promote strenuous policies and practices of equal opportunity and diversity, equity, and inclusion. It is our objective to recruit, hire, and retain the most qualified individuals including those of any race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Our equal employment philosophy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, compensation, benefits, training, promotions, transfers, job benefits, and terminations. The URJ encourages applications from women, people of color, persons with disabilities, individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+, and other often underrepresented groups.