Summer Camp Centre Director

Job description

Summer Camp Centre Director for July 2025

Expected pay £850 p/w + 12.07% holiday pay + paid training and planning hours prior to start of contract

This is a residential position with travel expenses to and from centre are paid in full, accommodation and meals all included

Location:

Various potential locations inc London, Brighton, York

Overview:

Dusemond have been running summer camps for international students since 2015; our students come from all over the world to enjoy our programmes of EFL lessons, excursions and onsite activities at the various historic boarding schools we are privileged to host us.

2025 is currently expected to be our biggest year and with the potential of new locations comes the challenge of finding suitable Centre Directors.

As the Centre Director, you will be directly responsible for the effective and safe running of your centre.

The academic, welfare and activity teams will all look to you for leadership and you should make sure these teams all feel motivated and prepared to fulfil their roles.

You will be the face of the centre, key to making sure our group leaders and students feel listened to, supported and in safe hands.

At Dusemond, we're not just offering a job; we're offering an opportunity to contribute to an enriching experience that transforms lives. Our guiding principles are rooted in our core values of CHEERS -

Care, Honesty, Energy, Empathy, Respect & Smiles - guide our mission.

Responsibilities:

Leadership:

You will be the person everyone looks to for guidance and support; the tone you set is what everyone else should follow.

You’ll be expected to:

Be active and visible around campus, constantly checking in with Dusemond staff, leaders, students and the school.

Acting on feedback as necessary

Perform regular staff meetings and having fluid communication with your management team

Perform regular Group Leader meetings to make sure everyone staying with us fully understands the programme and the logistics of each day

Make sure all our Dusemond staff feel valued, supported and listened to.

Arrivals:

As Centre Manager, your first major responsibility is overseeing the arrival of our students and organising their transfer to the school. First impressions are everything, and a smooth arrival day is crucial in setting the tone for the coming two week stay.

You’ll be expected to:

Welcome groups to campus and reassure them they are in safe hands after their long journey

Make sure all students receive their first meal as planned

Ensure all accommodation is prepared on schedule by liaising with the school residences team, and that the rooming list is being followed diligently

Deal with any initial concerns held by our Group Leaders as quickly as possible

Finances:

You will be responsible for the centre finances. Dusemond Head Office will be there to sign off on any big changes, but you need to ensure your teams are running their departments effectively and that any necessary payments from groups and taken during their stay.

Does your activity manager now only need 4 coaches instead of 5?

Does that London Eye booking need to be for 200 people when only 80 are now going?

Did you remember to cancel the hot meals in time for the group that has now decided to go out for dinner instead?

Do we need to charge a group because one of their students broke a mirror in the accommodation?

These are all things that can add up during a course of a centre.

Group Leaders:

You will spend a lot of time dealing with our clients, the Group Leaders, who represent the agencies who have booked students onto our programmes. Their expectations are high and if things are satisfactory they will be quick to let you know. Client-facing experience is essential as is complaint handling, listening skills and diplomacy.

You will also hold various social events for our Group Leaders, such as afternoon tea and wine and cheese.

Key Performance Indicators:

• High rates of positive client feedback
• High rates of positive staff motivation and satisfaction
• A good relationship with our host school; one of mutual respect and support
• Expected financial margins are maintained

Skills and Abilities

• Existing summer school management experience
• Strong leadership and management skills and the ability to support, motivate and develop staff
• Proven ability to meet targets and adapt to changing circumstances
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills
• Numerate and articulate
• The ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, work under pressure and, when necessary, with minimal resources
• Ability to work to deadlines
• Ability to juggle priorities and demonstrate a sense of urgency
• Strong Microsoft office skills
• Desire to implement process improvement
• 18+
• Right to work in The UK
• Experience in summer school industry ideal or with children or in some form of tourism.

Job Type: Temporary

Contract length: 5 weeks

Pay: £850.00 per week

Dusemond is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to apply for an Enhanced Disclosure check by the Disclosure and Barring Service and, where they have worked outside of the UK, provide an overseas police check.