As part of an extensive revitalization plan, Little Grassy Camp in Makanda Illinois is seeking a new site manager to direct a new strategy focused on youth service camps. The goal of this new leadership position is to transition site to week-long service and mission camp experiences to middle and high school youth in partnership with ministries and agencies throughout Jackson and Williamson counties. This new program focus will be offered in tandem with existing summer camps and year-round retreat programming. Redevelopment of the camp’s ministries is made possible through a special two-year funding initiative of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference of The United Methodist Church. More information about Little Grassy Camp can be found at www.littlegrassycamp.org.
This new position will lead Little Grassy Camp in providing faith-based mission and summer camp programs that address community needs in the surrounding area through hands-on service and programmatic engagement. The site manager’s role is to cast vision, manage staff and volunteers, fundraise, market, and build community partnerships so the camp can thrive and effectively serve both the community and guests through a transformational hands-on mission experience and camping program. With a small existing staff at Little Grassy, the Site Manager should expect to initially be involved at every level, from direct guest services to board development. The search committee is open to applicants with a wide variety of backgrounds in camping, youth missions, community development, and non-profit leadership. However, this is an intensive redevelopment plan, so all successful applicants will have demonstrated strong drive, creative problem-solving, strategic leadership, and entrepreneurial skills.
Little Grassy Site Manager Job Description:
Desired Qualities
- Camping Leadership Experience: At least two years of experience in managing, leadership, and programming in youth camping setting including familiarity with camp standards and accreditation through American Camping Association.
- Administrative Skills: Visionary/developer, budgeting, scheduling, staff/volunteer recruitment, and risk management oversight.
- Community Connector: Ability to connect with the Southern Illinois region (especially Marion and Carbondale) and its needs; general networking skills.
- Youth & Family Ministry Experience: Understanding of child, youth, and family discipleship, plus project management experience.
- Spiritual Leadership: Committed United Methodist Christian or committed Christian who shares values with the United Methodist Church, able to teach and model Wesleyan theology of grace and service.
- Vision Casting: Strong communicator who can inspire churches, donors, and volunteers.
Responsibilities:
- Operations Management
- Oversee delivery of mission camp experience through summer camp and spring break offerings targeting children, youth, young adults and families.
- Ensure high-quality guest or volunteer experiences; manage lodging, hospitality, maintenance, safety.
- Supervise and evaluate staff (paid and volunteer).
- Fundraising & Financial Stewardship
- Secure funding through grants, sponsorships, donors, and earned income.
- Collaborate on budgeting, financial reporting, and long-term fiscal planning with Camping Operations Manager.
- Marketing
- Build marketing collateral to facilitate reaching participants in addition to targeting agencies for potential partnerships.
- Develop/maintain or source website and guide ongoing content.
- Team & Volunteer Leadership
- In cooperation with staff, supervise volunteers, and seasonal teams; foster skills training, share an age level appropriate theology of mission and daily debrief sessions for participants.
- Cultivate a culture of hospitality, teamwork, and mission alignment.
- External Relations & Advocacy
- Serve as the public face: engage donors, partners, media, community, and faith networks.
- Community involvement / networking
- Attend Chamber of Commerce or other local community groups meetings
- Network among non-profit professionals within the area
- Board Relations
- Develop a board with relationships to the Illinois Great Rivers Conference Commission on Camping Retreat Ministries, Connectional Table, and Trustees; nearby United Methodist Churches; local non-profit agencies; key school districts, and other community organizations. Maintain transparent, collaborative relationships with the Board that supports governance and accountability.
Qualifications
- Proven leadership in nonprofit management—ideally in mission-based, faith-rooted, or community-based organizations.
- Fundraising success across individual, foundation, and institutional donors.
- Strong financial literacy: budgeting, resource allocation, oversight.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship management skills.
- Supervisory experience: staff, volunteers, seasonal teams.
Details:
- Salary range: $85-$100,000 depending on experience.
- Start date: January – March 2026
- Benefits details available on request
Application Process: To apply, upload an introductory cover letter, specific resume, and list of three professional references by Nov. 20, 2025 at Little Grassy Site Manager Application . Application materials will only be accepted through submission site. For additional information, contact Director of Connectional Ministries, Curtis Brown at cbrown@igrc.org.
Application Deadline: November 20, 2025
Website: Homepage: Little Grassy Camp