Assistant Activity Manager – Job Description
Position Overview
The Assistant Activity Manager supports the Activity Manager in the planning, coordination, and execution of all excursions and on-campus activities. This role is hands-on and operational, ensuring that daily programming runs smoothly, staff are prepared, and students have a safe, engaging, and high-quality experience.
The Assistant Activity Manager serves as the primary support system to the Activity Manager and acts as a backup leader in their absence, helping oversee staff, logistics, and student supervision.
PRE-PROGRAM PLANNING & PREPARATION
Excursion & Activity Planning Support
- Assist in researching, booking, and confirming excursion sites, transportation, and reservations.
- Help build and maintain a database of approved vendors, restaurants, and activity locations within budget.
- Support the development of weekly excursion schedules and daily itineraries.
- Assist in reviewing and adjusting plans based on staffing, group size, weather conditions, and program needs.
Logistics & Resource Preparation
- Assist in preparing all materials required for excursions (directions, itineraries, contact lists, emergency protocols).
- Ensure staff have necessary supplies (backpacks, tickets, travel cards, meal arrangements, etc.).
- Support organization and tracking of equipment, uniforms, and program resources.
Staff Training & Readiness
- Assist in onboarding and training Activity Leaders and counselors.
- Help communicate expectations, procedures, and safety protocols.
- Support preparation of staff for both on-campus and off-campus responsibilities.
DAILY PREPARATION (PRE-EXECUTION PHASE)
Program Readiness
- Assist in finalizing and distributing daily schedules and instructions to staff.
- Ensure all Activity Leaders understand their assignments and responsibilities.
- Verify readiness of transportation, reservations, and materials.
Staff Coordination
- Support the Activity Manager in assigning staff roles based on strengths and experience.
- Conduct check-ins with staff prior to departures to confirm preparedness.
Student & Chaperone Communication
- Assist in ensuring students and chaperones are informed of schedules, meeting points, and expectations.
- Help manage attendance and accountability prior to departures.
PROGRAM EXECUTION (DURING ACTIVITIES & EXCURSIONS)
On-Site Leadership & Oversight
- Actively monitor excursions and on-campus activities to ensure adherence to schedules and safety protocols.
- Conduct regular check-ins with Activity Leaders and staff.
- Provide immediate support and direction to staff when needed.
Problem-Solving & Crisis Management
- Respond quickly to issues such as delays, behavioral concerns, logistical breakdowns, or emergencies.
- Assist in resolving conflicts between staff, students, and chaperones.
- Maintain calm, professional decision-making under pressure.
Student Supervision & Safety
- Support enforcement of student supervision standards at all times.
- Ensure student welfare, discipline, and safety are maintained throughout all activities.
- Act in loco parentis when required.
Customer Experience Management
- Help ensure a high-quality, engaging, and positive experience for all participants.
- Support communication with chaperones and address concerns in real time.
POST-ACTIVITY OPERATIONS
Debrief & Feedback Collection
- Assist in gathering feedback from staff, students, and chaperones.
- Identify areas for improvement and communicate insights to the Activity Manager.
Staff Check-Out Procedures
- Support collection of materials such as receipts, travel cards, media (photos/videos), and equipment.
- Ensure accountability for all resources issued to staff.
Program Evaluation Support
- Assist in reviewing daily outcomes against expectations.
- Contribute to ongoing program improvements and adjustments.
MEALS & LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT
Off-Campus Dining Support
- Assist in researching and coordinating restaurant options within budget.
- Help manage reservations, payments, and meal logistics.
- Troubleshoot issues related to meal cards or payments.
On-Campus Meal Coordination
- Support ordering, receiving, and distribution of food deliveries.
- Ensure adequate supplies and proper setup for meals.
- Assist in supervising staff responsible for meal service.
STAFF LEADERSHIP & TEAM MANAGEMENT
- Support the Activity Manager in supervising, mentoring, and motivating staff.
- Assist in conducting staff meetings and providing updates.
- Help monitor staff performance and provide feedback.
- Reinforce accountability, professionalism, and team discipline.
- Step into leadership roles when necessary, including leading excursions.
PROGRAM QUALITY CONTROL & CUSTOMER SERVICE
- Assist in maintaining high standards across all excursions and activities.
- Support continuous improvement efforts based on feedback and observation.
- Help ensure strong relationships with students, chaperones, and stakeholders.
- Contribute to maintaining a positive, energetic, and structured program environment.
ADMINISTRATIVE & OPERATIONAL SUPPORT
- Assist in maintaining accurate daily records (attendance, expenses, reports).
- Support documentation and submission of receipts and financial tracking.
- Help manage and safeguard program resources and inventory.
- Complete additional administrative tasks as assigned.
RESIDENTIAL & CAMPUS SUPPORT DUTIES
- Assist with student arrivals, departures, and orientations.
- Support residential supervision, including evening duties and room checks.
- Help manage student concerns, room issues, and general inquiries.
- Assist in maintaining cleanliness and organization of shared spaces.
- Support coordination with campus or facility staff.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE & FLEX SUPPORT
- Act as a secondary point of contact during emergencies.
- Be available to support operations outside standard hours when required.
- Step in for the Activity Manager when needed.
- Assist with broader camp operations, including staffing gaps or unexpected needs.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s Degree (preferred).
- Experience in summer camps, youth programs, or event/activity coordination.
- Demonstrated leadership or supervisory experience.
- Legal authorization to work in the United States.
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Leadership and team support
- Strong organization and attention to detail
- Ability to multitask in high-pressure environments
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills
- Problem-solving and adaptability
- High level of accountability and initiative
- Customer service and student-centered mindset
WORK SCHEDULE
- 60 hours per week
- Schedule based on program needs
- One day off per week (coordinated with Center Director)
- Availability required outside standard hours for emergencies
ROLE CLARITY (IMPORTANT)
The Assistant Activity Manager is not a passive support role. This position is expected to:
- Drive execution of all activity plans
- Act as the operational backbone of the program
- Step into leadership seamlessly when needed
This role is essential to ensuring the Activity Manager can focus on high-level coordination while the Assistant ensures flawless day-to-day delivery.