Lead Meaningful Programming in a Historic, Christ-Centered Seaside Retreat

Are you a ministry-minded leader who can bring spiritual vision, operational excellence, and thoughtful coordination to a diverse range of programs?

Do you thrive when leading staff and volunteers, building strong local partnerships, and turning ambitious plans into meaningful, spiritual experiences for people of all generations?

The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association is seeking a Christ-centered Program Director to lead event programming, spiritual formation opportunities, performing arts events, guest experiences, and recreational opportunities in one of the country’s longest-active camp meeting communities.

This is a distinctive senior leadership opportunity for someone who can honor OGCMA’s rich, Christian heritage while bringing clarity, collaboration, and excellence to its year-round ministry programming.

Who We Are

Founded in 1869, Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association is a historic, year-round Christian community on the New Jersey shore. Rooted in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition, our mission is to be the seaside community where all generations can know and grow in Jesus through worship, education, community programming, and recreational activities.

OGCMA brings together ministry, hospitality, music, community events, recreation, and spiritual formation in a setting unlike any other.

The Opportunity

The Program Director provides strategic and operational leadership for the programs and experiences that bring OGCMA’s mission to life.

The central purpose of this role is to develop and lead cohesive, mission-aligned programming that helps people of all generations encounter Christian community, spiritual growth, meaningful culture, and recreation through OGCMA.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and working closely with the Program Chair and Program Committee, the Program Director ensures that programming reflects the mission, values, and strategic direction established by the Board of Trustees.

This leader will oversee a broad and highly visible portfolio of events, activities, and worship experiences. The role requires both a strategic, vision-driven perspective and the ability to ensure that complex programs are carefully planned and executed with excellence.

Leadership Responsibilities

Programming Strategy and Ministry Alignment

• Develop and oversee a cohesive annual programming strategy aligned with OGCMA’s mission, theological heritage, and organizational priorities.
• Work closely with the COO, Program Chair, Program Committee, staff, and ministry leaders to establish priorities and coordinate programming across the organization.
• Evaluate programs and experiences for mission alignment, quality, participation, sustainability, and continued effectiveness.
• Honor the traditions that have shaped OGCMA while identifying thoughtful opportunities to strengthen and improve programming.

Worship and Spiritual Formation

• Provide leadership and coordination for Sunday morning and evening worship services, Saturday evening services, weekday worship opportunities, and Gospel Musical Ministries.
• Lead speaker selection, scheduling, hospitality, and related logistics.
• Oversee children’s, youth, and other spiritual formation programs, supporting ministry staff and ensuring alignment across generations.
• Coordinate retreats and special ministry gatherings, including the Women’s Retreat, Men’s Retreat, Night of Worship, and Christmas in Ocean Grove.

Arts and Community Programming

• Lead the planning and coordination of concerts and performing events such as Summer Stars, Organ Concerts, Atlantic Wind Ensemble, and Summer Band.
• Oversee major community traditions and events, including the Independence Day (4th of July) Parade and Illumination Night.
• Build productive relationships with artists, speakers, vendors, ministry partners, and community stakeholders.
• Ensure that cultural and community programs are thoughtfully planned, professionally presented, and consistent with OGCMA’s mission.

Staff and Volunteer Leadership

• Lead, support, and develop program staff, ministry leaders, and volunteers.
  • The Program Director currently provides leadership to the Program Coordinator, Graphic Designer and Program Tech Support, Recreation Coordinator, Grove Hall Manager, HUB Manager, Music Staff, ministry directors, and auxiliary volunteer leaders (Ushers, Choir, and Ladies Auxiliary).
• Foster strong communication, accountability, collaboration, and follow-through across the programming team.
• Recruit, train, and equip volunteers to serve effectively in worship, hospitality, recreation, music, and community programming.

Program Operations and Financial Stewardship

• Develop and manage program budgets, monitor expenses, and ensure responsible financial stewardship.
• Negotiate and coordinate agreements with artists, speakers, vendors, and other external partners.
• Establish effective systems for scheduling, communication, planning, documentation, and cross-departmental coordination.
• Lead regular staff and committee meetings to maintain alignment and accountability.
• Partner with communications staff to support the Program Guide, website content, social media, signage, and other program-related communications.

Guest Experience, Hospitality, and Recreation

• Provide leadership for Grove Hall Retreat and Conference Center and The HUB Welcome Center | Christian Books and Gifts.
• Oversee recreational programming, including tennis, pickleball, shuffleboard, and Fitness Faith & Fun.
• Help create welcoming, well-coordinated experiences for worshippers, guests, speakers, artists, retreat participants, and community members.
• Ensure that guest services, recreation, and hospitality programs support the broader mission and programming strategy of OGCMA.

Who Will Thrive Here

The strongest candidate will be a Christ-centered leader who can move comfortably between ministry, programming, people leadership, and organizational operations. Qualified candidates will likely bring the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in theology, Ministry, Nonprofit Management, Communications, or a related field required; Master of Divinity or Theology preferred.
• A personal, active, and growing relationship with Jesus Christ, demonstrated through integrity, humility, and service.
• Full alignment with the mission, vision, and Statement of Faith of OGCMA.
• Demonstrated experience planning, leading, and evaluating programs within a ministry, nonprofit, cultural, hospitality, or related environment.
• Experience leading staff and volunteers across multiple programs or functional areas.
• Strong organizational and project leadership skills, including experience managing budgets, timelines, vendors, and concurrent priorities.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and public communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with trustees, committees, staff members, volunteers, artists, speakers, and community stakeholders.
• Sound judgment, creativity, and the ability to navigate challenges and resolve conflict constructively.
• Working knowledge of print, digital, social media, and other communications platforms.
• A servant-hearted approach to leadership and a commitment to helping others succeed.

Schedule and Ministry Rhythm

This is a full-time leadership position with responsibilities that reflect the unique rhythm of a year-round camp meeting community.

The Program Director should expect regular involvement in Sunday services, evening and weekend programs, retreats, concerts, and major seasonal events. Certain periods of the year, particularly the summer programming season, will require increased availability and flexibility.

The role also includes opportunities to plan ahead, develop systems, evaluate programs, and prepare for future seasons during less intensive periods of the calendar.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary range: $80,000 – $115,000, commensurate with experience
• Paid vacation
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan
• 13 paid holidays
• Free beach access
• Flexible work schedule with remote work options

Pre-Employment Requirements

Employment at OGCMA requires completion of a background check, fingerprinting, abuse prevention training, and all required employment documentation.