Program Director

Program Director

Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association
Full-Time | Ocean Grove, New Jersey

Lead the Programs and Spiritual Experiences of a Historic, Christ-Centered Seaside Community

Are you a mission-focused ministry leader who can shape worship, education, arts, and community programming into experiences that draw people of all generations closer to Jesus?

Do you thrive when you are casting vision, building programs, equipping staff and volunteers, and bringing meaningful ministry to life season after season?

The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association is seeking a Christ-centered Program Director to provide strategic and operational leadership for the programs and experiences that bring OGCMA’s mission to life — worship, spiritual formation, cultural and community events, and recreation — in one of the country’s longest-active camp meeting communities.

This is a distinctive leadership opportunity for someone who can honor OGCMA’s rich, Christian heritage while bringing creativity, strategy, and servant-hearted leadership to everything the organization offers.

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 OGCMA’s programming, directing the worship, educational, cultural, and recreational offerings that bring the mission to life throughout the year and at the height of the summer season.

The central purpose of this role is to plan, develop, and lead cohesive, mission-aligned programs that help people of all generations discover, engage with, and grow through OGCMA’s worship, spiritual formation, and community life.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and collaborating with the Program Chair and Program Committee, the Program Director leads the Program Department and partners daily with the Communications Director, who leads the promotion and marketing of the department’s offerings. The role also works alongside the Finance, Operations, and Development ministry areas, and serves as a key liaison among Trustees, Directors, staff, volunteers, and program partners.

This position is faith-based and requires agreement with OGCMA’s Statement of Faith, with the understanding that the Program Director is expected to plan and conduct activities which advance others in the faith which the Statement of Faith exemplifies.

Leadership Responsibilities

Programming Strategy

●     Create annual programming aligned with the organization’s mission and theological heritage.

●     Evaluate programs for mission alignment, quality, and effectiveness, and recommend improvements.

●     Coordinate offerings across multiple ministry areas into a cohesive, year-round program.

Worship and Spiritual Formation

●     Lead the coordination of worship services, including Sunday, Saturday evening, and weekday gatherings.

●     Oversee speaker and guest selection along with hospitality and logistics.

●     Direct children’s and youth spiritual formation programs.

●     Coordinate retreats, conferences, and special gatherings throughout the year.

Arts and Community Events

●     Plan and produce concerts and performing arts events.

●     Oversee signature community traditions, including the Independence Day parade and Illumination Night.

●     Build relationships with artists, speakers, performers, and community stakeholders.

Staff and Volunteer Leadership

●     Supervise program staff, coordinators, and ministry leaders.

●     Recruit, equip, and shepherd volunteers across worship, hospitality, and recreation.

●     Foster a welcoming, collaborative, and Christ-centered team culture that encourages spiritual growth.

Operations and Financial Management

●     Develop and monitor program budgets and track expenses against plan.

●     Negotiate and manage vendor and partner agreements.

●     Establish scheduling and internal coordination systems that keep programs running smoothly.

●     Provide program content and timelines to the Communications Director to support promotion of offerings.

Guest Experience

●     Oversee the guest experience at Grove Hall Retreat Center and the HUB Welcome Center.

●     Direct recreational programming, including tennis, pickleball, and shuffleboard.

Who Will Thrive Here

The strongest candidate will be a committed follower of Christ who can move comfortably between vision, strategy, and hands-on ministry — someone with high integrity, sound judgment, grace under pressure, quick decision-making and problem-solving skills, and a servant’s heart. Qualified candidates will likely bring the following qualifications:

●     A well-grounded and robust Christian faith and personal relationship with Jesus Christ, with the ability to articulate it to others.

●     Full agreement with and commitment to the mission, vision, and Statement of Faith of OGCMA, and willingness to abide by the OGCMA code of conduct.

●     A bachelor’s degree in theology, ministry, nonprofit management, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

●     Program planning and evaluation experience in a ministry or nonprofit setting.

●     Demonstrated staff and volunteer leadership experience.

●     Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize competing deadlines and manage concurrent programs.

●     Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

●     Budget management experience.

●     A servant-hearted leadership approach and a team-player spirit that brings out the best in others.

●     A Master of Divinity or Master of Theology degree is preferred.

Schedule and Ministry Rhythm

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

The role blends planning, vision casting, and meetings with regular on-campus presence for worship services, events, and program leadership. On-campus presence increases significantly during the summer season, when the Program Director should expect regular involvement in Sunday services, evening and weekend programs, concerts, community events, and major seasonal programming.

Compensation and Benefits

●     Salary range: $80,000–$115,000, commensurate with experience

●     Medical, dental, and vision insurance

●     Life insurance and retirement plan

●     Generous paid vacation and 13 paid holidays

●     Free beach access

●     Flexible 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.

Interested in Learning More?

Candidates are invited to submit a letter of interest, resume, and written personal testimony (a personal reflection regarding your relationship with God, church, and Jesus Christ) to:

Natalie Stephens-Stewart, COO
Email: natalie@oceangrove.org
Subject Line: Program Director Position