Job Description

Director of Ojibway Family Lodge

Position Title:

Director

Location:

Ojibway Family Lodge - Devil's Island, Lake Temagami, Ontario

Reports To:

Keewaydin Temagami Director

Seasonal Commitment:

Full-time seasonal, mid-May to early September (on-site early June through early September) with flexible part-time year-round planning, administration, and guest engagement responsibilities

About Ojibway Family Lodge

Since 1904, Ojibway Family Lodge has welcomed generations of families to the wilderness of Lake Temagami. With 60+ beds across cabins and canvas-walled tents, Ojibway offers a rustic, off-the-grid experience where guests reconnect with nature, each other, and the traditions of the north. The Lodge is part of Keewaydin Camp and the Keewaydin Foundation, a nonprofit committed to providing a rich, immersive canoe trip experience for boys and girls while preserving simple living, environmental stewardship, and community on the lake.

Position Summary

Live Simply. Lead Boldly. Welcome Warmly.

The Director of Ojibway Family Lodge is responsible for leading all aspects of lodge operations -- from guest services and staff hiring to communication and facilities management -- while advancing the mission and values of Ojibway and Keewaydin Camp.

This is a highly relational role that requires leadership in hospitality, operational management, and strategic vision. The Director ensures that every guest has an exceptional experience and that Ojibway operates efficiently, safely, and sustainably.

Key Responsibilities

I. Planning & Collaboration

Advance the mission and values of Ojibway Family Lodge and Keewaydin Camp and the Keewaydin Foundation.

Meet regularly with the Keewaydin Director to align on budgets, operations, and guest experience strategies.

Attend the October Keewaydin Foundation Board of Trustees meeting, coordinate Keewaydin Temagami alumni reunions, and Ojibway-hosted board meetings when scheduled.

Maintain strong partnerships with the Keewaydin Camp team, Development Office, and Business Managers.

II. Guest Experience & Community Engagement

Ensure exceptional hospitality for all guests by personally greeting arrivals and departures.

Build and maintain guest relationships, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Plan and coordinate family visits for Keewaydin's Mid and Endseason, plus special events such as the Annual Islander Potluck Dinner and guest outings or Keewaydin alumni reunions.

Respond to guest concerns promptly and thoughtfully.

Oversee guest communication: confirmations, arrival/departure details, feedback surveys, and follow-up.

III. Staff Recruitment, Training & Leadership

(December - May)

Recruit, hire, and contract 11-12 seasonal staff, in coordination with the Keewaydin Director.

Provide pre-season onboarding materials and welcome guides.

IV. Financial & Administrative Management

Collaborate with the Keewaydin Director to set annual guest rates, opening and closing dates, and budgets for staffing, food, and supplies.

Maintain accurate records of reservations, food preferences, invoices, and financial transactions.

Manage billing, guest deposits, and follow-up for unpaid stays in coordination with the Business Manager.

Submit and code receipts through Hubdoc; monitor revenues and expenses throughout the season.

V. Marketing & Guest Recruitment

Lead guest recruitment and retention strategies:

Manage mid-season and end-season booking priorities.

Coordinate outreach to Keewaydin long-trip families and prospective guests.

Update and maintain the Ojibway Family Lodge website.

Collaborate with Keewaydin Foundation marketing staff on content, and social media.

Prepare communications to guests and alumni via email, the Loon's Call e-letter, and social channels.

VI. Team, Facilities & Operations

(May - September)

Coordinate with the Keewaydin Director and Head of Maintenance to open and close Ojibway's facilities each season.

Oversee upkeep of 33 buildings, septic systems, and grounds to ensure safety and aesthetics.

Liaise with local health inspectors and ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations.

Manage vendor relationships.

Lead on-site training sessions and staff orientation.

Supervise, motivate, and evaluate staff throughout the season, fostering growth and teamwork.

Conduct weekly staff meetings and performance check-ins; complete end-of-season evaluations.

VII. Food Service & Dining Operations

Oversee kitchen and dining room operations in coordination with the Head Cook:

Review guest lists, menus, and dietary accommodations weekly.

Ensure kitchen and dining facilities meet Ministry of Health standards.

Assist with weekly food orders when necessary.

Support kitchen staff morale and dining experience quality.

VIII. End-of-Season Responsibilities

Lead staff through an organized lodge and kitchen closing process.

Inventory store merchandise and update inventory records.

Prepare maintenance, supply, and staffing needs for the following year.

Provide guest feedback summaries and strategic recommendations to the Keewaydin Director.

IX. Physical & Lifestyle Expectations

Ability to learn to drive all camp boats locally and to mainland landings.

Must be able to lift and transport up to 30 lbs regularly.

Comfortable working in a remote, off-grid setting and traversing uneven terrain.

Ability to stand and walk for extended periods in varied weather conditions.

Desired Qualifications

Proven leadership experience in hospitality, resort, or lodge management.

Strong guest service orientation with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Budgeting, financial management, and administrative capabilities.

Experience hiring, training, and managing seasonal teams.

Proficiency in basic technology: Google, Squarespace, spreadsheets, and digital communications.

Passion for wilderness-based community living.

Required Skills & Traits

Personal Traits:

The ideal Director is an

energetic, adaptable, and welcoming leader

who enjoys connecting with others and finds fulfillment in hard work. They bring a

positive outlook, sense of humor, humility, and integrity

, paired with strong initiative and resilience in a remote, off-grid setting.

Leadership & Management Skills:

They are a

calm, confident decision maker

with excellent organizational skills, the ability to plan across timelines, and a strong hospitality mindset. They communicate with warmth and clarity,

motivate and mentor staff

, and handle challenges with composure and creativity.

Compensation

This is a unique opportunity to lead Ojibway Family Lodge each summer while enjoying

flexible, part-time planning work year-round

. Seasonal on-site compensation is competitive, ranging from CA $ 28,000 to $32,000, and part-time administrative hours during the off-season are paid at

CA $24-$30/hour

, based on experience.

Mid-May to Mid-September

Full-time seasonal

Mid-September to Mid-May

15 hrs/week

Keewaydin employees receive 75% discount on Keewaydin Camp tuition.

The Director of Ojibway is not eligible to receive tips from the tip pool.

Extended Healthcare included.

Start start somewhat flexible.

How to Apply

Please send your resume and cover letter to Emily Schoelzel, Director, Keewaydin Camp, emily@keewaydin.org with the subject line "Ojibway Director Application." Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Application deadline is October 31st. Interviews will be scheduled for the third week in November.

To view the full job description and

learn more about Ojibway at www.ojibwayfamilylodge.com

and www.keewaydin.org

Applicants must be

legally authorized to work in Canada

for the duration of their employment. The position is based in Ontario, Canada, with on-site work at Ojibway Family Lodge from early June through early September.

OJIBWAY MISSION STATEMENT

PREAMBLE

The mission of The Keewaydin Foundation is to provide camping experiences and challenges that help children achieve significant personal growth by living in a community, being independent and living simply in rustic and natural settings.

MISSION

Ojibway exists to advance the mission of The Keewaydin Foundation, in particular by supporting and enhancing the programs of Keewaydin Temagami.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES AND GOALS

To achieve its mission, Ojibway:

serves principally as a vacation destination for new and longtime Keewaydin families, alumni and friends, as well as for others unfamiliar with Keewaydin but who might be expected to embrace Keewaydin's values and lifestyles;

offers high quality programs and activities that are intended to appeal to people who enjoy vacationing in a wilderness setting and who place a high value on the natural world and the importance of its preservation;

engages in activities that reflect sound environmental practices; and

operates with the goal of being a self-sustaining entity.

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Pay: $37,000.00-$47,360.00 per year

Expected hours: No more than 40 per week

Benefits:

Dental care Disability insurance Extended health care Flexible schedule Store discount Vision care
Experience:

Hospitality: 3 years (preferred)
Language:

English (preferred)
Licence/Certification:

Ontario Boaters License (preferred)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2025-10-31
Expected start date: 2026-01-07