Activities Director – Apple Maker Academy - Ideas United : Job Details

Ideas United is a creative studio built on the power of storytelling. Our progressive model allows our team to take an unconventional approach – by finding and fostering emerging talent, we have built a global talent network of 3,500 storytellers working alongside our in-house creatives. We partner with the best in the business — from trailblazing brands to pioneering universities and nonprofits. Through authentic, story-driven content, we create high-quality videos (from television ads to digital), events, and more. Our clients (partners) have included leading brands such as Disney, Southern Company, The Coca-Cola Company, and PGA TOUR, along with incredible university & nonprofit partners such as Smithsonian Institution, Emory University, Georgia Tech, Georgia State University, University of Cincinnati Health, and many others. We push boundaries — investing in purpose-driven collaborations that create a lasting impact. Together, we lift voices and drive change, amplifying underrepresented perspectives and celebrating the storytellers who shape our world.

We are a team of people with diverse backgrounds, different perspectives, and unique interests. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, or disability has equal opportunities to thrive, collaborate, and create.

Summary

We are seeking an experienced, highly organized Activities Director to lead our Apple Maker Academy, a transformative summer program designed for rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. This exciting opportunity involves overseeing a unique experience focused on innovation, technology, and engineering, where students will engage in hands-on learning, problem-solving, and collaboration. The academy will take place in Northern California, and the Activities Director will play a pivotal role in ensuring that all aspects of the program, from pre-planning to post wrap-up, run smoothly and effectively.

Dates: May 5 - August 13, 2025

• Collaborate with the Ideas United project team and technology company partner to design a fun, engaging, and educational experience.
• Help develop and organize the curriculum, activities, and overall structure, ensuring alignment with the program's goals and objectives.
• Help establish rules, safety protocols, and security measures, ensuring that all guidelines promote a positive and inclusive environment.
• Collaborate with the Ideas United project team to create and implement a thorough training program to prepare Program Guides and staff for their roles, including safety, communication, and engagement.
• Help the Ideas United team coordinate logistics related to travel, housing, meals, equipment, and needs for both staff and students.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all services and needs (housing logistics, field trip coordination, etc.).
• In collaboration with Ideas United, send pre-academy communications including schedules, guidelines, and expectations to participants and parents.
• Organize and lead pre-academy meetings with staff to ensure they are prepared for their roles and responsibilities.

• Provide day-to-day direction and supervision for the staff, including program guides and activity leaders.
• Foster a positive, supportive, and inclusive culture, ensuring that all students and staff feel valued and engaged.
• Lead regular staff meetings to address any challenges, provide guidance, and ensure effective communication across the team.
• Provide weekly leadership updates to include but not limited to student participation, percentage of course completed, any concerns including safety, etc.
• Oversee student participation, ensuring a fun, safe, and educational experience.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for students, parents, partner company, and Ideas United during the Academy, addressing any concerns or questions promptly.
• Ensure that all students feel included, supported, and engaged throughout the program, while fostering a sense of community and collaboration.
• Enforce safety protocols, risk management strategies, and emergency procedures, ensuring a secure environment for all students and staff.
• Monitor the well-being of all participants, including mental and physical health, addressing any issues as they arise with the assistance of staff, partner company, and support from Ideas United.
• Address any behavior issues or conflicts among students and program guides in a professional, fair, and timely manner.
• Manage the daily Academy schedule, including activities, meals, breaks, and special events.
• Maintain an overall budget (food, essential needs, activities, etc.).
• Coordinate and supervise staff assignments, ensuring that all program guides are effectively managing their responsibilities.
• Plan and execute evening and weekend student activities, ensuring they align with the goals and provide additional opportunities for engagement.

• Help the Ideas United team coordinate logistics related to travel, housing, meals, equipment, and needs for both staff and students upon Academy departure.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all services and needs (housing logistics, communication with parents and students).
• Lead debriefing sessions with staff to assess the Academy's successes, challenges, and areas for improvement.
• Gather feedback from students, parents, and staff to evaluate the overall experience and identify opportunities for future improvements.
• Prepare and submit post-academy reports that summarize the Academy's outcomes, including feedback and any key observations.
• Evaluate staff performance and provide constructive feedback for their future growth.
• Collaborate with Ideas United and the technology partner to evaluate the overall success of the academy, incorporating feedback into planning for future programs.
• Provide insights from this year's academy to help enhance future offerings.

• Must be 25 years of age or older, and must have a valid driver's license.
• At least two years of experience working with high school students in roles such as program guide, coach, mentor, educator, or resident advisor. Additional plus if you have worked in a STEAM program or enrolled/previously enrolled in a STEAM major at a college/university.
• Proven ability to lead and supervise a team, including managing conflicts, providing feedback, and fostering a positive environment.
• Must be CPR/First Aid Certified prior to May 15, 2025; certification classes completed after hire will be reimbursed.
• Previous training in child protection, abuse prevention, and safety management is highly desirable.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with students, parents, company, and staff.
• Highly organized, with excellent time management skills and the ability to handle multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
• Possess the strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of students.
• Must be able to occasionally stand and walk for long periods of time.
• Must be able and willing to lift and carry at least 40 lbs.
• Comfort with both hardware (PC/Mac, webcams) and software (Keynote, WebEx, Slack, etc.), and troubleshooting basic tech issues.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, changing environment and adjust plans as necessary to meet evolving academy needs.
• Must be willing to work irregular hours, including weekends and evenings, any holidays during the academy period.
• Successful completion of a background check is required.
• Room, board, and travel is included, must be willing to live in a dorm setting with limited or simple equipment and facilities.

Why Apply?

As Activities Director, you'll have the chance to create an inspiring, engaging, and safe experience for students while fostering a collaborative team environment. You'll be working with a leading technology company, offering a unique opportunity to blend innovation with education and leadership. If you're passionate about shaping the future of learning and want to make a lasting impact, we encourage you to apply.

Dates: May 5 - August 13, 2025

If you require reasonable accommodation in interviewing, completing any employment testing, or otherwise participating in this hiring process, please use our application to indicate any specific inquiries. Only requests related to accommodations will be responded to.

All offers of employment at Ideas United are contingent upon clear results of a background check. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates.