General Manage/Summer Resort Manager

General Manager / Summer Resort Manager

Alden Camps | Oakland, Maine

Position Type: Seasonal, Full-Time (Potential for Year-Round Partnership)

Season: Memorial Day through September

Start Date: May 1 or earlier (for resort setup and de-winterizing responsibilities)

Compensation: Room and Board + Competitive Salary ($55-85k for entire season with possibility of end-of-year bonus, negotiable based on experience and availability for part-time work in the pre-and-post season and off-season)

Housing: Specific accommodations are negotiable, would be on-site at the property

About Alden Camps

For over 100 years, Alden Camps has been a cherished family summer resort on the pristine shores of East Pond in Maine's Belgrade Lakes region. Established in 1911, we are one of Maine's few remaining traditional American Plan sporting camps —a living piece of Maine history where families return year after year, generation after generation.

Set on approximately 130 acres of lakefront property, Alden Camps features 18 rustic cottages, a central dining room in our historic main farmhouse, a converted barn recreation hall, clay tennis court, basketball court, soccer field, and extensive waterfront facilities. We're known for exceptional fishing (small and largemouth bass), waterskiing, swimming from our sandy beach, our famous weekly lobster clambakes, and an atmosphere where "times stand (almost) still."

Our guests—many of whom are multigenerational families—come to Alden Camps to disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature, family, and the simple pleasures of camp life. We accommodate approximately 80 guests who make reservations for periods of one week or more, and our friendly, efficient staff creates an environment where guests can truly relax and enjoy the best of Maine.

The Opportunity

We're seeking an experienced, energetic, and hands-on General Manager (or management couple) to lead our seasonal operations and serve as the heart of our camp community. This is a unique opportunity to manage a historic Maine sporting camp in one of the state's most beautiful settings, working directly with the family-run board of directors while overseeing all aspects of resort operations.

The ideal candidate will be an outgoing host who thrives on creating memorable guest experiences, managing diverse operations, and leading a team of primarily college-aged seasonal staff. You'll wear many hats—from greeting guests to overseeing kitchen operations, from managing maintenance, to hosting our legendary weekly lobster bakes.

This position is perfect for those who love the outdoors, appreciate Maine's sporting camp traditions, and want to be part of something guests have cherished for generations. If you want to wake up to loons calling on the lake, build lasting relationships with returning guests, and be an integral part of a century-old family tradition, this could be your dream seasonal position.

Key Responsibilities

A. Kitchen and Dining Room Operations

Staff Management

Hire and supervise Head Chef, Pastry Chef, Prep Chef, and 5-6 waitstaff

Provide clear direction, training, and ongoing support to culinary team

Foster a positive, professional atmosphere in the kitchen and dining areas

Operations Oversight

Collaborate with Head Chef on menu planning and ordering of food and supplies

Monitor meal quality to ensure guest satisfaction

Supervise dining room setup, seating arrangements, and service standards

Ensure seamless execution of our signature American Plan meals and weekly lobster clambake

B. Housekeeping Operations

Team Leadership

Hire and supervise 3 cabin housekeepers

Schedule and coordinate daily cottage cleaning operations

Oversee weekly changeovers (typically on Saturdays)

Order required housekeeping supplies and laundry services

Property Preparation

Coordinate spring cottage setup and opening procedures

Conduct quality inspections to ensure all cottages meet our standards

Manage end-of-season closing and winterization

C. Camp Grounds and Recreational Activities

Maintenance and Grounds

Work with experienced Facilities Manager

Hire and supervise 4 cabin boys for general maintenance and guest services

Oversee maintenance of boats, motors, docks, cabins, and waterfront equipment

Coordinate structural repairs and improvements (or identify needs for professional contractors) Maintain outdoor grounds, pathways, and recreational areas

Guest Services

Manage waterskiing operations and equipment

Facilitate guest check-in/check-out and cottage assignments

Coordinate recreational events and activities

Handle special guest requests and service needs

Assist with moving guests' belongings to/from cottages

D. Accounting and Office Administration

Financial Management

Maintain accurate records of guest charges and transactions

Prepare and submit guest bills at checkout

Review, approve, and process all accounts payable

Manage payroll and employee withholding records

Maintain resort ledgers and financial documentation

Reservations and Guest Relations

Process reservation requests and manage booking calendar

Handle guest correspondence (emails, phone calls, inquiries)

Prepare state and federal tax forms and reports

What Makes You a Great Fit

Required Qualifications

Experience & Skills

Previous resort, camp, or hospitality management experience (minimum 2-3 years preferred)

Proven leadership ability with diverse teams, particularly young adults

Strong organizational and multitasking capabilities

Financial management and basic accounting skills

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Ability to delegate effectively while maintaining quality standards

Physical capability to perform hands-on maintenance and guest service tasks

Personal Attributes

Outgoing personality with natural hospitality and warmth

Sociable and guest-focused – comfortable acting as host and mixing with guests

Flexible and adaptable – able to shift priorities quickly in a dynamic environment

Problem solver with good judgment about when to handle issues versus when to call professionals

Detail-oriented while keeping the big picture in mind

Team builder who can inspire and motivate seasonal staff

Bonus Skills: Experience with American Plan resort operations, knowledge of Maine rustic guest resort culture, culinary management background, and/or prior work managing college-aged staff.

Compensation & Benefits

What We Offer

Housing/Meals

Several different accommodation styles are available, and will be discussed with interested candidates

Perfect for an individual manager or management couple/family

Live in one of Maine's most beautiful lakeside settings

All meals provided throughout the season

Enjoy the same high-quality dining as our guests

Compensation

Competitive monthly salary (negotiable based on experience and side season and off-season availability): range of $55-85k for entire season

Room and board provided

Opportunity for performance-based end of season bonus

Lifestyle Benefits

Work in a stunning natural environment on East Pond

Be part of a historic Maine tradition (113+ years and counting)

Build lasting relationships with multigenerational families

Access to all camp amenities during off-hours

Opportunity to fish, kayak, canoe, swim, and enjoy Maine's outdoors

Join a supportive, close-knit team

Make a meaningful impact on guests' cherished family vacations

Work Environment

Season Structure

Primary season: Memorial Day through Labor Day

May 1 start for essential pre-season setup and staff preparation

Post-Labor Day availability for winterizing and closing operations (definite advantage)

Possible weddings/special events in May and/or September

Schedule

Full-time commitment throughout the season (approximately 40-50 hours per week)

Some flexibility in daily scheduling, but presence during key meal times and guest activities is essential

Weekend availability required (Saturday changeovers are our busiest day)

On-site living allows for work-life integration

About Our Team & Culture

Alden Camps operates with a lean, dedicated team. Our staff are generally college students who may or may not have prior resort experience, which means the General Manager plays a crucial role in training, mentoring, and creating a positive team culture. We value:

Hospitality First: Every interaction should make guests feel welcomed and valued

Attention to the Little Things: It's the details that create memorable vacations

Teamwork: We succeed together and support one another

Pride in Our Work: Maintaining high standards in everything we do

Respect for Tradition: Honoring our 100+ year legacy while meeting modern expectations

Practical Problem-Solving: Being resourceful with our rustic facilities

You'll work closely with our family-owners, who are deeply invested in maintaining Alden Camps' reputation for quality and warmth.

How to Apply

If you're ready to spend your summer managing a piece of Maine history in one of the state's most beautiful locations, we'd love to hear from you

To Apply, Please Send:

1. Your resume highlighting relevant management and hospitality experience

2. A cover letter explaining: Why you're interested in managing a traditional Maine rustic family resort, your management philosophy and approach to guest service, your availability for the 2026 season, and whether you're applying as an individual or as a management couple/family

3. Three professional references

Application Contact Information:

Email:

Website:

Please, no phone calls, and direct inquiries to the email address listed above. It is the off-season and there is no one available on-site to respond to phone messages or inquiries directed to Alden Camps' general contact email address.

Application Timeline:

Applications accepted on a rolling basis

Early applications encouraged as we'd like to have our manager(s) in place well before the season Interviews will be conducted via phone/video call initially, with an on-site visit for final candidates

Additional Information

Employment Relationship: This is a seasonal, at-will position in accordance with Maine employment laws.

Equal Opportunity: Alden Camps is committed to creating an inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates.

Questions? Feel free to reach out via email. We're happy to discuss the position, answer questions about Alden Camps, or talk about what makes our guest resort special.

Come join the Alden Camps family tradition—where the fish are biting, the loons are calling, and every day brings a new opportunity to create Camp Life magic.

Alden Camps has been operated as a family summer resort since 1911. Located on scenic East Pond in Oakland, Maine, we're part of the Belgrade Lakes region—one of Maine's premier outdoor recreation areas. Learn more at or find us on Facebook and Instagram.

Pay: $55, $85,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person