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Recruiting a visionary leader to unlock the next phase of growth
Client
Camp Naru
Camp Director
Role
Jiwan
Camp Director
The Partnership
Camp Naru is a mission-driven program of the YS Kim Foundation, a New York City-based nonprofit focused on supporting Korean American communities. Through Camp Naru, the foundation set out to create something rare: a camp experience designed specifically for Korean American youth, many of whom had never seen themselves reflected in traditional camp spaces.
When CampHire got involved, Camp Naru had completed several summers of operation and was preparing for its next phase of growth. The camp ran a short, two-week overnight session and relied heavily on a small internal team without deep camp backgrounds. The organization had strong financial backing and ambitious goals, but limited internal camp expertise. This moment mattered. Leadership needed to shift from making camp happen to building something sustainable, scalable, and aligned with a broader cultural mission.
The Search
Initially, Camp Naru came to CampHire looking for a Camp Director who checked a long list of boxes. The ideal candidate needed to understand overnight camp operations, live and work in New York City, spend two weeks on site during the summer, and bring lived experience within the Korean American community. Relocation was not an option. Neither was compromising on mission alignment.
As the search unfolded, the complexity became clear. Camp experience alone was not enough. This role required someone who could work within a business-oriented nonprofit environment, partner with a board unfamiliar with camp, and help define a model that did not yet exist. There were no widely recognized Korean American camps operating at scale, which meant there was no obvious talent pipeline to tap.
CampHire began with a broad, national search across Korean American youth organizations, cultural institutions, nonprofit leaders, and the handful of existing Korean American camps across the country. We spoke with board members, executive leaders, and community organizers. While several candidates understood camp and culture deeply, very few were based in New York City. Ultimately, the search shifted to a highly targeted local approach, prioritizing nonprofit leadership, youth development exposure, and entrepreneurial thinking over traditional Camp Director resumes.
The Hire
Jiwan emerged later in the process but stood out immediately. Based in New York City, she brought a mix of strategic, nonprofit, and youth-focused experience that aligned with what Camp Naru actually needed. Her background included consulting work with nonprofits and large organizations, experience partnering with executive teams, and exposure to youth development through corporate partnerships with the Boys and Girls Club.
While camp leadership was not front and center on her resume, deeper conversations revealed a meaningful personal connection to camp through her own experiences as a camper and counselor at Korean American camps. Born in Korea and raised in the United States, Jiwan understood firsthand the cultural gaps Camp Naru was working to bridge. She brought the analytical mindset to build systems and the personal motivation to help Korean American youth feel seen and supported.
The final stages required careful navigation. Accepting the role meant a financial tradeoff for Jiwan, balanced by the opportunity to lead a mission she felt deeply connected to. CampHire supported both sides through transparent conversations, ensuring expectations were clear and the partnership was built on trust.
"This was a meaningful and unique search, and we’re grateful for the care, intention, and hard work CampHire brought to the process. Our new hire will play a large role in continuing to shape a space where Korean American youth feel seen, connected, and celebrated. CampHire is a wonderful team, and we’re thankful for the collaboration, trust, and thoughtfulness throughout the process."
Jaclyn Canny
Head of Talent, Alpine Global