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About The Position
Join a passionate team where horses change lives every day. At the National Ability Center, the Equestrian Program Assistant Manager plays a vital leadership role in delivering exceptional adaptive and therapeutic equestrian experiences that empower individuals of all abilities to build confidence, independence, and joy. If you are an experienced equestrian professional who thrives in a dynamic environment, enjoys mentoring staff, values safety and program excellence, and is inspired by creating meaningful impact through horses, this is an exciting opportunity to help shape innovative programming while supporting a mission that transforms lives through recreation and adventure.
The Equestrian Program Assistant Manager supports the Equestrian Team in the daily running of the equestrian program. This role includes the development, coordination, and administration of our therapeutic recreation and adaptive equestrian program. This position is crucial for ensuring smooth daily operations, assisting in program delivery, managing various aspects of program administration and working with the entire team to drive continued improvement. The Assistant Manager will work closely with the Senior Manager, instructor staff, volunteers, and participating families to enhance the overall effectiveness and impact of the program. This position is a full-time, year-round position with benefits, and it requires some weekend and occasional after-hours work, as needed.
Requirements
- Work experience in Therapeutic Recreation, Sports Management, or a related field.
- 3 years of supervisory experience in an equestrian program, riding experience, and horsemanship skills.
- Ability to ride and school a wide variety of horses (i.e. English, Western, etc.); riding skill proficiency demonstration at a minimum: walk, trot/jog & canter/lope on a variety of horses and disciplines.
- Current First Aid and CPR certification, or the ability to obtain (NAC will provide a free on-site course, if needed).
- Valid Driver’s License.
- Must pass a pre-employment background check and be legally authorized to work in the United States. We do not sponsor employment visas or other immigration processes to attain or maintain employment eligibility.
- Experience in therapeutic recreation or experience working with people with various disabilities, and open to ongoing learning opportunities that support adaptive thinking and educational growth.
- Strong work ethic to accommodate multiple responsibilities and shifting priorities in a quick-paced environment.
- Demonstrated leadership experience to be able to lead by example, motivate a team, delegate tasks, and to mentor the Equestrian Instructors at varying levels of proficiency and experience.
- Ability to work cooperatively and independently, showing creativity, communication skill, and innovation.
- Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritize work effectively and efficiently under pressure.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills and personality to engage with the participants, families, visitors, co-workers, and donors.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor’s degree in Equine Science, Therapeutic Recreation, Sports Management, or a related field.
- Certification in Therapeutic Riding Instructor (PATH Intl.) or equivalent.
- Experience working with a non-profit organization.
- Experience recruiting and managing volunteers.
Responsibilities
- Assist in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of all therapeutic and adaptive equestrian activities, events, special groups, and fundraisers as needed.
- Serve as an instructor, help develop curriculum and rider progression guidelines established by the Senior Manager.
- Supervise, train, mentor, and evaluate the instructors to include support in the development of annual goals, prioritizing needs, providing resources, and regular feedback.
- Coordinate daily program schedules, including sessions, and various activities.
- Work directly with the Equestrian Volunteer Coordinator, Equine Manager, and the reservation team to ensure that all scheduling needs are met and assist with the registration process.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records related to program participants, attendance records, lesson experiences, and progress notes.
- Ensure adherence of safety protocols and compliance with organizational policies and industry standards, conducting safety checks of equipment, facilities, and practices for PATH accreditation to ensure the highest standard.
- On call to assist with care of horses and barn chores as needed.
- Delivers a positive, fun, and collaborative team working environment.
Benefits
- Health Insurance with Health Savings Account
- Employer Contribution to HSA
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Long-term Disability
- Life Insurance
- Voluntary Accident and Hospital Plans
- Paid Time Off (PTO) annually
- 11 Paid Holidays + 2 Paid Personal Days Annually (including a paid day off on your birthday)
- 403(b) Plan with Employer Match
- Parental Leave
- Pet Insurance
- Pro Deals with gear companies
