Equestrian Senior Manager

Join Our Team:

Are you a visionary leader in the Equine industry with a deep commitment to empowering people of all abilities? The National Ability Center (NAC) is searching for an exceptional leader to take the reins of our renowned Equestrian Program—a place where horses change lives, barriers are broken, and independence is discovered. As a key part of our leadership team, you’ll oversee one of the nation’s most respected adaptive equestrian programs, shaping its growth, impact, and innovation. If you are ready to inspire, lead, and elevate an exceptional team at one of the largest non-profit outdoor therapeutic recreational programs in the world, this is your chance to make an incredible difference. Join our team as we celebrate our 40th Anniversary and continue our commitment and dedication to the national movement of building an Adaptive Nation!

Job Summary:

The Equestrian Senior Manager is responsible for leading the department and advancing the strategic and operational aspects of the Equestrian Department with an emphasis on executing the mission and vision of the National Ability Center. This role requires a strong leader with expertise in therapeutic and adaptive equestrian activities, program management, horsemanship, and team leadership. The Equestrian Senior Manager will ensure the program’s goals are met, maintain high standards of care and instruction, and drive growth and development in line with the organization’s mission and values. This position requires weekend and after-hours work, as needed. It is a full-time, year-round position with benefits.

Essential Duties:

• Develops, implements, and refines program strategies and initiatives that support therapeutic and adaptive equestrian activities.
• Ensures compliance with all relevant regulations, policies, and safety standards, specifically the PATH accreditation standards, best practices, and industry standards.
• Supports in the care and safety of a herd of horses up to 25 horses, while providing direct supervision and mentorship for the Equine Manager who is directly responsible for horse care, horse training, horse acquisition, and overall welfare and safety of the herd.
• Supervises, trains, mentors, and evaluates assigned personnel; identifies talent needs and supports recruitment, onboarding, and offboarding.
• Supports the development of department annual goals, establishes priorities, provides resources, support, and regular feedback for professional development; sets performance expectations, provides coaching, and administers disciplinary action as needed.
• Monitors and assesses program effectiveness and mission impact through data collection, analysis, feedback, and emerging trends in therapeutic recreation and adaptive sports; uses evaluation results to drive continuous improvement and innovations.
• Designs, implements, and maintains a teaching curriculum for instructors that clearly outlines teaching proficiencies from beginner to intermediate to advanced levels of riding instruction; similarly, maintains a handbook outlining rider progressions so that instructors have a standardized process to follow in order to provide a high quality of instruction and consistency.
• Ability to instruct and facilitate equestrian programming.
• Develops outreach strategies to increase program visibility, engagement, and impact, while working closely with the Marketing team.
• Develops and manages the equestrian program budget, ensuring financial sustainability and efficient resource allocation; assists with grant reporting specific to the equestrian department, as applicable.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with participants, families, and community partners; addresses participant concerns and ensures high levels of satisfaction and necessary support for every individual participant.
• Oversees and supports the team with the scheduling, logistics, and operations of program activities.
• Works with volunteer management team to improve utilization of volunteers and encourage and promote growth and leadership opportunities within programs.
• Provides leadership in strengthening internal communication and teamwork with staff at all levels of the organization, emphasizing strong collaboration with other departments.
• Assists with key fundraising events and other special events to help advance program goals and support; serves as an ambassador and representative for the National Ability Center.
• Other duties as assigned.                                                                                                                                  

Minimum Qualifications:

• 8 years of leadership experience with increasing responsibilities in equestrian program management, including riding instruction, program development and implementation, and staff supervision.
• Strong foundational experience equine handling, management, and behavior.
• Extensive knowledge and experience working with a variety of disabilities and medical diagnosis.
• Certification in PATH (or ability to attain within 12 months).
• 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.
• Be able to maintain a Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) physical.
• Be able to pass a background check.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Equine Science, Equestrian Studies, Therapeutic Recreation, other related field, or equivalent experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated leadership experience to be able to lead by example, motivate a team, and teach, coach, and mentor instructors and barn staff personnel at varying levels of proficiency and experience.
• Extensive experience in the equine industry; professional skills in multiple areas preferred.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and networking skills to be able to advocate for the needs of the Equestrian Department with key stakeholders.
• Ability to positively receive feedback and to provide effective feedback and job coaching for development of self and others.
• Strong work ethic and an entrepreneurial spirit to accommodate multiple responsibilities and shifting priorities in a quick-paced environment.
• Ability to prioritize work effectively and efficiently under pressure.
• Knowledge of a variety of disabilities and ability to communicate effectively and connect with participants and their families.
• Knowledge and skill to design and implement innovative Equestrian programming while advocating for the best possible customer experience.
• Ability to work with other department leads to ensure development, collaboration, and execution for shared goals.
• Ability to develop quality presentations and present to all levels of the organization.
• Ability to make quick educated program decisions based on the mission, needs, and strategic plan.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work productively and collaboratively within a team.
• Commitment to a positive, fun, and team-oriented working environment while promoting the NAC Values.
• Outstanding organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in basic computer programs such as MS Office; preferred experience in Salesforce.

Working Conditions:

• Ability to lift and maneuver equipment weighing up to 75 lbs. while working around the barn and with the horses.
• Ability to drive a vehicle pulling a horse trailer.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors while interacting with the horses in various weather conditions, including extreme weather conditions.
• Ability to work occasional weekends and after-hours work when required for special fundraising events, routine horse care, or emergency response.

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
• 10 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

Click Here to Apply: National Ability Center - Equestrian Senior Manager