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. • Supervises, trains, mentors, and evaluates assigned personnel; identifies talent needs and supports recruitment, onboarding, and offboarding. • Designs, implements, and maintains a teaching curriculum for instructors that clearly outlines teaching proficiencies from beginner to intermediate to advanced levels of riding instruction. • Ability to instruct and facilitate equestrian programming. • 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.

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).

Preferred Qualifications: • Bachelor's degree in Equine Science, Equestrian Studies, Therapeutic Recreation, other related field.

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. • 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. • 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.

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