Equestrian Program Manager

Join Our Team:

For more than 40 years, the National Ability Center has been breaking barriers and transforming lives through adaptive sports and recreation—creating opportunities for people with disabilities to experience adventure, independence, and community.

Are you passionate about horses and inspired by the life-changing impact of therapeutic and adaptive riding? The National Ability Center is seeking a motivated and experienced Equestrian Program Manager to help lead our nationally recognized Equestrian program in beautiful Park City, Utah. In this full-time, year-round leadership role, you will support program development and daily operations, mentor and supervise instructors, collaborate with volunteers and families, and help deliver safe, inclusive, and empowering riding experiences for participants with disabilities. If you thrive in a mission-driven environment and bring a strong background in equestrian instruction, team leadership, and adaptive programming, we invite you to join a program where your work truly makes a difference. 

Job Summary:

The Equestrian Program Manager supports the Senior Manager in the development, coordination, and administration of the therapeutic recreation and adaptive sports equestrian program. This role is crucial for ensuring smooth daily operations, assisting in program delivery, and managing various aspects of program administration. The Program Manager will work closely with staff, volunteers, and participants to enhance the overall effectiveness and impact of the program. This position is a full-time, year-round position with benefits, and it requires weekend and after-hours work, as needed.

Essential Duties:

• Assists in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of therapeutic and adaptive equestrian activities and events.
• Serves as an instructor as needed for mounted riding lessons and unmounted riding programs, adhering to the curriculum and rider progression guidelines established by the Senior Manager.
• Supervises, trains, mentors, and evaluates part-time Equestrian Instructors including supporting the development of annual goals, prioritizing needs, providing resources, and providing regular feedback.
• Coordinates daily program schedules, including sessions, appointments, and activities.
• Facilitates effective communication between participants, families, and program staff and serves as a point of contact for participants and their families to address questions, concerns, and feedback regarding the riding instruction and participant experiences.
• Ensures that all program materials, equipment, and resources are prepared and available.
• Works directly with the Equestrian Volunteer Coordinator to ensure that all scheduling needs are filled by trained and qualified volunteers.
• Assists with summer camps, trail rides, and special groups.
• Assists in organizing and promoting community outreach and engagement activities.
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date records related to program participants, attendance records, lesson experiences, and rider progress notes.
• Ensures adherence to safety protocols and regulatory requirements in all program activities.
• Conducts regular safety checks of equipment, facilities, and program practices to ensure the highest level of safety for all aspects of mounted and unmounted programs.
• Monitors and enforces compliance with organizational policies and industry standards, specifically all standards and requirements for PATH accreditation.
• Assists with daily care of horses and barn chores as assigned.
• Collects and analyzes feedback from participants, families, and staff to assess the program and riding instruction effectiveness.
• Contributes to and makes recommendations to the Senior Manager for the development and implementation of strategies for program improvement and growth.
• Supports program evaluations and assists in reporting on program outcomes, participant experiences, and impact.
• Supports with "Emergency Horse Transport – On Call" within the equestrian department as assigned.
• Delivers a positive, fun, and collaborative team working environment experience.
• Assists in organizing and executing special events, demonstrations, and fundraisers related to the equestrian program, specifically Barn Party every summer.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• 3 years of experience working in equestrian riding instruction and basic horsemanship.
• Work experience in Therapeutic Recreation, Sports Management, a related field.
• 1 year of supervisory experience in an equestrian program, or a related field.
• Ability to ride and school a wide variety of horses (i.e. English, Western, bareback, etc.); riding skill proficiency demonstration at a minimum: walk, trot/jog & canter/lope on a variety of horses and disciplines.
• Knowledge of PATH and ability to obtain industry certification(s).
• 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.
• Must pass a pre-employment background check.
• Must 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Equine Science, Therapeutic Recreation, Sports Management, a related field.
• Certification in Therapeutic Riding Instructor (PATH Intl.) or equivalent.
• Experience working with a non-profit organization.
• Experience in therapeutic recreation or experience working with people with various disabilities.
• Experience recruiting and managing volunteers.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• 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.
• Demonstrated leadership experience to be able to lead by example, motivate a team, delegate tasks, and to teach, coach, and mentor the part-time Equestrian Instructors at varying levels of proficiency and experience.
• Ability to work cooperatively and independently, showing creativity and innovation.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
• High level of proficiency using MS Office.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills and outgoing personality to engage with the participants, families, visitors, co-workers, and donors.
• Demonstrated ability to work productively and collaboratively within a team.
• Commitment to a positive, fun and team-oriented working environment.

Working Conditions:

• Ability to lift and maneuver equipment weighing up to 75 lbs. while working around the barn and with the horses.
• Ability to stand for up to 6 hours, walk, and run on uneven surfaces to up to 2 or more consecutive hours including stooping, bending, and crouching with repetitive hand motions while providing riding instruction and facilitating other equestrian programs.
• 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