Job Description

The time has come for Agape to add another superstar to the team as we continue to change the world with horses. This position oversees all aspects of daily programming operations at the Agape East Site and is responsible for overseeing that the most excellent equine-assisted services are provided to our clients through the development, management and administration of program components for therapeutic riding, horsemanship and related activities. The Site Manager provides the day-to-day leadership and management of Agape programs to assure that participants experience the full benefits of equine-based activities as well as participates in and oversees, the instructional aspects of direct services to Agape’s program participants to ensure that programs are safe effective, enjoyable, progressive and challenging. The Site Manager is a proactive ambassador for Agape, effectively communicating our mission and the benefits of therapeutic horsemanship programs.

We enjoy coming to work; we love what we do. We love working with each other; we love our donors, riders and families, volunteers, and of course, our horses. We’re motivated by a larger vision, a purpose that continually pushes us to be better and grow stronger. We’re looking for someone who can not only do the job detailed below but share that same passion and drive. On top of that, we’re going to be pretty picky about your ability to teach volunteers and riders, organize, communicate, and execute. Communication and organization will be crucial to doing this job well. We need a highly organized, self-directed, goal-oriented, tech-savvy, team player (that’s a lot of buzz words) committed to Agape’s mission and vision.

Reports to: Program Director
Position Type: Full-time, exempt, salary with benefits
Location: Primarily Greenfield, IN (Agape East); Occasional travel to Cicero, IN (Agape North)
Direct Reports: Instructors assigned to teach at Agape East

Primary Responsibilities

I. Site Management and Development

• Manage and oversee day-to-day activities of the program and operations at Agape East.
• Work with the Program Director (PD) to prepare and submit an annual site budget, and manage annual site budget, while reporting accurately on progress made and challenges encountered.
• Develop collaborative partnerships with like-minded organizations to expand programming and collaborate with the Program Director to ensure excellent services are provided to partners.
• Communicate regularly with the instructional team regarding class progress, needs, successes, & concerns.
• Collaborate with staff from other sites for consistency and resource sharing.
• Recommends program changes to PD to achieve the goals of Agape’s strategic plan.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and Director of Fundraising and Marketing to represent Agape at community events and serve as a spokesperson for Agape East.
• Collaborate with Facility Manager for ongoing site maintenance and improvement, with a focus on issues that impact equine or human safety.
• Maintain a clean and organized facility, including office, equine areas, restroom(s), tack.
• Provide tours to guests and visitors when appropriate.
• Remain up to date on and adhere to PATH International standards and procedures.

II. Program Oversight and Development

• Oversee the implementation of daily programs for assigned site to ensure all classes are properly and safely taught and supervised according to Agape’s values including lesson facilitation, volunteer management, and equine management.
• Supervise and lead instructors and model excellence in facilitation.
• Oversee the enrollment, re-enrollment, intakes and record keeping of all Agape individual clients and groups for assigned site; collaborate and communicate with the PD and Finance Director (FD) to ensure accurate record keeping.
• Work with instructors to communicate progress and outcomes to partners and participants several times a year.
• Implement program evaluation surveys as assigned and directed by the PD.
• Actively seek program/lesson input from instructors, and others in the field, for ways to improve programming.
• Actively pursue new students and community partners to recruit participants and volunteers.

III. Equine Responsibilities

• Daily monitor and care for the physical condition and the mental attitude of each horse and collaborate with the Equine Manager to determine specific exercises and training.
  • Assure equines are fed and watered daily.
  • Check for changes in physical soundness and behavior of each equine prior to its assignment/job for the day to ensure that the equine can perform as needed.
  • Determine if equine is suitable for daily tasks assigned as scheduled or if the equine needs to be removed and changes need to be made to the daily schedule until soundness and/or behavior concerns are resolved.
  • Communicate with the Equine Manager regarding all equine-related concerns.
• Assist with schooling horses as necessary and requested by the Equine Manager.
• Maintain the Equine First Aid cabinet; ensure that Equine First Aid remains stocked and adhere to all PATH Intl. standards.
• Maintain all equine related documentation weekly as instructed by the Equine Manager.

IV. Instructor/Program Facilitation Responsibilities

• Maintain extensive knowledge of the needs served by Agape, contraindications, and effective interventions.
• Continually monitor instructional area and enforce safety rules and procedures.
• Design and implement individualized rider lesson plans including goals and objectives (approx. 1/2 hour per assigned lesson per week).
• Assist in conducting student assessments as needed.
• Oversee class volunteers, providing support and education as needed, and communicating concerns to the PD.
• Monitor and support assigned interns, regularly updating the PD.
• Document client progress (1/2 hour per assigned lesson per week), communicating updates to caregivers and maintaining rider’s files.
• Complete incident reports as needed and provide copies to the Leadership Team.

Qualifications & Required Skills

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in related field (equine science, teaching, social work, behavioral health, etc)
• PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor status required (at minimum).
• At least 5 years of significant experience working with horses.
• Current CPR/First Aid/AED Certified
• Excellent technology proficiency or ability to learn, specifically with web-based systems such as Google Workspace and Salesforce.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple direct reporting staff.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and quality control in work projects.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple projects and tasks; high ability to manage time and remain flexible to meet the unexpected needs of visitors and participants.