Ranch Program Director-Camp Ernst YMCA

The Ranch Program Director will direct the year-round ranch program and staff at YMCA Camp Ernst. This position will oversee related facilities, horses and equipment and participate in the planning and implementation of all related camp ranch and equine programming. 

Key Responsibilities

• Provide for upkeep of assigned program facilities and equipment including proper manure, pasture, footing, fence line and trail maintenance. Collaborate with facilities to develop and maintain ranch property and design/plan improvements.
• Direct, manage, and conduct horsemanship lesson and weekend ranch programs including marketing, enrollment, scheduling, training instructors, accounts receivable, supervising curriculum and staffing.
• Manages and participates with the overall care of the horses including grooming, feeding and watering, as well as Ferrier and communication with veterinarian for medical care, and safe rendering when required. Maintains necessary documents for each horse.
• Creates, develops and implements progressive programming (including methods to provide services to the general public) to include whole horsemanship (ground lessons, arena lessons, trail rides).
• Lead the camp’s response to ranch camper and staff situations, coaching counseling staff where necessary and involving Executive Director where necessary.
• Supervise all aspects of ranch day camp, including camp logistics, scheduling, staff supervision, program coordination, curriculum, waitlist and group management, accounts receivable, program supplies, and budget.
• Work closely with the other program directors to effectively and efficiently run a quality overnight and day camp summer program and year-round riding experiences for guests.
• Creates and maintains a child-centered horse stable with a positive atmosphere by nurturing program participants with an attitude that displays the Y’s character qualities of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
• Recruits, hires, schedules, trains, manages, supervises and evaluates ranch staff as well as volunteers for horse-related duties. Supervise performance of ranch camp staff and help with their transition to and participation in the program, including leadership development of teen staff. 
• Plans, executes, evaluates and continually refines year-round and summer Ranch programs for quality and program effectiveness. Ensures all program standards are met.
• Collaborates with Camp Program Director to incorporate a horse experience for all campers/participants.
• Secures and maintains quality ranch supplies and equipment (tack, helmets, buckets, etc.) for effective program operation. Regularly inspects equipment for safety hazards, damage or wear in order to repair or replace as needed.
• Develops, implements and monitors department budget including staff wages, supplies, feed, veterinary care, etc. to ensure fiscal responsibility throughout the year. Maintains expenses in order to stay within budgetary restraints.
• Interprets and supervises safety and health regulations according to the standards of the Certified Horsemanship Association. Enforces all safety rules and corrects any behavior of staff, campers and guests, which may be immediately dangerous to a person, the camp facility, equipment or livestock and reports problems to Executive Director.
• Supervises volunteerism for the branch including acting as liaison to corporate groups, growing and developing volunteerism opportunities and programs, training, assigning, and recognizing volunteers throughout camp.
• Maintains good communication and effective relationships with volunteers, parents of campers, vendors, boarders, current groups and guests. 
• Maintains ACA, YMCA and CHA standards and expectations for a quality program.
• Leads marketing efforts for horse-related programming.
• Coordinates management of all aspects of petting zoo including feed, cleanliness, etc.
• Actively participates in annual campaign, in-kind, and capital donations including but not limited to special events, soliciting donations, cultivating and stewarding donors.
• Networks and develops relationship with other regional equine operations including Northern KY Horse Network.
• Supports rentals and other areas of camp.
• This job description may not be all inclusive and employees are expected to perform all other duties as necessary or assigned/directed by management. Job description and duties may be modified.
  
  

Qualifications

• Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in supervision, coordination and implementation of equine programs.
• Obtain and maintain CHA certification.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as, skills in administration, marketing, staff supervision and member/volunteer involvement.
• Must be able to handle multiple tasks and be creative, motivated, self-starter with the ability to lead and motivate others.