About the Facility
This impressive, growing facility is owned and operated by a private university with a rapidly growing equine interest! Set far enough away from the hustle and soaring prices of NYC, this university calls a small and peaceful section of Western NY home. One of the first schools to pioneer an Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Major, along with their top class Equine Business Management Major & Minor, and their Equine Studies minor. With a highly competitive western team and up-and-coming hunter/dressage team, this program is looking for a versatile leader to take them to the next level! This university is home to a spacious facility set on 400 university-owned acres located within a five-minute drive from campus. The Equestrian Center includes offices, classrooms, viewing areas, a 200x80 foot indoor arena and two outdoor arenas (one 200x120 feet, one 100x100 feet). The 56 stalls accommodate both University-owned horses and student boarded horses. The Center also hosts a variety of different University-owned shows, and contracted shows that occur year round. On average, there are about 70-80 students taking part in the Equine programs, with a strong desire from the university to grow this number. This is truly a peaceful and exceptional place for an experienced equestrian to call home!
Job Description
After nearly two decades under the same leadership, this up-and-coming equestrian University program is in need of a new leader and head coach! The ideal candidate possess a strong background in equestrian operations, show facility management, herd management, and collegiate equestrian coaching. This person will be responsible for the oversight of the entire program including strategic planning, budget management, scheduling, daily logistics, horse care, and event logistics. This person may also be called on to help design and facilitate courses within the Equine degrees. This may include overseeing instruction of riding classes and teaching equestrian related courses as requested by school leadership. It will be the Equestrian Director's responsibility to ensure all actions are for the good of the University and its equestrian programs. This will mean outreach activities, networking with the local community and other universities, and increasing overall awareness for the school and the Equestrian Program.
The Director will lead a team of full- and part-time employees including head and assistant equestrian coaches/instructors/trainers, office staff, barn maintenance staff and work-study students. Additionally, the Director will hire independent contractors to assist with the care of the herd (e.g., farrier, veterinarian). In this role, the Director of Equestrian Program will be responsible for overseeing the upkeep and improvements of the equestrian center, supporting programming, ensuring equipment remains in good repair, managing events from start to finish, procuring horses, and providing support for the onsite boarding operations.
It is anticipated that the Head Equestrian Coach will lead the Western Team and may be called upon to assist with coaching in the English disciplines as well, depending on background and skill level.
Job Duties
Program Management:
- Maintain compliance with all sport, university, and government rules & regulations
- Hire, train, supervise, mentor, schedule, and evaluate full- and part-time staff and work study students
- Effectively delegate daily tasks to appropriate team members.
- Develop competitive competition schedules.
- Effectively manage five operational and restricted budgets in full.
- Oversee and contribute to the management of the equestrian program's social media accounts.
- Collaborate with Advancement staff to plan and implement fundraising activities and the stewardship of gifts.
- Develop positive relationships with alumni and parents of current, former, and prospective students.
Facility and Herd Management:
- Oversee the upkeep and improvements of the University facility & equipment, manage both full-time and part time staff effectively.
- Organize and coordinate the equestrian center calendar including practices, classes, events, and other programs.
- Assist with facilitation and operations of events, clinics, shows, and equestrian activities including IHSA show season and post-season shows.
- Oversee all aspects of the care, daily management, and training of the horse herd including records keeping and suitability evaluations. Source and Procure new university-owned horses as need and budget allows
- Primary point of contact for vet, farrier, and other necessary services.
- Manage all aspects of the onsite boarding operations including taking applications, coordination of shipping schedules, maintaining records, and billing.
Teaching and Coaching:
- Maintain an exemplary standard of conduct and professionalism in order to provide a nurturing and supportive intellectual environment
- Develop strategies and techniques to best prepare the riders and teams for competitive shows and career aspirations.
- Oversee instruction of riding classes, including teaching of select courses/classes
- All aspects of Head Coach for a varsity equestrian competition team and regular training regiment
- Foster inclusiveness and connection through all aspect of coaching and team activities
Recruiting:
- Cultivate a recruiting network including but not limited to attending the Equine Affaire annual recruiting events.
- Recruit students who coincide with the academic profile of Alfred University students and who are interested in the equestrian academic or intercollegiate programs.
- Maintain open communication with other Alfred University coaches regarding shared prospects.
- Meet recruiting goals as determined in collaboration with the Associate Vice President for Student Experience, Athletics, & Recreation.
