Associate Director, Buckeye Paws

The Ohio State University

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Director for Buckeye Paws, an animal-assisted dog therapy program focused on supporting staff, faculty and student well-being, will be responsible for the oversight and growth of the Buckeye Paws program that supports the mental health and wellbeing of both The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center (OSUWMC) and The Ohio State University (OSU). This position would have responsibility for both Buckeye Paws and Comfort Paws which is focused on providing visits for patients within/across the Wexner Medical Center. This position will be an integral member of the Buckeye Paws Administrative team and Advisory Board with a collaborative reporting relationship to the Office of Strategy with day-to-day oversight from the co-founders of Buckeye Paws.

The Buckeye Paws Associate Director will provide oversight of the Buckeye Paws and Comfort Paws program operations. The role is responsible for annual and long-term budget plans, business plans, and strategic planning. This position will develop and implement strategies to build sources of cash to sustain operations. In addition, this role will partner with philanthropy to raise cash gifts and endowment opportunities. To build presence for the program, the associate director will work with marketing and communications and oversee the program’s social media. The associate director manages a team that includes Buckeye Paws employee handlers, student assistants, and the Comfort Paws Program Manager, as well as the external volunteer handlers to ensure they are in compliance with policy, rules and regulations, and education and training requirements. Oversight responsibilities include administrative/office support of the team. organizing and coordinating therapy dog visits with students, faculty, staff, patients, and visitors. Other responsibilities include collaborating with legal on contracts, partnering with accreditation and compliance, epidemiology, administration and finance (as needed). .Related duties may also be assigned.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Allied Medicine, Health Education, Public Health, Business Operations, or related field, with at least 8 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience in program planning, strategic planning, OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE, PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT and administration with an understanding of determinants of staff and patient health and well-being
• Excellent customer service skills and excellent computer skills to include Microsoft windows applications and database management
• Ability to work primarily first shift but occasional variable hours

Nice To Haves

• Master’s Degree preferred

Responsibilities

• Oversight of the Buckeye Paws and Comfort Paws program operations
• Responsible for annual and long-term budget plans, business plans, and strategic planning
• Develop and implement strategies to build sources of cash to sustain operations
• Partner with philanthropy to raise cash gifts and endowment opportunities
• Work with marketing and communications and oversee the program’s social media
• Manage a team that includes Buckeye Paws employee handlers, student assistants, and the Comfort Paws Program Manager, as well as the external volunteer handlers to ensure they are in compliance with policy, rules and regulations, and education and training requirements
• Oversight responsibilities include administrative/office support of the team
• Organizing and coordinating therapy dog visits with students, faculty, staff, patients, and visitors
• Collaborating with legal on contracts, partnering with accreditation and compliance, epidemiology, administration and finance (as needed)

Benefits

• Eligible Ohio State employees receive comprehensive benefits packages, including medical, dental and vision insurance, tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, and state or alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director