Part-time Franklin County 4-H Therapeutic Riding Center Program Director

Penn State University•University Park, PA

59d•$25

About The Position

This individual will function as a member of the Penn State Extension - Franklin County 4-H team, collaborating with the 4-H educators and other staff in the Penn State Extension Office in Franklin County. Major responsibilities include implementing and ensuring industry standards are met in teaching therapeutic riding lessons, training therapeutic riding instructors, selecting and schooling program horses. In carrying out the assigned duties, the individual will work directly with other part-time Franklin County 4-H Therapeutic Riding Center staff, volunteers, and the Franklin County 4-H Therapeutic Riding Center Advisory Council. This position is administratively responsible to the Penn State Extension 4-H Youth Development Educator in Franklin County and the Penn State Extension Business Operations Manager.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Equine Facilitated Therapeutics, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
PATH International or CECTH Therapeutic Riding Instructor Certification preferred.
Proven success in fundraising and public relations.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with volunteers, youth, families, and the general public.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Experience with zSuite, SIMBA, and Outlook software preferred.
Proficiency in information technology and digital communication tools.
Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
Highly organized, self-motivated, and capable of working independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
Approximately 24 hours per week.
Flexible schedule required, including availability for some evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with the Advisory Council to develop long-term strategies and annual plans that support the sustainability and growth of the program.
Lead and manage public relations and fundraising initiatives, including website and social media oversight, community networking, and public presentations.
Actively evaluate and implement operational efficiency measures to streamline operations to optimize resources, including Penn State 4-H staff.
Collaborate in the development of the annual budget, oversee accounts payable and receivable, and complete all required financial paperwork in accordance with Penn State policy.
Recruit, train, and evaluate therapeutic riding and driving instructors annually. Address performance concerns and, if necessary, manage dismissal procedures.
Conduct parent/guardian meetings on participant objectives, teaching methods, and progress in instruction. Participate in horse selection decisions in collaboration with the Stable Manager and Lead Riding Instructor.
Participate in horse selection decisions in collaboration with the Stable Manager and Lead Riding Instructor.
Annually review and update the following in coordination with the 4-H Educator: Franklin County 4-H Therapeutic Riding Center Policy and Procedures Manual, Parent Handbook, Volunteer Handbook, and Rider and Volunteer Application Forms.
Assist in coordinating volunteer training and lesson scheduling with instructors, the Barn Manager, and the Volunteer Coordinator.
Provide guidance and support to the Stable Manager regarding horse care, including feeding, veterinary, farrier, and dental services.
Under the direction of the 4-H Educator, provide on-site supervision for the following Therapeutic Riding Center personnel: Volunteer Coordinator, Stable Manager, Riding Instructors, Facilities & Maintenance Volunteer.
Collaborate with the 4-H Educator to address and, if necessary, dismiss volunteers who violate the Penn State 4-H Volunteer Leader Code of Conduct.
Engage in ongoing professional development related to the therapeutic riding program.
Attend Advisory Council, Operations Committee, and Penn State Extension - Franklin County staff meetings. Co-develop meeting agendas with the Advisory Council President and Operations Committee Chair.
Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the 4-H Youth Development Educator or Area Business Operations Manager to support program success.