Programming Director - Equine Therapy - MS

EquiStaff•Nesbit, MS

12d•$70,000•Onsite

About The Position

This growing, multidisciplinary equestrian facility just across the border from Memphis, Tennessee, is seeking a Therapeutic Program Director to help bring an ambitious new vision to life. Operating under a 501(c)(3) mental-health foundation, the facility plans to develop comprehensive mounted and unmounted programming for children and adults with physical, developmental, behavioral, and mental-health needs, as well as veterans and individuals in addiction recovery. The facility is already well into development, featuring 50 acres, three outdoor arenas, an indoor arena under construction, a 12-stall pole barn, and a competition barn in the works. This is a supportive, mission-driven organization looking for someone who shares the team's compassionate spirit and excitement for building something meaningful.

Requirements

Minimum five years of relevant experience in nonprofit programming, behavioral health, disability services, therapeutic horsemanship, equine-assisted services, education, fundraising, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience developing or managing programs, writing grants, fundraising, and collaborating across departments or community organizations.
Strong leadership, communication, budgeting, documentation, and relationship-building skills.
Understanding of confidentiality, professional boundaries, vulnerable populations, and the distinction between equine-assisted activities and licensed clinical treatment.
Collaborative, open minded teamwork and leadership style conducive to operating a therapeutic program adjacent to for-profit competitive riding disciplines.

Nice To Haves

Relevant degrees, clinical credentials, or therapeutic horsemanship certifications are welcomed but not required - support in place to gain additional certifications and training as needed.

Responsibilities

Design and implement mounted and unmounted programs serving individuals with physical, developmental, behavioral, and mental-health needs, including children, veterans, and individuals in addiction recovery.
Develop participant eligibility, intake, scheduling, documentation, safety, and outcome-measurement procedures.
Evaluate program effectiveness and recommend new or expanded services based on community needs, available funding, and organizational capacity.
Research funding opportunities and prepare grant applications, program narratives, budgets, renewals, and impact reports.
Collaborate with the Founder and finance team to develop sustainable program budgets, scholarship opportunities, and funding strategies.
Cultivate relationships with donors, foundations, corporate sponsors, and other potential funding partners.
Work with the Equestrian Director and Stable Manager to coordinate appropriate horses, facilities, scheduling, equipment, and equestrian support for each program.
Develop partnerships and referral relationships with schools, veterans' organizations, healthcare providers, disability organizations, recovery programs, and behavioral-health professionals.
Represent and promote the therapeutic program through community outreach, presentations, donor events, and educational opportunities.
Recruit, onboard, schedule, and manage counselors and other professionals working specifically within the therapeutic program.
Establish consistent expectations for documentation, confidentiality, participant communication, safety, and professional boundaries.
Ensure all personnel work within their education, training, credentials, and professional scope, including appropriate clinical supervision when required.
Track participation, outcomes, revenue, expenses, grant requirements, and other program performance indicators.
Provide regular reports and recommendations to the Founder, Equestrian Director, and finance team.
Maintain accurate, confidential program records and ensure compliance with organizational policies and applicable requirements.