I. Position Purpose.
This is an exciting opportunity to lead the revitalization of the College’s Equine Business and Training program. The Program Manager of Equine Sciences will play a pivotal role in re-establishing a high quality, industry responsive program. This will include assembling an advisory board of equine industry professionals, who will aid in curriculum development, alignment with current and emerging market demands, while also creating pathways for student internships and career placement upon graduation.
The Program Manager serves as the academic administrator and lead entrepreneur for the assigned program. Under the guidance and direction of the Dean, the Program Manager provides strategic leadership, academic oversight, and program development in alignment with the College’s mission and strategic priorities. This position is responsible for fostering student success through innovative instruction, strong industry partnerships, and workforce focused programming that prepares graduates for meaningful careers in the equine industry.
II. Program-Specific Duties and Responsibilities.
1. Conducts regular review of all aspects of the program in collaboration with the program’s Advisory Board for continuous quality improvement.
2. Oversees all academic elements of the program, from curriculum and course development to instruction, advising, instructor assignments and assessment.
3. Instructing a range of courses in both classroom and field-based settings. These courses may include subject areas such as equine starting and training, equine business and finance, equipment operation, facility operation and maintenance, horse care, horse handling, equine health and anatomy, riding instruction, reproduction health, equine massage, judging, packing, land management and agriculture science.
4. Actively leading live learning labs related to equine facility operations, herd management, pasture management, along with training animals within the program and for external individuals.
5. Provides oversight and direct animal care.
6. Managing entrepreneurial endeavors and community involvement.
7. Supervising employees, interns, students, and others working in the above-mentioned areas.
8. Assisting with site operations of various locations on the main campus, Lake Snowden bridle trails and other locations with the goal of creating meaningful courses benefiting students and external stakeholders.
9. Responsible for identifying and securing grant funds, private contracts, monetary support and horse donations, to provide for the costs associated with entrepreneurial ventures that generate revenue for the program.
10. Representing the program to students, prospective students, and other interested parties at recruiting events both on and off campus.
11. Responsible for forging relationships with Career-Technical Centers and High Schools.
12. Collaborate and provide programming for career exploration camps.
13. Lead efforts to collaborate with the marketing department to develop materials that promote the program (e.g., publications, web page, annual report).
14. Evaluating the work of students related to both academic performance and employment.
15. Ensuring all staff and students are adequately trained.
16. Working with the Dean on strategic planning, natural resources operations, and budgeting.
17. Managing and maintenance of equine equipment, buildings and locations.
18. Other duties as assigned.
III. Qualifications – Education, Experience, and Skills
- A bachelor’s degree in Equine Business Management, Equine Studies, Agriculture Business and/or a related field. A master’s degree is preferred.
- Minimum of 5 years of full-time professional equine experience, with demonstrated skill in supervision, management, equine care, starting, training, and developing horses, using evidence-based practices, with outcomes that support instructional excellence.
- Demonstrated success in cultivating and securing high quality equine donations through effective donor relations, industry partnerships, and program advocacy.
- Experience operating, maintaining and following safety protocols for various equipment, including but not limited tractors, implements, trailers, chainsaws and brush cutters.
- Knowledge of hand and power tools for safe operation.
- Knowledge of building and repairing fencing, trails, pastures, stalls, and other equine related areas.
- Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
- Strong technology skills including usage of email, student information system, and learning management system.
- Organizational, record-keeping, and interpersonal skills.
- Knowledge of subject area.
- Knowledge of educational theory and application.
- Knowledge of learners and individual learning styles.
- Interest in and commitment to the learner-centered educational process.
- Educational technology skills.
- Caring attitude toward students.
- Learning and self-motivation skills.
- Willingness to extend self to help students succeed.
- Knowledge of College resources available to students.
- Knowledge of organizational structure.
- Current knowledge of programs, objectives, and requirements.
- Openness to suggestions for improvement.
- Flexibility in dealing with others.
- Ability to work as a team member.
- Ability to prioritize work.
- Behaves in accordance with Hocking College and Academic Affairs mission, goals, and values.
- Knowledge of safe working conditions.
Reasonable accommodations may be requested and reviewed according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
