Founded in 1982, Equine‑Assisted Therapies of South Florida (EATSF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing therapeutic riding and equine‑assisted activities to children and adults with special needs so that they may improve physically, mentally, and emotionally. We are a premier accredited center with the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, International (PATH), and provides services to over 100 students. For more information, please visit:

Job Title

Program Director

Position Category

Full‑time, exempt, 40 hours/week, some nights and weekends

Salary Range

$64,000 — $82,000

Pay Period

Twice per month – 15th and 30th

Medical Reimbursement

Medical and Employee‑Level Coverage Only – portion paid by EATSF

Position Details

EATSF is seeking an energetic, experienced and organized Program Director who is an Advanced‑Level Instructor with the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH), International or has a professional licensure and willing to obtain PATH credentials. The individual must have horse experience, along with experience in program and personnel management; program development and measurement to provide premier equine assisted services to children and adults with special needs.

Scope of Work

The Program Director oversees the development, implementation, and strategic growth of the programs at EATSF to children and adults with special needs across Broward, Palm Beach and Miami‑Dade counties. The Program Director leads and manages the service delivery of safe and effective therapeutic programs that reflect the Premier Accredited Center standards of PATH International. The Program Director plans and maintains the program calendar and oversees all pre‑program logistics and contracts with partner agencies; develops program policies and monitors budgetary expenditures; develops and evaluates program curriculum to ensure participant success. The Program Director provides significant contributions to program partnership development, strategic planning and executive level decision making.

Reports To

Executive Director (ED)

Organizational Relationships

Interacts with Board of Directors at board meetings where attendance is requested.
Interacts informally with Board Committees representing program needs and program outreach activities.
Interacts as an integral player on the EATSF leadership team.
Interacts with the entire staff of EATSF at weekly team meetings and frequent informal interactions.
Manages contracted instructor and program team members and the Program Coordinator.

Duties and Responsibilities

Program Management

Lead the delivery of the quality and success of all aspects of program operations, management, relationship and curriculum development, and staff development.
Develop strategic long‑term program expansion goals and program budget as a member of the leadership team.
Manage, train, and motivate a team of FT staff members, and contracted Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors (CTRI), Equine Specialists (ES), Registered Therapists and CTRI’s or ES’s In‑Training.
Lead PATH Accreditation standard changes and the center accreditation requirements.
Ensure that curriculum and goals are clearly set for each participant.
Oversee the effective use of program measurement tools, oversee data collection, lesson plans, evaluate outcomes and provide information to the Executive Director and Development Director.
Maintain and cultivate funded program partnerships with school sites and other nonprofit partners, identifying future partners and opportunities for potential funding.
Oversee the interviewing, assessment of new participants and collaborate with program team on new participant placement.
Ensure appropriate mount for each participant in collaboration with the Barn Manager.
Work with the program team to maintain proper student records for PATH Intl. compliance.
Coordinate and manage educational and training opportunities for revenue generating opportunities that engage interested CTRI or ES candidates within PATH Region 5 and beyond.
Record and maintain all appropriate records as required by PATH PAC standards.
Maintain sufficient instructional staff to accommodate participants with a goal of achieving EATSF’s strategic targets.
Communicate with participants, family members, guardians and partnering organizations on EATSF program, participant progression, concerns, challenges, and successes on a regular basis.
Assist with the planning and execution of special events as a member of the EATSF team and as the program expert.

Personnel Management

Manage and lead the instructor team to fulfill the programmatic needs of the organization.
Approve payroll and timesheets for contracted program team on a bi‑weekly basis.
Ensure all lesson plans and progress notes are completed each week for all participants.
Ensure teaching tools are appropriate and available for classes.
Maintain PATH Intl instructor compliance records, per accreditation.
Lead the development of educational initiatives for instructor team for EATSF and industry professionals in Region 5 of PATH.
Recruit and mentor interested CTRI's, ES's to assist in the delivery of service.
Hire, train, and mentor new CTRI, ES, Registered Therapists.
Teach participants, as needed.
Manage Program Coordinator to create deliverables for the volunteer recruitment, training, and maintenance program.
Other duties as assigned.

Key Skills

Dependable and cooperative attitude.
Flexible and able to adapt to change.
Expert problem solving and decision‑making skills.

Qualifications

Minimum of a bachelor's degree from a four‑year university.
Demonstrated success developing and evaluating program models, and successfully operationalizing innovative programs.
Horse and riding experience, English or Western required.
Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor Certification from PATH International, other certifications preferred but not required.
Strength in hiring, recruiting, managing, developing, coaching, and retaining individuals and teams, empowering them to elevate their levels of responsibility and performance.
Work well with people from various backgrounds, abilities, and communities, and in a team‑oriented environment, maintaining harmonious relationships.
Ability to work independently, be flexible and manage multiple priorities with high efficiency, excellent attention to detail and analytical skills.
Detail‑orientated with excellent communication, organizational, interpersonal, and writing skills.
Proficiency with database software and excellent computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite.
Must be able to work in a variety of environments (indoor and outdoor) with the ability to traverse easily on different surfaces and lift 30 pounds.
Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and commitment to and passion for individuals with special needs and the EATSF mission.

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