Guide Dog Training Leader | Programs & Team Development

Canadian National Institute for the Blind; Carleton Place; On-site; CAD 86,000 - 107,000; Full time

Job summary

CNIB seeks a Manager of Guide Dog Training to lead a team of professionals in assessment, training, and matching for guide dog partners. You will supervise staff, ensure high-quality service across all stages of the guide dog process, and maintain alignment with international standards within CNIB resources and budgets.

The role requires building partnerships with internal teams and external stakeholders, guiding strategic decisions, and delivering timely, quality outcomes in a not-for-profit

Qualifications

• Expert level comprehension of standards and competencies required for certification of Guide Dog Trainers and Guide Dog Mobility Instructors.
• Excellent relationship building skills; ability to teach adult learners effectively.
• Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to write efficiently and accurately for program needs.
• Knowledge of client management systems and change management techniques.
• Ability to collect, synthesize and analyze variables to implement programs.
• Demonstrated decision making skills; self directed.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proven time management, planning and organization skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee a comprehensive guide dog training program for applicants.
• Maintain client and canine files per CNIB and IGDF standards.
• Contribute to strategic planning for CNIB Guide Dogs strategy.
• Fulfill responsibilities of a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor and/or Trainer as needed.
• Allocate dogs for training within the team.
• Collaborate with CNIB staff to support organizational goals.
• Review applications, assess eligibility, and oversee staff progress and graduate status.
• Provide supervision including hiring, performance evaluations, and leaves of absence.
• Lead the technical team to implement new and improved services.
• Coordinate team schedules and plan program development.
• Provide leadership to ensure continuous service quality.

Skills

Relationship building

Adult learning

Interpersonal skills

Written communication

Oral communication

Decision making

Time management

Strategic thinking

Problem solving

Education

Not-for-profit experience

Tools

MS Office

Client management systems

Adaptive technology

Job description

CNIB seeks a Manager of Guide Dog Training to lead a team of professionals in assessment, training, and matching for guide dog partners. You will supervise staff, ensure high-quality service across all stages of the guide dog process, and maintain alignment with international standards within CNIB resources and budgets.

The role requires building partnerships with internal teams and external stakeholders, guiding strategic decisions, and delivering timely, quality outcomes in a not-for-profit