Assistant Manager of Equine Programs

achievementcenters; Strongsville (OH); On-site; USD 23,419 - 28,929; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equal Opportunity Employer

Job summary

Achievement Centers for Children in Strongsville, OH, seeks an Assistant Manager of Equine Programs to lead the Camp Cheerful therapeutic riding and recreation program. The role includes teaching beginner and adaptive riding, coordinating volunteers, and overseeing barn operations with a focus on safety and family-centered outcomes.

The position is full-time and outdoors, requiring PATH CTRI certification or progression toward it, physical fitness, and strong communication.

Qualifications

• PATH CTRI certification or ability to obtain shortly after hire.
• Minimum three years of equine instruction experience.
• Minimum two years of leadership, training, or volunteer coordination experience.
• Strong horsemanship knowledge, including horse behavior and conditioning.
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities.
• Current First Aid/CPR certification or willingness to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Volunteer Leadership: Recruit, onboard, train, and schedule volunteers; Maintain volunteer records, hours, and compliance documentation; Support volunteer engagement, recognition, and retention efforts; Manage volunteer communication systems, including scheduling platforms.
• Program Instruction: Independently teach beginner and adaptive riding lessons; Conduct rider assessments; Provide lesson support and step into volunteer roles when needed; Ensure a positive and safe experience for participants and families.
• Equine & Barn Operations: Support horse care, conditioning, and appropriate horse utilization; Help maintain safe, clean, and organized barn and arena spaces; Monitor tack, equipment, and facility needs.
• Safety & Compliance: Maintain adherence to PATH Intl. standards; Document incidents, injuries, and safety concerns; Support overall risk management and safe program operations.
• Community Engagement: Support fundraising events, outreach efforts, and community partnerships.

Skills

CTRI certification

Leadership experience

Volunteer coordination

Riding instruction

Communication skills

Horsemanship knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Job description

Recreation Programs
Full-Time | Camp Cheerful
Hourly Rate: $17.15 – $20.91

At Achievement Centers for Children, we empower children with disabilities and their families to thrive. For more than 75 years, we’ve provided life-changing services across Northeast Ohio through education, therapy, family support, and recreation programs.

Our therapeutic horsemanship program at Camp Cheerful provides children and adults with disabilities meaningful opportunities to build confidence, independence, and connection through equine-assisted services.

We are seeking an Assistant Manager of Equine Programs to support daily program operations, lead volunteer coordination efforts, and provide therapeutic riding instruction.

This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about horses, enjoys mentoring volunteers, and wants to make a meaningful impact through adaptive recreation programming.

What You’ll Do

Volunteer Leadership

• Recruit, onboard, train, and schedule volunteers
• Maintain volunteer records, hours, and compliance documentation
• Support volunteer engagement, recognition, and retention efforts
• Manage volunteer communication systems, including scheduling platforms

Program Instruction

• Independently teach beginner and adaptive riding lessons
• Conduct rider assessments
• Provide lesson support and step into volunteer roles when needed
• Ensure a positive and safe experience for participants and families

Equine & Barn Operations

• Support horse care, conditioning, and appropriate horse utilization
• Help maintain safe, clean, and organized barn and arena spaces
• Monitor tack, equipment, and facility needs

Safety & Compliance

• Maintain adherence to PATH Intl. standards
• Document incidents, injuries, and safety concerns
• Support overall risk management and safe program operations

Community Engagement

• Support fundraising events, outreach efforts, and community partnerships

What We’re Looking For

Required Qualifications

• PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) certification or ability to obtain shortly after hire
• Minimum three years of equine instruction experience
• Minimum two years of leadership, training, or volunteer coordination experience
• Strong horsemanship knowledge, including horse behavior and conditioning
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physical barn-related tasks
• Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Current First Aid/CPR certification or willingness to obtain

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• Previous therapeutic horsemanship experience
• Previous volunteer management experience
• Advanced PATH certification

Why Join Achievement Centers for Children?

• Mission-driven work that changes lives
• Opportunity to work with horses in a meaningful therapeutic setting
• Professional development opportunities
• Collaborative team environment
• Unique role combining leadership, recreation, and equine services

Make an Impact

Through therapeutic horsemanship, participants build confidence, independence, and joy.

Join Achievement Centers for Children and help create transformative experiences at Camp Cheerful.

Achievement Centers for Children is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce.