Assistant Manager of Equine Programs

Achievement Centers for Children

?? Camp Cheerful, Strongsville, Ohio

?? $17.15 � $20.91 per hour
Department: Recreation Programs
Reports To: Senior Manager of Equine Programs
Classification: Non Exempt, Full Time

About Achievement Centers for Children

Achievement Centers for Children is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering children and adults with disabilities and their families to achieve their greatest potential. Through education, therapy, recreation, and family support programs, we serve individuals across Northeast Ohio with a commitment to excellence, inclusion, and innovation.

Position Summary

The Assistant Manager of Equine Programs plays a key leadership role within the Therapeutic Horsemanship Program, supporting daily operations with a strong focus on volunteer coordination and program delivery. This position is responsible for recruiting, training, and managing volunteers while also contributing to instruction, horse care, and facility operations.

Working closely with the Senior Manager of Equine Programs, this role helps ensure a safe, organized, and high quality environment for participants, horses, volunteers, and staff. This is a hands on, full time role with both onsite responsibilities and required offsite availability to support program operations, including nights, weekends, and emergent situations.

What You�ll Do

Volunteer Coordination & Engagement

• Recruit, screen, schedule, and assign volunteers across program areas

• Lead onboarding and ongoing training for volunteers, interns, and seasonal staff

• Maintain accurate volunteer records, hours, and compliance documentation

• Foster strong volunteer engagement through communication, recognition, and events

• Manage volunteer systems such as Volgistics and communication tools like Constant Contact

• Address volunteer needs and concerns in partnership with program leadership

Program Delivery & Instruction

• Independently teach Beginner and Adapted Riding lessons within the Therapeutic Horsemanship Program

• Conduct rider assessments, establish goals, and develop individualized lesson plans

• Provide in class support and step into volunteer roles as needed

• Support participant intake, evaluation, and orientation processes

• Mentor and support volunteers, interns, and barn staff

Equine & Facility Operations

• Assist with daily horse care, monitoring horse use, behavior, and conditioning

• Maintain safe, clean, and organized barn, arena, and equipment areas

• Oversee volunteers and staff completing horse care and barn related tasks

• Track and maintain supplies, tack, and first aid equipment

Safety & Compliance

• Uphold best practices in horse handling, instruction, and facility operations

• Document and report incidents, injuries, and safety concerns

• Ensure compliance with PATH Intl. standards and organizational policies

Community Engagement

• Support fundraising, outreach, and community engagement initiatives

What You Bring

Required Qualifications

• PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) certification or ability to obtain shortly after hire

• 3 to 5 years of experience in therapeutic horsemanship, equine assisted services, or riding instruction

• Experience conducting rider assessments, goal setting, and individualized lesson planning

• Strong knowledge of horsemanship including horse behavior, conditioning, and appropriate use in programming

• Experience working with individuals with physical, cognitive, and or emotional disabilities

• Proven ability to lead, train, and manage volunteers, interns, and staff

• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills

• Ability to make sound, safety focused decisions in a dynamic environment

• Current First Aid and CPR certification or willingness to obtain

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work in a barn environment and in varying weather conditions

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physical tasks related to horse care and program delivery

• Comfortable with both hands on work and administrative responsibilities

• Proficiency with basic computer systems including Google Workspace, Excel, and Word

• Must be available to support operations during evenings, weekends, and on call situations as needed

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervise volunteers, interns, and seasonal staff

• Assist in supervising instructors and barn staff

Why Join Us

At Achievement Centers for Children, you will be part of a mission driven organization making a meaningful impact every day. We are committed to fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive environment where employees can grow and thrive.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Achievement Centers for Children is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.