Description

Position Title: Program Manager

Date: 1/28/26

Reports to: Executive Director 

Employee Classification: Part-time hourly position: 20-30 hours weekly dependent on demands of program. Hybrid: in addition to work at the barn, this position requires some work from home. Hourly wage: $22-25/hour DOE. 

Windhorse Equine Learning is a nonprofit organization established in 2012 that provides Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) programs for youth ages 8-18 in Gallatin and Park County. The mission of Windhorse Equine Learning is to empower individuals to discover and realize their full potential through experiential and reflective learning opportunities with horses. Windhorse programs teach social/emotional skills to able-bodied youth through horsemanship and riding activities. Our programs mentor and empower youth, build confidence and resilience, and reduce anxiety. We offer seven-week class sessions in spring and fall, as well as summer camps and field trips for schools. 

Essential Job Functions: (Other duties may be assigned.)

This position is responsible for the coordination and management of all program components and serves as lead instructor managing other teaching staff, volunteers and interns. The program manager is also responsible for: program development, implementation, evaluation and marketing; all aspects of quality assurance; program outreach and partnerships; and identifying and implementing innovative program populations and services. 

Programs and Participants

• Teach roughly half of weekly after-school and Saturday classes per session (currently about four), and team teach all summer camps with program coordinator. 
• Ensure that all program components are working effectively and proactively in planning for and implementing each new class session and special events. 
• Ensure ongoing evaluation and improvement of all program components and services.
• Ensure that Windhorse delivers safe, effective and respectful equine-assisted learning services, meeting the needs of participants. 
• Ensure meaningful evaluation of program impact by developing, administering and evaluating survey instruments to track changes in participant behaviors and attitudes.
• Ensure effective and timely participant registration and new participant documentation, and track participant progress.

Volunteers

• Ensure that Windhorse provides safe, effective and respectful orientation, training and supervision of volunteers.
• Ensure an adequate volunteer force to meet service needs.
• Ensure the development of effective volunteer recruitment strategies and an annual recruitment plan/calendar.
• Ensure appropriate volunteer recognition and appreciation. 

Horses and Facility

• Ensure that Windhorse provides effective, appropriate and quality horse care, selection, schooling, scheduling and retirement of all Windhorse program horses. 
• Participate in feeding and horse care, including farrier, veterinary, osteopathy, chiropractic visits.
• Ensure that program records are current, including client files, volunteer files and horse documentation.
• Ensure that the Windhorse barn and facility is clean, organized, safe and well-maintained.

Program Development

• With the Executive Director, identify, develop and implement new client populations and service areas that align with Windhorse priorities.
• Build appropriate program collaborations between Windhorse and other service agencies and professionals.
• Ensure that staff are knowledgeable and qualified to handle emergencies; Maintain relevant policies and procedures.

Staff Supervision

• Provide ongoing supervision and evaluation of Program Staff, including interns. 
• Promote Program Staff continuing education and professional development.
• Promote an effective team environment throughout the program; including direct, ethical and effective communication with staff and appropriate conflict management.
• Oversee/implement all personnel policies, including annual reviews and updated job descriptions. 
• Coordinate scheduling of staff vacations and holiday absences. Ensure adequate staffing levels are maintained throughout the year. When instructors, barn staff or volunteers are sick or on vacation, ensure that those job functions critical to daily service delivery and horse care are covered by self or other staff or volunteers.

Requirements

Professional Behavior: 

• Represent Windhorse in a positive and professional manner. 
• Maintain safety and place safety first in all actions and activities. 
• Demonstrate respect, interest, compassion and caring for program participants, volunteers and community members. 
• Know, support and promote the mission of Windhorse Equine Learning.

Qualification Preferences: 

• At least two (2) years’ experience in teaching riding to beginners. 
• Training and experience in Equine-Assisted Learning. PATH certification preferred but other EAL or EFP certifications and trainings accepted.
• Strong horsemanship background.
• Supervisory experience preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products including Excel, Word, and Outlook. 
• Ability to work outdoors, for a prolonged period of time, in a variety of conditions. 
• Ability to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends, depending on demands of program.
• Ability to lift or move objects up to 50 pounds and operate equipment such as tractor and ATV.
• Strong interpersonal, management, and organizational skills. 
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.

 Please send a resume, cover letter and 3 professional references to Darcy Minter at darcy@windhorseequinelearning.org. Position open until filled. 

Employment Disclaimer: This job description is not a contract – management reserves the right to change it contents at any time. This organization complies with the guidelines set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, disability or status as a disabled veteran. This organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer.