Randolph-Macon College, a liberal arts institution of 1,500 undergraduate students, located in Ashland, Virginia, seeks a talented, innovative, and experienced person for the position of Assistant Director of Equestrian Program-Riding Instructor. This position shares responsibility for the successful implementation of all aspects of Randolph-Macon College's riding program in accordance with the College's mission. The Assistant Director will support the Director in providing the College with a competitive riding program that aids in recruitment and retention as well as improves the skill level of all student riders. Responsibilities include recruitment, strategic planning, student riding development, lessons, training and community outreach. Additionally, some aspects of leadership and supervision of all staff and the riding facility may be required.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (include but are not limited to the following):
Assist the Director with oversight of all aspects of the College equestrian program, including some supervision of staff at Randolph-Macon Equestrian Center (RMEC)
Provide minimum 30 student lessons per week over 50 weeks on average and manage and maintain up–to-date lesson schedule and records for billing purposes
Coordinate with other instructors at RMEC
Assist with Coaching or Coordinate Coaching for RMC students at IHSA shows
Monitor the condition of horses and ponies at RMEC and report illness or injury as directed
Develop program activities for camps and facilitate same as needed
Assist with the direction of the activities of the IEA Team
Assist with planning and supervising clinics
Assist in obtaining additional school horses
Participate as needed in daily operations of RMEC including staff, boarders, instructors, vendors, etc.
Required to be on-site at RMEC at least five days a week and for all hosted events.
Randolph-Macon College, a liberal arts institution of 1,500 undergraduate students, located in Ashland, Virginia, seeks a talented, innovative, and experienced person for the position of Assistant Director of Equestrian Program-Riding Instructor. This position shares responsibility for the successful implementation of all aspects of Randolph-Macon College's riding program in accordance with the College's mission. The Assistant Director will support the Director in providing the College with a competitive riding program that aids in recruitment and retention as well as improves the skill level of all student riders. Responsibilities include recruitment, strategic planning, student riding development, lessons, training and community outreach. Additionally, some aspects of leadership and supervision of all staff and the riding facility may be required.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (include but are not limited to the following):
Assist the Director with oversight of all aspects of the College equestrian program, including some supervision of staff at Randolph-Macon Equestrian Center (RMEC)
Provide minimum 30 student lessons per week over 50 weeks on average and manage and maintain up–to-date lesson schedule and records for billing purposes
Coordinate with other instructors at RMEC
Assist with Coaching or Coordinate Coaching for RMC students at IHSA shows
Monitor the condition of horses and ponies at RMEC and report illness or injury as directed
Develop program activities for camps and facilitate same as needed
Assist with the direction of the activities of the IEA Team
Assist with planning and supervising clinics
Assist in obtaining additional school horses
Participate as needed in daily operations of RMEC including staff, boarders, instructors, vendors, etc.
Required to be on-site at RMEC at least five days a week and for all hosted events.
Assist with recruitment of prospective students to the College and program.
Assist the Director with oversight and IHSA and Eventing teams.
Assist with traveling for shows with students and ability to drive and handle farm equipment and trucks/pull horse trailers.
Assist in managing all entries, memberships, dues and other administrative tasks related to teams.
Assist student team leaders in managing team meetings, fundraisers, volunteer work, event hosting, etc.
Assist the Director in management of outside shows, clinics and camps including VHSA, CHSA, and Dressage and Eventing clinics, including those that we host at the farm
Provide instruction to students, as needed, and assist with the RMC Edge program as needed
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:
Minimum of a BA/BS from an accredited college or university
Minimum of five years’ experience in equine care and training, showing at recognized competitions, and private and group riding lessons.
Management of a similar size and type of equestrian operation is preferred
Valid Virginia driver's license- ability to drive a truck and towing a horse trailer is required
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Excellent leadership, organizational, interpersonal and communication skills required
An understanding of equestrian facilities and related programs is required
Must possess general knowledge of IHSA policies governing the sport and participation of student-athletes. Knowledge of Dressage, Jumpers, and Eventing is a plus
Basic computer proficiency preferable including MS Office, Slate, Excel and other software applications as needed
A firm understanding of horses and the temperament of each individual horse
Ability to handle and lead horses from place to place
Recognize when horses are becoming unruly and react accordingly for safety reasons
Ability to make thorough decisions in emergency situations regarding horses and humans
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:** **
Horse care is 24 hours, seven days a week, 365 days per year regardless of weather conditions. Employee must deal with extreme elements such as heat, rain, snow, sleet, mud, etc. and have outside exposure to all. Daily and weekend hours may be long, and hours may vary due to onsite horse show, events of the day, inclement weather, etc. Must be able to lift/carry 60 pounds, move and unload hay as needed, move jumps, and perform other various outdoor physical labor. Must be able to physically handle and lead horses. Duties will require the staff member to traverse uneven, unpaved and non-accessible terrain. Travel is frequent, and evening and weekend work is required. This position is considered an essential personnel position.
Founded in 1830, Randolph-Macon has approximately 1500 students and is located in Ashland, VA, a residential community 15 miles north of Richmond and 90 miles south of Washington D.C. Randolph-Macon College, an Equal Opportunity Employer, believes students learn best in a diverse, inclusive community and is therefore committed to academic excellence through diversity in its faculty, staff, and students. We welcome applications from members of underrepresented populations.
To apply: Please complete an online application at https://bit.ly/rmc1568 include uploading a resume, letter of interest, and contact information for three professional references addressed to: Sharon Jackson, Director of Human Resources. Screening of applications will begin immediately.