Careers

Position Details

General Summary

Equine excellence knows no bounds at McDonogh School. Boasting two indoor arenas (and another under construction), our program provides unparalleled opportunity for all levels of equestrians.

Our team of nationally certified trainers provides expert instruction that guides riders from the foundational levels of our Lower School PE program to the heights of varsity and college preparatory offerings, with carefully curated steps along the way.

The new Director of Riding at McDonogh School will oversee all aspects of the riding program at McDonogh School. This will include significant collaboration with the athletics administration to schedule riding activities within the physical education and athletic departments of the School, as well as managing the riding lesson and horse show programs of the School.

This position also holds responsibility for revenue budgeting, collections, and reporting associated with the riding program, and will work closely with the Director of the Equestrian Center on a daily basis.

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter directly to Janet Graham, Director of Human Resources (jgraham@mcdonogh.org)

Essential Functions

• Ensure the riding program aligns with the school educational program, mission, vision and values
• Must be able to train at a national level and be willing to take students to nationally rated shows within the region and occasionally outside the region
• Supervise all training staff including hiring and scheduling
• Manage all relationships with trainers, riders, and parents
• Oversee all horse leases; match horses with riders
• Work closely with College Counseling for admissions and scholarships
• Oversee the horse donation program and maintain relationships to advance the program
• Market the riding program
• Oversee social media for riding program and horse shows

Recommended Employment Qualifications

Must have a degree associated with equine studies or related experience. The preferred candidate will hold a trainer certificate from USEF, or present documented endorsements of previous successful experience in formal horseback riding instruction.

Additional Experience

• Experience with equestrian program design, instruction, development, and practice
• Extensive riding experience with a minimum of 5 years experience training equestrian students
• Must have CPR and basic First Aid certification, or be willing to obtain these certifications
• Must have working knowledge of equestrian care and first aid best practices for equine

Additional Requirements

• A demonstrated ability to create mentoring relationships with students
• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage a budget
• Demonstrated ability to organize time, handle multiple priorities and deadlines, be self-motivated, and work successfully as an individual and as part of a team
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• High level of maturity, confidentiality, and assertiveness
• Must be able to comply with background checks, including fingerprints, as required by the agency and / or state regulations
• Must be able to travel around the region
• Must be committed to work in a diverse environment and inclusive culture that values and respects difference across race, ethnicity, religion, and orientation or identity
• Must have strong supervisory skills, and be able to delegate responsibilities as needed
• Must have the awareness to react quickly and safely in an emergency situation

Working Conditions

Lifting and carrying of equipment up to 50 pounds may be required. Local and out-of-area and overnight travel is anticipated for showing purposes. Other working conditions include climbing stairs, walking around campus, sitting, standing, bending, balancing, squatting, reaching, and grasping. Pulling. Pushing. Some evening and weekend hours are required. Working in humid conditions. Working in outside weather conditions. Working with moderate to loud noise levels.