Guide Dog Program Manager

Contact at organisation: David Hinsley Cheng, Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind

Phone: (203) 307-0120

Email: info@DHCSearch.com

Working from the organization’s 10-acre campus in Smithtown (Long Island, NY) the Program Manager reports to the Chief Program Officer.

The Guide Dog Program Manager is directly responsible for the staffing, supervision and training of personnel in the Guide Dog Foundation Training Department and for maintaining a level of excellence in both dog training and client instruction. The Manager will provide other departments as needed with training-related support and scheduling staff for home interviews, client follow-up, puppy-raising events, and other ancillary duties.

POSITION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Program Manager will be responsible for effectively recruiting and supervising their team within the Training Department. They will ensure that the Department performs at the highest level in its work with dogs, clients and staff training. They will ensure the Department is well organized to assist with home interviews, client instruction, client follow-up and other related functions.

POSITION ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Qualified guide dog instructor with a minimum of 3 years’ experience (post qualification).
• Demonstrated experience in effectively building, supervising and leading teams.
• Innovative leader with the ability to manage team ideas/projects through to final outcomes.
• Understanding of resource management in creating and monitoring budgets and staffing.
• Ability to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner and can effectively work with others to solve complex issues.
• Excellent interpersonal, analytical and communication skills. This includes interacting with consumers and staff in an effective and professional manner.
• Ability to be an informed and articulate spokesperson for the Guide Dog Foundation & America’s VetDogs.
• Ability to work travel; work weekends, evenings and holiday, which could include overnights in residence as needed.
• Valid driver’s license in good standing and insurable at normal rates. Must be able to drive a car, van or bus.
• Develop and implement staff education and training related to clients, dogs, and instructors encompassing modern technology, training procedures and employee development to foster a high level of excellence.
• Participate as a member of the Admissions Review Committee and make recommendations regarding client acceptance.
• Ensure sufficient dogs are available for training and class and that quality standards are consistently followed in the final blindfold testing for all class-ready guides.
• Ensure and supervise the care and welfare of all dogs under the Training department.
• During class, oversee decisions concerning the final status of all individual client teams.
• Support the adherence to the department’s budget and monitor cost throughout year while respecting the donor dollar.
• Undertake performance reviews, recruiting, and discipline as necessary.
• Adhere to our organization’s safety policies and procedures and encourage others to do the same. Promptly reports incidents and accidents according to established protocols.