Manager of Guide Dog Programs

Contact at organisation: Loretta Quis, Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Inc.

Phone: 631- 30-9031

Email: Loretta@guidedog.org

The Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Inc. based in Smithtown, New York located on Long Island (known for its close proximity to New York City, and its beautiful beaches, seeks a Manager of Guide Dog Programs.

Duties will include 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.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Qualified guide dog instructor with a minimum of 3 years’ experience.
• 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, works 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.
• Able to communicate via voice mail and e-mail, able to effectively use word processing, spreadsheet and database applications.
• Must safely handle a variety of large breed dogs, weighing up to 90 pounds, with varying strength and manageability. Ability to safely lift up to 40 pounds. Employees are required to seek assistance when lifting dogs or objects weighing more than 40 pounds.
• Ability to be an informed and articulate spokesperson for the Guide Dog Foundation & America’s VetDogs.
• Possess near acuity and accommodation to see and read dog and student reactions to environment and distractions. Ability to hear to interact with dog, students, volunteers and trainers either in an informal way or giving formal instructions through seminar and training exercises. Able to hear above traffic and other outside noises.
• Ability to work travel; work weekends, evenings and holiday, which could include overnights in residence as needed.
• High school diploma or equivalent; B.A. college degree preferred.
• Bilingual preferred; at a minimum, able to understand and to make one’s self understood to all Spanish speaking individuals. This will assist us in outreaching and providing service to Spanish speaking applicants.
• Valid driver’s license in good standing and insurable at normal rates. Must be able to drive car, van or bus.