Program Manager

Contact at organisation: Patrick Glines, Guide Dogs of Texas, Inc.

Phone: +12103664081

Email: pat@guidedogsoftexas.org

POSITION DESCRIPTION
Program Manager

ORGANIZATIONAL DESCRIPTION
Guide Dogs of Texas (GDTX) makes an incredible impact on our Texas neighbors who are visually impaired by enhancing their freedom, mobility, and independence through the provision of high-quality guide dogs. GDTX serves clients throughout the entire state of Texas and is headquartered in San Antonio. GDTX leadership understands the importance of changing an individual’s life trajectory and knows work must also be a joyful place. With a robust benefits package, a dog-friendly workplace, and the autonomy to get the job done, Guide Dogs of Texas is truly a rewarding organization to serve.

POSITION SUMMARY
Guide Dogs of Texas is seeking a motivated individual to join our team as the Program Manager. The Program Manager will be a key member of the leadership team and is responsible for the oversight of the daily operations and long-term sustainability of the organization. This position reports to the CEO and assists in the support of programs, finances, facilities, people management, and organizational infrastructure. You will help set the example of creating a culture of team spirit/fun, accountability, compassion and respect, teamwork, integrity, and above all, high quality standards in all you do. You will help lead the charge recognizing that at Guide Dogs of Texas, the client is at the center of every decision we make. You will bring a balance of strategic thinking as well as hands on execution with a focus on service delivery, animal welfare, and non-profit excellence. The ideal candidate will have a background as an IGDF recognized GDMI, experience training and managing people, cross-department collaboration, and a history of demonstrating initiative.

This position will provide oversight to the breeding, puppy raising, training, and client services departments of Guide Dogs of Texas. Approximately 60% of your time will be in training, 15% in client services, 15% in breeding, and 10% in puppy raising. Technical expertise in breeding or puppy raising is ideal but not mandatory for this role, although the candidate will be expected to learn the essentials of both roles.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
General Management/Leadership:

• Provide supervision, guidance, oversight and support to respective departments, empowering and enabling those staff to fulfill their roles and responsibilities.
• Partner with the CEO and Board of Directors to develop and implement strategic plans, annual goals, and operational priorities.
• Understand resource management in creating and monitoring budgets and staffing needs.
• Define short- and long-term goals, implementing your plan through breeding, puppy raising, training, and client services.
• Develop and maintain a breeding plan to meet the targets set by the organization.
• Help develop and monitor program key performance indicators and communicate results to the CEO in a timely manner.
• Ensure the welfare and care of all dogs are met.
• Represent Guide Dogs of Texas at conferences, with external partnerships, regulatory interactions, donor engagements, presentations, and functions.
• Ensure client-facing services are responsive, accessible, and delivered with the highest standard of care as defined by the Guide Dogs of Texas, Inc. organization.
• 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.
• Maintain compliance with legal, regulatory, and accreditation standards.
• Supervise assigned team members and promote team accountability, communication, and development. This includes evaluating and conducting performance reviews and performance management as necessary.

Training:

• Lead the recruitment, evaluation, and onboarding of future apprentice
• Train apprentice GDMIs in all aspects of guide dog mobility, including dog psychology, welfare, and training, client assessment, selection and training, orientation and mobility, anatomy/physiology/pathology of the eye, and medical conditions with people who are blind.
• In conjunction with the entire training team, maintain current knowledge of trends and developments in relation to Guide Dog services, training techniques, practices, policies and legislation, focusing on continuous quality improvement within the entirety of the program.
• Lead the team in evaluation, selection, management, and matching of potential clients.
• Oversee client training and decisions concerning the final status of client teams.
• Ensure sufficient dogs are available for training and class
• Ensure and refine that all quality standards are consistently met in the production pipeline, including regular testing/assessment of dogs as they move through the program.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• IGDF recognized GDMI with 5+ years of experience.
• 5 years of leadership experience in a non-profit organization.
• Experience with building, training, and managing individuals and teams.
• Proven track record in operations and organizational development.
• Ability to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner and effectively work with other departments to solve complex problems.
• Experience in client services.
• Knowledge of non-profit compliance, financial stewardship, and board governance practices.
• Ability to manage the physical demands and inherent requirements of the job and complete the tasks and duties as stated.
• Excellent communication, analytical, interpersonal, training, coaching, and mentoring skills
• Keen eye for data collection and entry.
• Fluent in Spanish is ideal but not essential.
• Valid driver’s license in good standing and insurable at normal rates.

HOURS, RATES AND BENEFITS

• Salary range: $80,000 – $85,000
• Direct Reports: 5 (four full-time)
• Full-time, 40 hours per week. Occasional holiday, overnight and weekend work required, including overnights away from San Antonio.
• Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Classification: Exempt
• Comprehensive and generous employer-sponsored benefits package including medical, dental, vision.
• Other benefits include an employer-sponsored retirement plan, vacation, holidays, and paid sick leave.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE POSITION

• Ability to occasionally lift and transport materials 60 and up to 80 pounds with assistance, and possess the physical strength to lift an adolescent large breed dog
• Comfortable working in proximity to dogs in training, kennels, and outdoor environments.
• Ability to navigate campus grounds and community training environments, and assist in on-site operations, which may include walking, standing, or physical activity.
• Willingness to work in both indoor and outdoor settings, including exposure to heat, cold, rain, and other weather conditions.
• May require occasional travel and extended periods of computer use.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.