Job Description
Contact at organisation: Amanda Ferguson, Dogs Inc
Phone: 941-845-1892
Email: Amanda.Ferguson@dogsinc.org
The Senior Director of Training provides leadership and strategic oversight for all training functions across the organization, including Guide Dog, Service Dog, Canine Development, Skilled Companion, Scent Detection, and Student Services programs. This role ensures the consistent delivery of world-class training, integration across departments, and excellence in graduate outcomes. Reporting to the COO, the Senior Director of Training drives innovation, accountability, and operational alignment to advance the mission of Dogs Inc and to set the standard within the international service dog community.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Strategic Leadership
- Develops and executes a unified training strategy that integrates canine training and student services with organizational goals.
- Partners with the COO and executive team to establish long-term objectives, key performance indicators, and resource priorities.
- Serves as a thought leader in canine training methodologies, ensuring Dogs Inc remains at the forefront of industry innovation.
Department Oversight
- Provides leadership, direction, and mentorship to Directors of Guide Dog Program, Service Dog Program, Canine Development, Skilled Companion, Scent Detection, and Student Services.
- Oversees layered leadership structures representing a large staff and volunteer base, ensuring alignment across departments.
Accreditation and Compliance
- Leads organizational preparation for ADI and IGDF accreditation processes, audits, and reporting.
- Ensures compliance with national and international standards for training, animal welfare, and program delivery.
- Establishes systems of continuous improvement that embed quality and accountability across all training programs.
Program Development and Graduate Outcomes
- Standardizes curriculum, methods, and assessment tools to ensure consistent training quality across departments.
- Monitors and reports on program outcomes, graduate readiness, retention, and long-term client success.
- Leverages research, technology, and data analysis to drive program innovation and evidence-based practices.
External Representation and Partnerships
- Serves as a visible ambassador for Dogs Inc, representing training programs to donors, external partners, accrediting bodies, and the broader working dog community.
- Builds collaborations with universities, industry researchers, and peer organizations to expand Dogs Inc’s influence and access to cutting-edge practices.
- Communicates program impact to stakeholders through presentations, reports, and donor engagement activities.
Organizational Leadership and Culture
- Fosters a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional growth across all training and student service departments.
- Champions leadership development, succession planning, and staff mentorship to ensure sustainable organizational growth.
Qualifications
- Required:
10+ years of progressive leadership experience in training and management within the service dog industry. - Demonstrated experience overseeing multiple departments and large teams.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, coach, and mentor directors and senior leaders.
- Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and organizational abilities.
- Preferred:
Advanced degree in a relevant field. - Experience within ADI or IGDF-accredited institutions.
- Demonstrated experience with research partnerships and innovation in canine training.
Why Join Dogs Inc?
At Dogs Inc, we don’t just change lives—we transform them. Here’s why you’ll love working with us:
- Comprehensive Benefits: Full dental and vision premiums covered, competitive medical coverage, and a $15,000 life insurance policy.
- Retirement Match: A 5% retirement plan match for benefit-eligible employees.
- Campus Perks: Free access to our fitness center and chef-prepared lunches (Monday–Friday).
- Time to Recharge: Generous PTO policies (12–20 days/year based on tenure) + 13 paid holidays—including your birthday.
- Reward-Based Programs: Earn additional PTO through our Learn and Earn and Pawsitive Strides.
- Dog-Friendly Workplace: Bring your well-behaved, pre-screened pup to work—it’s basically heave
