Hollins University, one of the nation’s strongest equestrian schools and a member of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC), is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Director of the Equestrian Program and Head Riding Coach. This is a full-time, 12-month administrator position reporting to the Director of Athletics.
The director/head coach provides leadership in all areas of the equestrian program with a commitment to continued excellence and success. This includes management of barn staff and assistant coaches, as well as oversight of donations and horses, ensuring quality care and safety. The director/head coach teaches riding classes, conducts practices with other coaches, coaches at the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) horse show and open horse shows, and manages and trains donated horses. He/she is also responsible for developing and maintaining the equestrian budget, oversight of the riding facility, administrative duties related to students and horse show participation, and recruitment of student riders by working collaboratively with the Admission Office.
Successful applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in education, equine science, or related field; minimum of five years of successful experience, including leadership experience, with United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and collegiate competitive equestrian teaching/coaching at all levels; understanding and working knowledge of ODAC, IHSA, SWVHJA (Southwest Virginia Hunter/Jumper Association), and other equestrian organizations and their rules and policies; understanding and working knowledge of horse health; and a valid U.S. driver’s license with minimal violations. Candidates must have successful experience designing hunter and equitation courses; demonstrated horse and rider safety skills; demonstrated effective teaching methods; excellent leadership, role-modeling, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills; and demonstrated success working with diverse populations. Applicants must also have abilities to work well with student, campus, alumnae, and equestrian organization constituencies; work independently and as part of a team; and drive university horse vehicles. Must also be able and willing to travel and work evenings and weekends. Final candidates will be subject to criminal history and motor vehicle background checks. Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, salary requirement, and contact information for three references to hollinshr@hollins.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately, and will continue until the position is filled.
Hollins is an independent, liberal arts university in Roanoke, Virginia offering undergraduate education for women, selected graduate programs for men and women, and community outreach initiatives. Founded in 1842 as Virginia’s oldest chartered women’s college, Hollins guarantees the following to every undergraduate student: research opportunities, access to study abroad, internship(s) and access to its extensive alumnae network, and leadership training.
Hollins University is an equal opportunity employer. Hollins values diversity in its community, and strongly encourages applications from members of underrepresented populations.
