Job Details

Position:
Therapeutic Riding Program Director

Company:
Shining Stars Therapeutic Riding Program, Inc. – Gettysburg, PA , United States

---

Job Description:

Job Posting: Therapeutic Riding Program Director

Organization: Shining Stars Therapeutic Riding Program, Inc.

Location: Gettysburg, PA 17325

Position Type: Full-Time or Part-Time

Reports To: Executive Director / Board of Directors 

Compensation: Commensurate with experience

About Us

Shining Stars Therapeutic Riding Program is a faith-based non-profit equine program dedicated to bringing healing, hope, and transformation to individuals with physical, cognitive, emotional, and spiritual needs through the power of horses. We serve children and adults in our community through therapeutic riding and equine-assisted activities. WWW.ShiningStarsTR.org

Position Overview

We are seeking a passionate, skilled, and mission-driven Therapeutic Riding Program Director to lead, grow, and oversee all aspects of our therapeutic riding program. This individual will combine professional expertise in equine-assisted activities with a genuine heart for ministry and service.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership

• Oversee the daily operations of the therapeutic riding program.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate individualized treatment goals for participants
• Ensure all sessions meet professional and safety standards
• Maintain PATH accreditation and compliance requirements; supervising CTRI credentialing or at least 120 hours of documented teaching hours to apply for the CTRI accreditation.
• Collaborate with other program directors to maximize program opportunities

Staff & Volunteer Management

• Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise instructors and volunteers
• Provide ongoing education and professional development opportunities
• Foster a team culture rooted in faith, compassion, and excellence

Participant Services

• Conduct intake assessments and communicate with families, caregivers, and referral sources
• Maintain accurate and confidential participant records

Horse Care & Facility Oversight

• Participate in the selection and evaluation of suitable therapy horses
• Ensure the health, welfare, and readiness of all program horses
• Coordinate with barn staff and equine manager to maintain a safe and well-managed facility

Ministry & Community Engagement

• Integrate the organization's faith-based mission into program culture
• Build relationships with churches, schools, hospitals, and community organizations
• Represent the ministry at events, speaking engagements, and outreach opportunities

Administrative & Financial

• Manage program budget and track expenses
• Assist with grant writing and reporting related to the therapeutic program
• Prepare program reports for the board and leadership team

Qualifications

Required

• PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) current certification or certification underway
• Minimum 2–3 years of experience in therapeutic riding or equine-assisted activities
• Strong horsemanship skills and ability to evaluate equine suitability
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities
• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Commitment to the faith-based mission and values of the ministry
• Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills

Preferred

• Advanced PATH Intl. certification (e.g., CTRI Level 2 or Master Instructor)
• Background in occupational therapy, physical therapy, social work, or related field
• Experience in non-profit management or ministry leadership
• Knowledge of Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) or Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL)

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors in varied weather conditions
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to be on foot in an equine environment for extended periods
• Comfortable working in close proximity to horses

What We Offer

• A meaningful, mission-driven work environment
• Supportive faith-based community and team culture
• Flexible scheduling options (full-time or part-time)
• Opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of participants and families
• paid time off, housing consideration

How to Apply

Please submit the following to dolly@sstrmail.org with the subject line: "Therapeutic Riding Program Director Application"

1. Cover letter sharing your professional qualifications and your personal connection to our faith-based mission
2. Current résumé
3. Copies of relevant certifications
4. Three professional references

Position Start Date: Immediate

 

Shining Stars is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, national origin, disability, age, or sex.

 

---

Contact Information

Dolly Greenholt
3175 Old Harrisburg Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325
3175 Old Harrisburg Road
Gettysburg, PA 17325, United States
Phone: 7174519509 717-309-4034
Fax: NA
dolly@sstrmail.org