National Breeds & Disciplines Hunter Director

This position supports the Federation’s mission and vision by demonstrating a commitment to exemplary member service, as well as a collaborative spirit, equality, fairness, respect, and accountability.

JOB SUMMARY:

Under general direction of the Director of National Breeds & Disciplines this position is responsible for the organization, leadership, and development of the hunter discipline with the goal of fostering sport advancement and positive Affiliate relationships. This position oversees the facilitation of the work of the hunter committees; serves as committee liaison; responds to the needs of Federation membership, Competition Officials, and Affiliate organizations/task forces and committees; and effectively encourages and facilitates the promotion of the sport through the efforts of the applicable governing committee. In addition, this position is involved in the growth, coordination and customer experience of championships and programs.

This position also manages the relevant hunter positions in the National Breeds & Disciplines department. These responsibilities include but are not limited to: work load management, education/training, interviewing/hiring staff, distribution of responsibilities and overall directional guidance as related to relevant breed/discipline committees or championships/programs. Will also participate in other department championships and programs as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work professionally and effectively with committees and task forces, whether USEF or affiliate, to ensure important and relevant issues are addressed, the sport is advanced and committee and organizational objectives are met, by:
• Managing applicable National Sport Department programs and functions and being the responsible point person for these programs and functions.
• Overseeing the overall sport growth in the National Breeds and Non-FEI disciplines to ensure the mission and vision of the Federation are being met.
• Making committee meeting arrangements including maintaining committee materials and producing meeting documentation.
• Assisting the Director of National Sport with materials for Council meetings.
• Providing direction and guidance during committee meetings by clarifying policies, suggesting possible solutions, and managing time and flow of meetings as well as guiding the committees through the rule change process.
• Staying abreast of industry developments and bringing issues before the committee.
• Conducting research, working on special projects, and managing the development of the breed/discipline including collaboration with the Marketing Department to create promotion materials related to the breeds/disciplines.
• Acting as an ambassador of the Federation at conventions, competitions, and committee meetings requiring overnight travel.
• Arranging logistics of programs and/or special events and promotions off site to guarantee professional success of USEF functions often requiring independent decision making skills.
• Overseeing, researching, preparing and maintaining the annual budget for the relevant championships, events or programs.
• Developing relationships with other departments in an effort to establish goals.
• Communicating expectations/plans to staff both within and outside the National Sport Dept.
• Collaborating with other departments and staff on the creation of educational materials

Provide exceptional customer service by:

• Clarifying and interpreting rules for the members and assisting Competition Management, Licensed Officials and Affiliate organizations in both office and field settings.
• Championships are executed in a flawless manner to the primary stakeholders.
• Developing and evaluating programs to promote the breeds/disciplines.
• Fostering positive relationships with affiliate organizations and their members.
• Handling complex rule questions/issues and determining when to consult with committee chair or Affiliate leadership.
• Leading in the drafting and implementation of relevant initiatives set out by the National Council and in support of the Federations mission and plan.

Goals and Objectives:

• Positive member relationships and increased membership.
• Creation of programs and/or championships in a manner befitting the NGB.
• Providing value adds to current programs and championships while managing the cost perspectives.
• Federation rules are interpreted, communicated and implemented accurately.
• Committee work is appropriately organized, meetings are professionally facilitated and committee objectives are met.
• Staff reporting to this position are effectively managed and maintain a healthy work/life balance.
• Committees function effectively, relevant issues are addressed and the discipline is effectively governed and promoted.
• Events are organized effectively and expenses are managed efficiently.
• Daily activities are completed effectively and the Federation is represented professionally.
• Communication with Department Director is on-going and effective, and results in management being well informed of all issues of importance.
• Exceptional member service is provided, and member relationships are enhanced.
• Communication with members and staff is effective and professional.
• Relationships with Directors and other staff are productive and promote a positive team environment.
• Assistance is provided to other department members when needed.

Required, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Conscientious representative of US Equestrian and the US.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Education and Experience:

• High School diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Some college preferred.
• At least four years of experience in the horse industry is preferred.
• Experience in equine competition and knowledge of relevant breeds/disciplines as well as USEF rules preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Frequent travel
• Extended hours of availability, including evenings and weekends.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds and occasional lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds. (Anything over 25 pounds requires a two person lift)
• Prolonged periods of standing and walking during events.

US Equestrian is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We strongly encourage applications from black, indigenous, and people of color, immigrants, women, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and other underrepresented and historically marginalized groups.