USHJA Seeks Sports Director

Job Title: Sports Director (Equestrian)
Reports To: Executive Director
FLSA Status: Exempt

Summary
The USHJA seeks to fill the position of Sports Director. The ideal candidate possesses the skills and experience required to develop and manage a fully functional team of staff members. This individual must have a broad based perspective, positive attitude, strong work ethic, honesty, integrity and commitment to the organization and its mission. This candidate must have the requisite skills to communicate with the team members and volunteers in a positive manner to facilitate the work of the department and organization.

The Sports Director will be a member of the USHJA’s management team and is responsible for the oversight, management and development of the Hunter and Jumper departments. This includes management of various committees, department and professional relationships, and the development and growth of Hunter and Jumper Programs and Services within the Association. Additionally, this position is responsible for management and maintenance of USHJA’s relationship with its Zones and Affiliate Member Organizations and the development and growth of regional and local programs, including the USHJA Outreach Competitions program.

The Sports Director, in the fulfillment of this position, works closely with other managers across the Association, will work with representatives from the United States Equestrian Federation in the planning and implementation of USEF championship events, and will be responsible for the management and professional development of a team of staff supporting hunter, jumper and zone/affiliate affairs.

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategy and Leadership:

· Provide strategic leadership in the development, management and implementation of Sport programs and services

· In coordination with other departments, analyze existing sports program and services, and collaborate with leadership and staff to develop and execute strategies to address issues

· Provide strategic counsel to staff, Executive Director, Board and others

· Provide leadership, mentorship and oversight for a team of staff members



Operations:

· Provide staff support for and between the USHJA volunteer leadership, various committees, and USHJA departments in the development of programs and services

· Manage administrative workflow and budgets related to planning, development and implementation of programs and services



· Responsible for all aspects of competition events, including coordination of on-site implementation when necessary

· Coordinate promotion of program related activities, and awards and inventory with the Sport and Association Services Department.

Travel to Programs and Events throughout year

· Other sport program duties as assigned by the Executive Director



Team Development/Management:

· Coordinate and manage sport programs and services with others

· Promote and demonstrate a culture of excellence, teamwork and service for the departments, association and committee members

· Supervises the staff who assist in many facets of the Sports Programs and Services

· Function as a mentor and provide professional development opportunities for staff

· Work with staff to develop goals, objectives, etc., and monitor performance and provide regular feedback as well as conduct annual reviews and identify opportunities for advancement

· Provide excellent customer service to the membership via email and phone regarding programs and events



Competencies and Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must have demonstrated experience in the following competencies and must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.



Planning/Organizing

Is a strategic and analytical thinker; prioritizes and plans work activities in a fast-paced environment and plans, develops and manages of programs and events to a successful completion.



Program Development, Implementation and Management

Ability to design, develop and implement programs in collaboration with volunteers; to apply field knowledge in the management of programs staff and others; and to monitor, evaluate and manage programs.



Management, Supervision and Development

Is a positive, collaborative and proactive manager who can motivate teams toward common goals. Supervises and mentors staff and teams of individuals in a manner that enables them to effectively manage assignments and excel in their capacity and self-development, and work within cross department teams.



Budget Preparation

Develop and manage department and program budgets.



Professionalism

Approaches others in a professional manner; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accepts responsibility for own actions; and follows through on commitments and maintains confidentiality.



Communication

Demonstrated skill in proactively engaging and developing relationships with diverse groups of individuals; is an effective listener and seeks clarification; speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; responds well to questions; possesses group presentation skills; participates in meetings. Writes clearly and informatively; varies writing style to meet needs; and presents numerical data effectively.

Quality

Demonstrated accuracy and thoroughness; look for ways to improve and promote quality; and monitor own work to ensure quality.



Adaptability/Flexibility

Adapts to change in the work environment; manages competing demands; changes approach or method to best fit the situation; and is able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.



Initiative

Volunteer readily; undertakes self-development activities; seeks increased responsibilities; and asks for and offers help when needed. Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities that support USHJA initiatives and improves and promotes the quality of USHJA programs.



Customer Service

Manages difficult or emotional member situations; responds promptly to member needs; solicit member feedback to improve services; responds to requests for service and assistance; and meets commitments.



Teamwork

Balances team and individual responsibilities; gives and welcomes feedback; and supports everyone's efforts to succeed.



Organizational Support

Follows policies and procedures; completes tasks correctly and on-time; supports the organization’s mission, goals and values; demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; and supports and follows managements’ direction.

Technology

Comfortable using new technology and tools to engage audiences; Possesses computer skills, and is familiar with Microsoft Office Suite and the Internet.

Educational Qualifications and Experience:

· College degree or an equivalent combination of education, training and expertise
· Minimum of 3-5 years’ work experience, specifically the hunter/jumper disciplines, and an understanding of USEF Rules for the disciplines

Other requirements:

· Some travel required either by air and/or automobile. Overnight stays and weekends may be required
· Some after hours and weekend work required for special projects and events

To submit a resume (please include salary history and references) or for additional information about the USHJA position, contact employment@ushja.org