The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) seeks an experienced and passionate individual with strong leadership and managerial skills to plan and execute the programs of this progressive, member driven and credentialing association, as well as build relationships with related organizations.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) has full responsibility for planning and executing the long-range goals of the organization as determined by the leadership and managing the operations of the PATH Intl. office based in Westminster, CO. The work of PATH Intl. is carried out by a staff of 23 employees and is governed by an 11-member Board of Trustees and a 6-member Executive Committee.

Overview:

The CEO of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) will provide visionary leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for the organization. The CEO will be responsible for advancing PATH Intl.'s mission to lead the advancement of professional equine-assisted services by supporting the members and stakeholders through rigorously developed standards, credentialing and education. This role requires a dynamic leader with a passion for equine-assisted services, strong management skills, and the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership/Talent & Culture Management
  • Working closely with the Board to develop and execute a strategic plan to advance PATH Intl.'s mission and goals.
  • Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence within the organization.
  • Build and champion a strong organizational culture that attracts and retains talent.
  • Oversee Diversity, Equity and Inclusion goals and objectives as directed by the Board of Trustees.
  • Represent PATH Intl. at national and international conferences, events, and meetings.
• Operational Management/Stewardship
  • Oversee the day-to-day operations of the organization, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Financial Expertise to manage the organization's budget/projections/reporting to ensure financial sustainability, transparency and accountability.
  • Develop and implement policies and procedures that align with the best practices and legal requirements.
  • Oversee the day-to-day operations of the organization, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Financial Expertise to manage the organization's budget/projections/reporting to ensure financial sustainability, transparency and accountability.
  • Develop and implement policies and procedures that align with the best practices and legal requirements.
• Stakeholder/Member Relations
  • Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders including partners, donors, and the equine community.
  • Communicate with and understand the interests of the association members (both individual members and center members). Ensure the organization supports and provides value to the association members.
  • Be the voice of Equine-assisted services (EAS), influencing policymakers and shaping pro-EAS policies.
  • Collaborate with other organizations and agencies to expand awareness and support for equine-assisted services.
• Fundraising and Development
  • Lead fundraising initiatives to secure financial resources for PATH Intl.'s programs and services.
  • Identify and cultivate relationships with potential donors, sponsors, and grant-making organizations.
  • Oversee the development of marketing and communication strategies to promote PATH Intl.'s initiatives.
• Board Relations
  • Work closely with the Board of Trustees to ensure effective governance and strategic oversight.
  • Provide regular updates on organizational performance, challenges, and opportunities.
  • Support board recruitment, orientation, and development efforts.

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred in a relevant field (e.g., nonprofit management, business administration, equine studies).
• Minimum of 7-10 years of senior management experience (with minimum of 3 years’ experience required in an association and/or nonprofit organization); experience preferred in leading and managing hybrid work arrangements.
• Strong understanding of the equine-assisted (EAS) industry, passion for EAS and a commitment to promoting EAS. Minimum of 3 years’ leadership experience in the EAS industry preferred.
• Proven track record of successful leadership, strategic planning, and operational management.
• Understanding of and commitment to the importance of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in all operations.
• Familiarity with accreditation programs including certification and credentialing.
• Experience with innovative technology-assisted solutions to improve processes.
• Excellent communication, public speaking, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in fundraising and development, with a demonstrated ability to cultivate donor relationships.
• Currently, residing in or willing to relocate to Denver, CO.
• Ability to travel up to 20% of the time (primarily within the US, and occasionally international).

About The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, International

The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, International (PATH, Intl.) was founded in 1969 to promote safe and effective therapeutic - also known as adaptive - horseback riding throughout the United States and Canada. Today, through the work of 767 member centers and more than 4,500 professionals credentialed through PATH Intl., more than 71,200 children and adults, including 7,400 veterans are helped through a variety of equine-assisted services all over the world. Equine-assisted services encompass therapy services incorporating equines, equine-assisted learning services and therapeutic horsemanship services including adaptive/therapeutic riding for clients and participants with a variety of challenges. PATH Intl. is a 501 C3 tax-exempt membership association committed to serving the equine-assisted services industry and its members. Our mission is to lead the advancement of professional equine-assisted services by supporting our members and stakeholders through rigorously developed standards, credentialing and education. PATH Intl. is committed to the advancement of equine-assisted services for lifelong impact.

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