NBD Hunter Equitation Program Manager
Role summary
The Hunter Equitation Program Manager provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the organization’s Hunter Equitation division. This role is responsible for managing national competition strategy, industry relationships, and financial performance, while also developing rider pathway programs. The manager ensures alignment with national governing body standards and promotes excellence, sportsmanship, and growth within the discipline. Key duties include managing championships, developing future programs, overseeing budgets, acting as a liaison for equitation stakeholders, and collaborating with internal departments and external organizations. Proficiency in Microsoft Office is required, along with substantial knowledge of Hunter Seat Equitation judging standards and industry best practices.
Under general direction of the Director of National Breeds and Non-FEI Disciplines, the Hunter Equitation Program Manager provides strategic leadership, operations oversight and competitive program development for the organization’s Hunter Equitation division. This role is responsible for managing the national programs for competition strategy, industry relationships and finance performance. They are also responsible for developing pathway programs for the riders. The Hunter Equitation Program Manager ensures alignment with the national governing body standards and promotes excellence, sportsmanship, and growth within the Hunter Seat Equitation discipline.
*Duties and Responsibilities:*
- Manage a flexible schedule with frequent night, weekend, and travel requirements.
- Develop and manage USEF Equitation Championships and Finals nationwide to include serving as the day of coordinator.
- Design and implement future programs aligned with the organization’s strategic plan.
- Manage budgets, forecasting, and financial performance for the Hunter Equitation division.
- Represent the Federation professionally at all events and official functions.
- Contribute to the development of rules, standards, and judging criteria.
- Conduct post‑event analysis to assess performance and identify improvements.
- Act as the primary equitation liaison for trainers, riders, judges, affiliates, and competition management.
- Monitor industry trends and regulatory updates to ensure compliance and competitiveness.
- Collaborate cross‑departmentally within USEF to ensure clear and focused communication.
- Coordinate committee meetings, including preparation of materials and production of meeting documentation.
- Support the Director of National Breeds and Non‑FEI Disciplines with NBD Advisory Group meetings.
- Build and maintain positive relationships with affiliate organizations and their members.
- Resolve complex rule inquiries and determine appropriate escalation to committee chairs or affiliate leadership.
- Partner with the Marketing Department to review and refine materials.
- Maintain and organize departmental documentation.
- Complete additional duties and special projects as assigned by the Director of National Breeds and Non‑FEI Disciplines.
*Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:*
- Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
- Exceptional customer service skills.
- Substantial knowledge of Hunter Seat Equitation judging standards, competition rules and industry best practices.
- Ability to manage projects independently.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Ability to build and maintain effective relationships and contribute to a positive working environment.
- Enthusiastic personality.
- Must be proficient in the use of all Microsoft Office software.
*Education and Experience:*
- Bachelor’s degree in Equine Science, Sports Management, or Business Administration or related field is required.
- Experience in the equestrian sport industry or related field 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. (25 pounds or more requires a two-person lift)
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.