An Operations Manager manages operations for a specific area within a company or organization. Supervises staff, oversees quality control, process improvement, and budget management for daily work activities. Has significant authority within their area of responsibility such as hiring, training, and managing staff.
Program Operations Manager Tara's Chance Fullerton, CA Job Details Full-time $30 - $33 an hour 16 hours ago Benefits Paid holidays 401(k) Paid time off 401(k) matching Paid sick time Qualifications Horse care Experience working with individuals with disabilities Outdoor work experience Fundraising experience within non-profit organizations Bachelor's degree Cross-functional collaboration Full Job Description
POSITION
Program Operations Manager STATUS:
Full Time HOURS:
Must be available five days a week, 40 hours, and Tuesday to Saturday. Schedule will include program hours, meetings, and occasional evenings or weekends as needed.
REPORTS TO
Program Director
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Pay:
$30.00-$33.00 per hour, based on experience, plus eligibility for Tara's Chance's shared Team Incentive Pool (projected at roughly $1,200-$2,000/year at full pay range, depending on organization-wide performance). Benefits include PTO, 40 hours of paid sick time, 7 paid holidays, and a retirement plan with an employer match up to 3%. Organization Description Tara's chance is dedicated to promoting the physical, cognitive, and social well-being of those with special needs through equine assisted activities and therapies. Tara's Chance provides the opportunity to change the lives of individuals with special needs, their families, and our community, while fostering inclusive, supportive, and compassionate community work in an outdoor setting, and providing exceptional training. The organization will expand program participants from 97 riders weekly to 180 over the next 3 years, this position will be responsible for ensuring that growth happens with daily operational ease.
Position Description:
The Program Operations Manager serves as the on the ground daily operational leader for Tara's Chance programming. This role is responsible for coordinating and executing the daily operations of the Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT) and Equine Assisted Riding (EAR) programs while supporting future program expansion. The ideal candidate is a proven leader, organized, solution oriented, and comfortable in a fast paced environment. The Program Operations Manager reports directly to the Program Director and works collaboratively with the Program Director, Equine Director, Operations Manager, Volunteer Coordinator, Office Assistant, instructors, horse leaders, and program staff.
Overview of Responsibilities:
Program Support Coordinate daily execution of the Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT) and Equine Assisted Riding (EAR) programs and future programs. Review and manage daily operational adjustments, including rider cancellations, make-up lessons, instructor coverage, volunteer coverage, horse assignments, weather related modifications, and other scheduling changes. Maintain and oversee the live daily program schedule, ensuring all sessions are appropriately staffed, prepared, and begin on time. Jump into program roles, including instructor, horse leader, or sidewalker, when operational needs require (training provided). Coordinate with the Office Assistant regarding rider communication, attendance, and scheduling updates. Coordinate with the Volunteer Coordinator regarding volunteer assignments and daily coverage. Coordinate with the Equine Director for horse availability, assignments, and utilization across all programs. Manage instructors and program staff by communicating rider needs, schedule changes, operational updates, and daily priorities. Implement operational requirements of future programs with direction from the Program Director including an early child development program and expansion of EAT and EAR. Team Management Provide direct day to day supervision of instructors and designated program staff. Coordinate staff breaks, lesson transitions, coverage, and daily task assignments. Assign operational tasks during downtime, weather interruptions, or schedule gaps. Manage direct reports' timesheets, hours, and schedules, ensuring accuracy and timely submission. Onboard, train, and mentor instructors and program staff on operational procedures, scheduling, session documentation, progress reports, billing processes, timekeeping, and organizational expectations. Coach staff on operational best practices while monitoring performance and providing ongoing feedback, guidance, and corrective instruction when needed. Communicate staffing concerns, operational issues, and performance observations to the Program Director. Ensure operational policies, safety procedures, and organizational standards are consistently followed by staff and volunteers. Monitor the completion and quality of required documentation, including attendance records, session notes, progress reports, assessments, and other program records. Work closely with the Volunteer Coordinator to ensure volunteers receive comprehensive training, ongoing mentorship, and operational support while reinforcing Tara's Chance standards, safety protocols, and program procedures. Operational Support Tara's Chance events, fundraisers, outreach activities, and community programs as needed.
Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Business, Recreation, Education, Human Services, Nonprofit Management, or a related field or a combination of 4-8 years of leadership experience managing multiple departments or teams. Experience directly supervising employees and receiving reports from staff. Minimum 1 year experience working with individuals with special needs Minimum 1 year of hands on horse experience, including horse handling, riding, and basic horse care within the last 3 years. Experience coordinating staff, schedules, programs, or daily operations. Experience working collaboratively across multiple departments. Proficiency in written communication, documentation, scheduling systems, and basic office technology. Ability to work outdoors in an active ranch environment. Ability to walk and stand outdoors for extended periods (4 hours min). Ability to support riders during mounted activities. Ability to lift and carry up to 75 pounds. Ability to work in varying weather conditions. Ability to perform hands-on program duties, including horse leading, sidewalking, arena preparation, and equipment handling when trained and needed. Ability to safely respond during emergency situations involving riders or horses. CPR/First Aid certification Experience in adaptive riding, equine-assisted services, recreation, education, camps, hospitality, healthcare, or similar service-based environments. Experience working in the mental health field Equine studies degree/certification Experience supervising volunteers Fundraising and development experience within a nonprofit Identify and recommend opportunities to improve operational efficiency, communication, staffing, safety, and participant experience.
Pay:
$30.00 - $33.00 per hour
Benefits:
401(k) 401(k) matching Paid time off
Education:
Bachelor's (Preferred)
Experience:
working with individuals with special needs: 1 year (Required) hands on horse: 1 year (Required)
