Program Director - Priority Dispatch : Job Details

At Canine Companions, we're dedicated to making a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. As an employee, you'll help provide independence to individuals, while also giving a dog a meaningful job. Our commitment to our mission is reflected in our equally strong dedication to our employees.

Our Employee Benefits

We believe in offering a comprehensive benefits package to ensure the well-being and growth of our team:

• Employer-Paid Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision benefits for staff

• Paid Time Off: 14 paid holidays annually, including an Inclusion Holiday, plus 17 paid days off (PTO) during your first year

• Retirement Savings: Employer-matched 403(b) retirement plan

• Community Engagement: Additional paid hours to volunteer within your community

• Employee Assistance & Wellness Programs: Support for both professional and personal well-being

• Inclusion and Diversity Committee dedicated to ongoing efforts to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace by setting actionable goals and evaluating progress

Employee Testimonial Seeing the full circle of teams: puppy, to training, to placement to graduation and after, it's kind of amazing the amount of moving parts, particularly when dealing with both people and dogs that we are still so successful in what we do. — Program Team Member

The Program Director is responsible for managing the regional program operations at Canine Companions regional campus. This includes oversight and coordination between the various program areas including client services, puppy, training, Team Training, and kennels, with support from the regional Training Manager. This position serves as the primary liaison with National program management and the regional Executive Director.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Strategic Management: Responsible for the advancement of Canine Companions' mission, vision, and core values in the region. Recruits, manages and retains a high-performing team. Collaborate with the Executive Director to build an inclusive campus. Work as a team with other Program managers to create standardization and excellence. Partner with Executive Director on facility management where appropriate.

• Budgeting: Takes an active role in the annual regional income and expense budget. Monitors regional program expenses to meet or exceed goals and objectives. Regularly analyzes and reports on variances between expense levels. Ensures program expenses do not exceed targets for assigned areas.

• Training & Canine Program: Provides support to the training department to: oversee feeding, care, management of regional dogs, evaluate canine temperament and behavior. Provide accurate verbal and written reports on training progress. Oversee training staff and ensure regional dogs meet agency standards. Oversee the selection of dogs for each class and organize Team Training. Ensure students with disabilities are taught required skills. Provide lectures, demonstrations, and feedback to students and graduates.

• Staff Development & Training: Oversee training staff through testing, report review, and direct observation. Guide apprentices in learning techniques and reporting procedures. Train, support and evaluate apprentice instructors. Schedule program rotations for apprentices.

• Program Operations: Prevent, analyze, and/or resolve program department problems. Develop regional placement and graduate recertification objectives. Schedule activities and staff time to achieve program objectives. Prepare reports and analysis on program results and stats. Provide input and recommendations for regional and national operations.

• Community Engagement: Represent Canine Companions through interviews, tours, and presentations. Strengthen engagement with clients, volunteers, donors, and community. Provide support to puppy program. Oversee reports and correspondence. Provide guidance to puppy raisers. Coach and manage volunteers. Coordinate with HQ on Team Training and dog selection. Collaborate with other regions on graduate follow-up.

Qualifications

To be successful in this role, candidates should possess the following:

Must Have:

• Maintain balance and calm amidst complexity, competing demands and expectations.

• Prompt decision-making, including managing performance and addressing difficult situations.

• Ability to effectively delegate and oversee projects.

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills with an aptitude for public speaking.

• Ability to work independently as well as to network, direct, and motivate others.

• Comfort operating within a matrixed environment and with being part of “one team.”

Nice to Have:

• Full Canine Companions Instructor or equivalent or a minimum of 5 years' experience in a Canine Companions program management position

• Bachelor's degree in a related field, or equivalent experience

Compensation

• Salary Range: $92,000 - $105,000 per year

Inclusion and Diversity Commitment

We recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and excellence. Therefore, we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply to our positions.

The base salary range above represents the low and high of the range for this position. Actual salaries will vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors, including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. The range listed is just one component of the total compensation package for employees.

Pursuant to local Fair Chance Ordinances, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Accommodation Request

If you need accommodations during the interview process, please let us know. We are committed to ensuring all applicants have equal access to the opportunity to succeed.