Retrieving Independence

Training Program Manager

Retrieving Independence

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Job Summary

The Training Program Manager is responsible for the delivery and operational implementation of the Retrieving Independence Volunteer Puppy Raising Program while assisting the Director of Training Programs with providing training support and education across the organization. This includes the delivery of volunteer training, maintaining logistics of furlough team schedules, and ensuring all processes, procedures, and policies are being followed.

Retrieving Independence (RI) is a 501c3 nonprofit that breeds, raises, and places working dogs (service dogs and facility dogs) with people living with disabilities, and organizations serving vulnerable populations. RI partners with the Tennessee Department of Correction, and provides men and women who are currently incarcerated the opportunity to learn to train service dogs, receive counseling from a licensed clinical therapist, and gain valuable soft skills that will benefit them upon release.

Job Responsibilities

  • Work closely with the Director of Training Programs to provide training support to clients, volunteers, and inmate trainers as needed
  • Oversee all volunteer puppy raisers and their dogs to ensure proper care and training protocols are being maintained in volunteer homes to complement the training work within the prison program
  • Work closely with volunteer Puppy Raising Coaches to host 2 volunteer training meetings per month and act as the point person for any volunteer questions or concerns
  • Manage logistics of monthly furlough schedule to ensure all dogs spend time each month training outside of prison facilities and in public spaces with volunteers
  • Assist in completing regular behavioral and skills assessments for program dogs
  • Collect, organize, and record training notes and evaluation forms for all program dogs, following up with volunteers and inmate trainers for information or feedback as needed
  • Hands-on teaching with prison teams at designated prison facilities to ensure training of client-specific needs and progression toward proficiency before placement
  • Attend and assist where needed at Client Training Camp – include checking in each day with recipients for skill understanding and proficiency
  • Adhere to all ADI guidelines
  • Assist with continued education and curriculum development within the organization to maintain high-quality training efforts
  • Maintain clear and constant communication with the Director of Training Programs
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education: College degree (BS/BA) or equivalent experience. Professional dog training certification preferred (KPA CTP, CPDT, etc.), but not required. Must be willing to pursue professional certification.

Experience: Minimum of 2 years related experience, with a demonstrated background in dog training, facilitation of instruction, organization and maintaining records, and working with underserved communities.

Other: Proficient with MS Office software, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Additional Information

Benefits

This position reports to the Director of the Training Program

Salary between $40,000-$50,000 annually, DOE, with a 75% employer contribution healthcare stipend and generous PTO.

This is a full-time position with flexible hours and a hybrid of work-from-home/field/office. 

Some Saturday availability is required, and some functions of the position require presence at RI’s headquarters, located at the Honey Alexander Center in downtown Nashville.

How to Apply

Please submit your statement of interest, cover letter, and resume here.

Details

  • Date Posted: January 8, 2025
  • Type: Full-Time
  • Job Function: Programs and Service Delivery
  • Service Area: Animal Welfare
  • Start Date: 02/03/2025
  • Salary Range: $40,000
  • Working Hours: 40hrs/wk; flexible