Executive Director

About REINS Therapeutic Horsemanship Program

Established in 1984, REINS has over four decades of experience delivering equine-assisted services that transform lives. The organization is PATH International Premier Accredited and serves diverse groups including children, adults, veterans, and families in Southern California. REINS is dedicated to enriching lives through compassionate, safe, inclusive, and excellent therapeutic horsemanship programs. In 2023, it broadened its offerings to include equine-assisted mental wellness programs tailored for active-duty military, veterans, individuals facing addiction, and at-risk youth, conducted by PATH Certified Equine Specialists in Mental Health and Learning in collaboration with REINS instructors.

Position Summary

The Executive Director acts as the CEO, managing strategic direction, operations, finances, fundraising, and overall organizational management. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, this role leads the senior management team and collaborates extensively with staff, volunteers, donors, and community stakeholders to advance REINS's mission and sustainability while ensuring program excellence and nurturing a culture based on integrity, accountability, collaboration, innovation, and respect.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Board to define strategic priorities and organizational objectives.
• Provide mentorship and development opportunities to the senior leadership team.
• Cultivate a positive, mission-aligned, and cooperative organizational environment.
• Ensure adherence to policies, employment laws, nonprofit rules, and mental health program standards.
• Manage financial health alongside the CFO, including budget creation and long-range financial planning.
• Safeguard organizational resources including grants and donations.
• Oversee fundraising initiatives such as cultivating major donors, securing grants, organizing sponsorships and events, and fostering community partnerships.
• Serve as the primary public representative and spokesperson of REINS.
• Strengthen partnerships with donors, foundations, government bodies, community groups, and other strategic allies.
• Supervise all organizational programs and operations to ensure participant safety, superior quality, equine care, and operational efficiency.
• Maintain compliance with PATH International Premier Accreditation and keep equine emergency plans current and practiced.
• Encourage innovation, strategic growth, and ongoing improvements across the organization.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, or related field required; Master’s degree is preferred.
• At least five years of senior or executive leadership experience in a nonprofit setting; equivalent education and experience may be considered.
• Proven accomplishments in fundraising, financial oversight, strategic planning, and leadership.
• Experience liaising effectively with a Board of Directors.
• Outstanding communication, public speaking, and relationship-building capabilities.
• Understanding of nonprofit governance, HR, and employment law.
• Familiarity with PATH International standards or equine-assisted services preferred.
• Equine experience is a plus but not mandatory.
• Awareness of equine-assisted mental health programs, credentialing, and HIPAA compliance is advantageous.

Leadership Attributes

• Visionary and team-oriented leadership style.
• Exemplary integrity with sound ethical judgment.
• Ability to empower and delegate effectively while mentoring others.
• Strong financial acumen and organizational administration skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strategic mindset with strong problem-solving aptitude.
• Dedication to REINS’s mission, values, and future development.

Compensation

Salary ranges from $95,000 to $125,000 annually, dependent upon qualifications and experience.