Program Operations Coordinator, Temple Grandin Equine Center, CSU Spur

Job Description

Position summary:

The Program Operations Coordinator at TGEC CSU Spur will have responsibilities in four primary areas: 1) coordinating facility and programming operations, assisting research efforts, 2) providing equine assisted services to school groups and other community organizations, 3) managing all staff, including equine-care, service providers, and administrative staff, and 4) supervising internships.  The Program Operations Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating EAS activities, research, and programming and for general facility operations. This individual will also be involved in outreach education by serving as a program liaison with equine-assisted services associations and may be included in equine-assisted services clinics and short courses. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and multiculturalism through research and outreach with relevant programs, goals, and activities.

Full Consideration Date: Wednesday, 7/22/2026, 11:59pm (MT)

Essential Job Duties:

Program Management

• Support planning and coordination of the equine assisted services (EAS) program and all activities. Manage relationships with all vendors, contractors, and staff.
• Coordinate schedules of horse, arena, and equipment use, to facilitate EAS programming, education, research, and other activities at the TGEC and supervise staff, faculty, independent contractors, and volunteers in scheduling and providing all activities.
• Lead, coach, develop, and retain high-performing staff members, interns, and independent contractors. Mandate and oversee a clean, safe environment for equines, staff, volunteers, clients and guests, and daily maintenance, repair, and care of facilities.
• Act as liaison to the National Western Center staff and the CSU Spur Education and Events staff.  Mandate and oversee equine welfare, care, conditioning, and training.
• Implement and monitor protocols and procedures to maintain the TGEC as a PATH Intl, including, but not limited to having the program a Premiere Accredited Center.
• Serve as site coordinator for research projects at TGEC at CSU Spur.

Conditions of Employment:

• Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver’s License
• Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license or access to a licensed driver by the employment start date.
• Ability to work in a physically demanding environment including: standing for extended periods of time; lifting 50 pounds occasionally and 20 pounds consistently, providing equine care and maintenance; and caring for horses in dirt-floor facilities and occasional outdoor facilities in inclement weather.
• Ability to work in the Denver area and travel throughout the region, including Fort Collins; very occasional travel outside of state.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree plus four years of relevant professional experience in equine-assisted services.
• Professional experience in equine-assisted services and demonstrated knowledge of providing those services.
• A certification, license, or credential to provide equine-assisted services.
• Demonstrated ability to meet compliance under Plan of Care for equines.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a computerized environment utilizing Microsoft Office
• Demonstrated communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work in a physically demanding environment including: standing for extended periods of time; lifting 50 pounds occasionally and 20 pounds consistently, providing equine care and maintenance; and caring for horses in dirt-floor facilities and occasional outdoor facilities in inclement weather.
• Ability to work in the Denver area and travel throughout the region, including Fort Collins; very occasional travel outside of state.
• Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license or access to a licensed driver by the employment start date.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Multiple industry certifications including American Hippotherapy Association Training, Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemen certification, Certified Horsemanship Association certifications, and other relevant credentials.
• Fiscal management experience; working knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting, and cost-control procedures.
• Supervisory experience, such as recruiting, hiring, training, scheduling and/or evaluating.
• Event planning experience.
• Fundraising experience.
• Public relations/media relations experience.

Salary Range

$50,000-$60,000

Required Application Documents

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Cover Letter, Resume/CV

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

• Review our detailed benefits information here.
• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.
• Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.