Grooming Academy Manager

Position Summary:

The Manager of Grooming Academy leads Joybound’s innovative grooming training programs and dog grooming services. This role ensures the smooth daily operation of the Grooming Academy, supporting instructional staff, students, and public grooming operations. The manager will serve as a key liaison between the Academy and the Grooming Salon, aligning educational objectives with real-world grooming experiences that benefit both students and clients in our care. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead by action and example to advance a culture of positivity, professionalism, trust, transparency, empathy, and excellence at Joybound
• Coach and guide grooming staff and interns, providing ongoing direction, example, mentorship, resources, feedback, discipline, and accountability to elevate individual and team performance.
• Lead daily operations of the Bather/Brusher (Phase I) and Pet Groomer (Phase II) training programs 

• Assist in scheduling appointments, financial reconciliations and activity reports 

• Schedule grooming staff, interns, and student learning activities 

• Coordinate salon operations, student assignments, and hands-on grooming experiences 

• Monitor student progress toward IPG, Fear Free, and Pet First Aid certifications 

• Ensure grooming and classroom areas are clean, safe, and functional 

• Manage onboarding, attendance tracking, stipend processing, and behavior support 

• Act as the primary contact for workforce agencies, community partners, and case managers 

• Organize graduation events and assist with job placement for students 

• Host facility tours for donors, officials, and community stakeholders 

• Maintain records on student performance, certifications, incidents, and program outcomes 

• Ensure that grooming services for both in-house and public dogs align with educational goals
• Implement safety protocols for volunteers and support internal grooming needs 

• Other duties as assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong communication and leadership skills with a compassionate approach 
• High proficiency in Microsoft 365 PowerPoint 
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment 
• Experience with inclusive teaching and coaching practices 
• Affection for animals, concern for their welfare, and a willingness to accommodate animals in the workplace
• Must have a valid California Driver’s License and must not have more than two at-fault incidents in a three-year period and no major at-fault violations in the last ten years and must be insured.
• Pre-employment background screening required

Education and Experience:

• Associates degree and two years of relevant experience, or equivalent experience, may take the place of education.

• Minimum one year of supervisory experience
• Proven ability to manage salon operations, inventory and scheduling
• Knowledge of Busypaws and/or similar scheduling and tracking tools preferred
• Familiarity with grooming certifications (IPG, Fear Free, Pet First Aid) a plus 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Specific physical abilities required by this job include:

• Physically able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Able to stand for long periods 
• Comfortable working in an env