IHSA Hunt Seat Coach

REPORTS TO: DEAN OF EQUINE STUDIES

STATUS: PART-TIME, EXEMPT, SALARIED

Lake Erie College, a small, co-educational, four-year, independent liberal arts college located in Painesville, OH, 30 miles east of Cleveland, invites applications for the part-time position of IHSA Hunt Seat Coach.  The instructor will serve as the Head Coach for the IHSA Hunt Seat team at Lake Erie College. As Head Coach, they will be responsible for the supervision of all aspects of the IHSA Hunt Seat team, including attending and coaching at all competitions at home and away.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervises all aspects of the IHSA Hunt Seat team, including attending and coaching at both home and away competitions.
• Oversees and plans all IHSA-related activities.
• Supervises and directs the Graduate Assistant (GA) in Equine Studies in IHSA Hunt Seat Team and horse show matters.
• Travels to and coaches at away horse shows and events, and coaches at home horse shows.
• Submits membership dues to the IHSA national association.
• Prepares and submits entry forms for IHSA shows.
• Plans housing and secures travel arrangements, vans, and drivers for away shows.
• Bills student accounts for hotels, entry fees, and schooling fees following standard college billing policies.
• Ensures team members maintain the required GPA and academic eligibility.
• Oversees planning of the College’s home IHSA Hunt Seat horse show each semester at least 60 days in advance.
• Hires judges, purchases awards and ribbons, and completes the horse show program and prize list.
• Plans housing, meals, and transportation for show officials; ensures EMT coverage and submits check requests at least 14 days in advance.
• Assists club members and officers in planning and attending monthly meetings.
• Establishes and meets a team fundraising goal.
• Collaborates with the Coordinator of Equine Studies to promote team activities and successes through email blasts, website updates, and press releases.
• Schedules weekly team practices in coordination with the Horse Care Manager for at least eleven weeks each semester and as needed for IHSA Finals.
• Performs additional duties as assigned by the Provost, Dean of Equine Studies, and Director of Riding.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS & KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Bachelor’s degree in equine science, animal science, equine management, or a related field from a recognized institution preferred.
• Demonstrates strong leadership, communication, and team management skills.
• Maintains working knowledge of IHSA rules, procedures, and standards.
• Organizes events and manages logistics with strong attention to detail and deadlines.
• Coordinates effectively with students, staff, and external vendors.
• Promotes academic accountability, team engagement, and student development.
• Adapts to changing priorities while maintaining a positive and professional demeanor.
• Growth and “doer” mindset and institutional teamwork ethic.
• Creative, strategic, thoughtful, and has a sense of humor.