GMHA Hunter/Jumper Manager

GMHA is seeking a dedicated, experienced, and highly organized Hunter/Jumper Manager to oversee equestrian events at one of the region’s premier venues, located in scenic South Woodstock, Vermont.

The off-site Hunter/Jumper Manager will work closely with a GMHA liaison and the show secretary to help ensure a successful event season.

The ideal candidate will be highly organized, adaptable, and an effective communicator who provides clear, timely information to participants, officials, volunteers, GMHA staff, and show officials. The candidate should be flexible, able to respond to changing circumstances, and prepared with contingency plans when needed.

The successful applicant will understand the needs and expectations of GMHA’s diverse clientele and be able to prioritize those needs while adapting appropriately to the situation and discipline.

The candidate should possess a working knowledge of Hunter/Jumper rules, licensing requirements, and the governing organizations necessary to conduct sanctioned competitions, including but not limited to USEF, NEHC, and VHJA. They must be capable of making sound, timely decisions with the safety and welfare of horses and riders as the highest priority, while maintaining a broad perspective on the overall success of each event.

Strong communication skills are essential, including the ability to work collaboratively with officials, particularly the show secretary. Responsibilities require keeping all stakeholders well informed and ensuring that awards and ribbons, scheduling, event logistics, and technology platforms are current and meet participant expectations.

The Hunter/Jumper Manager works closely with GMHA’s Administrative Assistant and Business Manager and should demonstrate sound budgeting skills, understand GMHA’s operational capabilities and resources, and plan events that align with the organization’s financial and organizational goals.

Position Details

Title: Hunter/Jumper Off-Site Manager
Reports to: Executive Director
Schedule: Part-time, year-round, hybrid. May include weekends and holidays during event season.
FLSA: Exempt – Salaried
Purpose: In support of GMHA’s mission, provides management and support for specific competitive events.

Key Responsibilities

Oversee all aspects of GMHA’s Hunter/Jumper discipline events, including:

• Planning and budgeting
• Managing licensing agreements for sanctioned and recognized shows
• Advertising and marketing, including omnibus and prize listings, event programs, and content for GMHA email and social media marketing
• Securing awards and prizes and overseeing award presentations
• Hiring officials and event staff, initiating contracts, and communicating housing needs
• Processing entries and preparing required pre-event materials
• Communicating event and facility needs to the Grounds Crew
• Arranging catering and food service for events
• Ensuring scheduling and stabling assignments are completed in a timely manner and communicated to competitors
• Recruiting and managing volunteers
• Being onsite to oversee events, communicate with officials, staff, volunteers, and competitors, and troubleshoot as needed
• Ensuring results and financial close-outs are reported as required
• Ensuring the quality and safety of each event
• Preparing post-event surveys to gather competitor feedback
• Mentoring interns as necessary
• Obtaining and maintaining sponsorships in coordination with the GMHA Business Manager
• Other duties as assigned

Skills, Knowledge & Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of experience managing horse shows
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and a professional, personable manner with supervisors, staff, clients, suppliers, and the general public
• Ability to command the respect of board members, staff, competitors, volunteers, and other stakeholders
• Ability to motivate and work effectively with volunteers, groups, and individuals
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated creative planning, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to organize independent work, coordinate projects with others, and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Proficient technical skills and a willingness to learn new technologies
• Knowledge of equestrian events and their governing bodies
• Ability to interact with others with tact and diplomacy
• Initiative, sound judgment, and the ability to work independently
• Honesty, reliability, and a strong work ethic

Hunter/Jumper Checklist of Duties

Off-Season Work

• Attend the VHJA Managers Meeting, which is mandatory to host events
• Submit date applications to NEHC
• Submit date applications to VHJA
• Maintain required manager memberships
• Develop budgets for each event
• Hire officials
  • Collect contracts, W-9s, Farm Family Insurance forms, and GMHA liability waivers
  • Report accommodation needs
• Develop class schedules
• Prepare prize lists
  • Submit the VHJA omnibus insert by February 1
  • Submit class schedules and prize lists to NEHC for approval
• Prepare paperwork
  • Develop an updated entry form
  • Update the trainer stabling form
• Create and maintain event website pages
  • Provide applicable forms for upload
  • Work with GMHA’s website designer
• Obtain required ShowPro licenses
• Order ribbons in coordination with GMHA staff
  • Ensure quantities are accurate for all classes and shows
• Order prizes
• Coordinate with GMHA staff to ensure appropriate event coverage, including:
  • EMT
  • Farrier
  • Night watch
  • Veterinarian
  • Photographer
  • Retail and food service
  • Vendors and sponsors

Show Season

• Coordinate social media marketing, including Facebook and Instagram
• Communicate with the Grounds Crew regarding:
  • Material needs
  • Course setup
  • Watering and dragging schedules
• Submit competitor counts to food service or catering providers
• Submit breakfast and lunch counts for volunteers and officials
• Coordinate checks and cash bags with the Business Manager
• Coordinate event-related e-news emails

Post-Event

• Send surveys to competitors and volunteers
• Submit reports to affiliate organizations
• Submit close-out reports to the Business Manager
• File entries and event records

Secretary Responsibilities

• Process entries and communicate with competitors
• Prepare stabling assignments
• Provide hay and shavings lists to the Grounds Crew
• Prepare labels and competitor packets
• Prepare judges’ cards