Training Manager

At Canine Companions, we’re dedicated to making a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. As an employee, you’ll help provide independence to individuals, while also giving a dog a meaningful job. Our commitment to our mission is reflected in our equally strong dedication to our employees. 

Our Employee Benefits 

We believe in offering a comprehensive benefits package to ensure the well-being and growth of our team: 

• Employer-Paid Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision benefits for staff 

• Paid Time Off: 14 paid holidays annually, including an Inclusion Holiday, plus 17 paid days off (PTO) during your first year 

• Retirement Savings: Employer-matched 403(b) retirement plan 

• Community Engagement: Additional paid hours to volunteer within your community 

• Employee Assistance & Wellness Programs: Support for both professional and personal well-being 

• Inclusion and Diversity Committee dedicated to ongoing efforts to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace by setting actionable goals and evaluating progress  

Employee Testimonial  
"Training and teaching.  I love watching dogs discover how to complete the tasks that we train.  I also love seeing clients learn how to utilize those tasks to increase their independence. " 
— Senior Instructor 

The Training Manager is responsible for managing the operations of the regional training department and regional kennel department. This position oversees the training department functions and, working with the regional program director, coordinates the activities and functions of the training department with those of the kennel and veterinary departments, participant programs, and puppy programs. 

Key Responsibilities  

• Staff Management & Development: Supervise, train, and evaluate employees in the apprentice/instructor training program and Kennel Supervisor. Ensure that apprentice instructors receive proper instruction in approved training techniques. Provide and assign full instructors with instructor projects to further develop their skills. Coach and develop direct reports, providing them with tools, resources, and growth opportunities. Working with regional program director and national staff, provide training to staff, organize/administer testing, evaluate performance, and make promotion recommendations. 

• Dog Training & Oversight: Oversee the training, feeding, care, and exercise of dogs through all training phases. Through direct observation, ensure dogs in training meet agency standards. Provide training to apprentice instructors to deliver student instruction. Train string of dogs to skill levels necessary for assistance placement. Provide oversight and instruction regarding canine training techniques and behavior modification. 

• Program Planning & Strategy: In conjunction with national and regional staff, develop strategic planning to meet placement goals. Work with senior director national training to pilot programs and provide feedback. 

• Canine Evaluation & Selection: Evaluate canine temperament and behavior to determine service dog suitability. Oversee canine evaluations for breeder selection, train staff on breeder selection traits. Manage the release dog process and provide documentation and adoption recommendations. In collaboration with directors, coordinate selection of candidates for Team Training. 

• Client Instruction & Support: Use Canine Companions Team Training curriculum to teach students with disabilities. Provide lectures, hands-on demonstrations, and critical feedback to students and graduates. Help students resolve dog handling issues and ensure long-term success with their assistance dogs. 

• Administrative Duties: Maintain professionalism and clear communication within team and across departments. Maintain records, schedules, and documentation (reports, testing, evaluations). Prepare accurate and timely professional communications with puppy raisers. 

Qualifications  

To be successful in this role, candidates should possess the following: 

Must Have:  

• Ability to perform several tasks concurrently, time management and good organizational and communication skills. 

• Ability to supervise and train; able to adjust training methods to support individual learning. 

• Ability to maintain confidential information 

• Ability to complete necessary paperwork and meet deadlines. 

• Ability to work independently as well as to direct, manage, train and motivate others. 

Nice to Have:  

• Full Canine Companions Instructor or equivalent (accumulate minimum thirty months training assistance dogs and teaching students to work with assistance dogs). 

• Required to pass Canine Companions’ written and working instructor examinations within six months of hire. 

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or equivalent experience 

Compensation 

• Salary Range: $80,000-$85,000 annually.

For internal candidates, compensation will be set within the posted wage range for the role, in consideration of internal equity and the scope of the position. 

Schedule

• Full-Time

Inclusion and Diversity Commitment  

We recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and excellence. Therefore, we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply to our positions.  

The base salary range above represents the low and high of the range for this position. Actual salaries will vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors, including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. The range listed is just one component of the total compensation package for employees. 

Pursuant to local Fair Chance Ordinances, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. 

Accommodation Request 

If you need accommodations during the interview process, please let us know. We are committed to ensuring all applicants have equal access to the opportunity to succeed.