Executive Director

Position Description

Provides leadership and direction in all aspects of administering multiple university branch campuses or major satellite locations. Meets ORP eligibility requirements. Plans, develops and implements strategies for generating resources and revenues. Has budget administrative oversight of overall operations of units. Reports to Vice President or above. Directs and supervises multiple Managing Directors.

The Executive Director of the Texas Tech Equestrian Center and Equine Programs provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, financial management, and external engagement for one of the university's most visible and mission integrated auxiliary enterprises. Reporting to the Chair of the Department of Animal and Food Sciences within Davis College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, the Executive Director leads a complex and evolving equine enterprise that supports the academic, outreach and engagement, student success, and service missions of Texas Tech University.

The Executive Director is responsible for advancing a sustainable and innovative operational model that integrates auxiliary operations with academic priorities in teaching, experiential learning, student development, outreach, research support, industry engagement, and philanthropic advancement. The position oversees operations, personnel leadership, business development, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and program growth while ensuring the long-term sustainability and success of the Equestrian Center. The Executive Director supervises operational staff and provides leadership oversight for personnel associated with equine related programs, auxiliary operations, and applicable coaching staff.

The Executive Director serves as the primary operational and strategic leader for the Equestrian Center and collaborates with university leadership, faculty, coaches, students, staff, donors, advisory board members, alumni, and industry stakeholders to advance the Texas Tech Equine Program and Equestrian Center Strategic Plan, 2025-2030.

The position requires a highly collaborative, entrepreneurial, and relationship driven leader with demonstrated expertise in equine industry operations, business and financial management, personnel leadership, strategic planning, and higher education environments.

Major/Essential Functions

Strategic Leadership, Vision, and Engagement

• Provide strategic leadership for the Texas Tech Equestrian Center and Equine Programs aligned with university, college, department, and auxiliary priorities.
• Serve as the primary leader for the Center, collaborating with leadership, faculty, staff, students, donors, advisory board members, alumni, and industry partners.
• Lead implementation of the Texas Tech Equine Program and Equestrian Center Strategic Plan (2025-2030), emphasizing sustainability, operations, student success, engagement, philanthropy, and growth.
• Build relationships with donors, alumni, industry partners, and stakeholders to enhance visibility, reputation, and support.
• Promote a culture of professionalism, accountability, collaboration, and student-centered service.
• Represent programs at university, industry, donor, alumni, and public events.

Operations, Financial Management, and Facilities

• Oversee all operational, financial, and administrative functions of the Equestrian Center auxiliary enterprise.
• Maintain an active leadership presence supporting academic programs, teams, therapeutic services, outreach, boarding, events, and public engagement.
• Develop sustainable business and operational strategies aligned with auxiliary expectations.
• Manage budgets, forecasting, revenue, resources, and business development.
• Oversee facilities, arenas, barns, equipment, horse herd, boarding, events, and operations.
• Coordinate maintenance, capital improvements, donor-funded projects, scheduling, workflows, and risk management.
• Ensure effective support for teaching, experiential learning, teams, outreach, and research.
• Maintain responsible stewardship of university, donor, and auxiliary resources.

Academic Support and Student Development

• Support teaching, experiential learning, outreach, and research missions of Animal and Food Sciences and Davis College.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and leadership to strengthen equine programs and interdisciplinary efforts.
• Support teams, internships, workforce development, experiential learning, and student leadership initiatives.
• Promote student recruitment, retention, career readiness, placement, and industry engagement.
• Encourage growth in research, graduate education, outreach, and partnerships.

Personnel Leadership and Collaboration

• Lead, supervise, mentor, and evaluate staff, including operational and coaching personnel.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and service-oriented workplace culture.
• Work with university units including Operations, Procurement, Facilities, EH&S, HR, Animal Care Services, and IACUC.
• Coordinate operations, staffing, infrastructure, and procurement with university partners.

Compliance, Safety, and Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with university policies, fiscal procedures, AAALAC standards, safety regulations, and animal welfare requirements.
• Implement procedures aligned with institutional expectations and responsible animal care.
• Support safe practices in animal handling, transport, facility use, boarding, and events.
• Maintain appropriate reporting, documentation, and risk management practices.