Available Positions

Our Current Job Openings

Are you looking for a career with purpose?  We’d love to have you join our team! We are now hiring for the following positions.

Organization Overview:

Guiding Eyes for the Blind provides guide dogs to people with vision loss. We are passionate about connecting exceptional dogs with individuals for greater independence. Guiding Eyes for the Blind is dedicated to creating and supporting life-changing connections between people and dogs.

 

At our facilities in Yorktown Heights, NY, and Patterson, NY, we breed, raise, and train exceptional dogs. Then we connect them to people who are seeking increased freedom and independence, so that together, they can experience all kinds of life adventures.

Position: Communications Manager

Location: Yorktown Heights, NY

Reports to: President’s Office

Position Overview

The Communications Manager plays an integral role in the development and execution of internal and external communications, enhancing and reinforcing Guiding Eyes’ mission and reputation – through various channels of media and internally through our people. 

 

This role drives the development and execution of internal messaging to inform and engage employees, grow organizational culture, and instill our mission and values across the organization.  This position reports to the President’s Office and partners with the President & CEO and the Head of Human Resources.  The Communication Manager will also provide departmental initiative support, working with Senior Leadership team members.  The ideal individual is a “people person,” able to liaise with colleagues at various levels and establish strong relationships; meticulous, with a keen eye for detail throughout communications; and, influence is their super power.

 

The Communication Manager will be responsible for a variety of internal and external communications, including print, digital, media relations, human resources, and executive communications. This position requires phenomenal communication and copywriting/editing skills to work with internal staff and external vendors to create and execute communications from concept through delivery, promoting a positive public image and controlling the dissemination of information on Guiding Eyes for the Blind’s behalf.  The Communication Manager will work side by side with our public relations agency.

 

The position will be based out of our Yorktown campus.

Key Areas and Responsibilities

  • Executive, Internal & External Communications
    • Develop effective corporate communications for senior leadership staff, including speeches, emails and talking points
    • Identify and develop executive visibility opportunities to engage directly with media influencers, nonprofit peers and cross-industry thought leaders
    • Manage internal communications (Human Resources, all-staff emails, newsletters, etc.); help organize and execute internal events
    • Explore and adapt ways to drive clarity and awareness for programs and initiatives across the organization; help create a culture of transparency and information sharing which leads to our employees feeling informed and excited to come to work each day.
  • Special Events & Fundraising
    • Align, support and manage executive-level initiatives for the CEO as related to communications and media
    • Provide support as related to communications and media for Special Events related to fundraising in collaboration with the CDO/Development Team
  • Media Relations
    • Ensure a consistent and positive presence for Guiding Eyes in traditional and new media outlets that supports organizational, strategic objectives
    • Assist in directing and identifying resources to PR consultants on creative concepts and messaging; provide coaching to key staff for media interviews and public speaking engagements
    • Advise the leadership team on crisis communications, protecting the organization’s interests at all times
    • Facilitate the resolution of disputes with the public or external vendors
    • Act as a spokesperson for the organization as needed
  • Teamwork
    • Collaborate across departments on effective communications to ensure current and relevant content
    • Enthusiasm and positive attitude are required to gain the trust of colleagues and external parties alike

Qualifications

  •  Bachelor’s Degree required; English, Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, or related fields preferred
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in comparable position with proven experience as a communications specialist; with PR agency collaboration
  • Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills; excellent presentation abilities
  • Outstanding organizational, logistical, strategic, and planning abilities
  • Serve as a trusted liaison and advisor to executive leaders and project teams
  • Forward-thinking and able to create and cultivate innovative internal communications and change management opportunities
  • Self-driven and disciplined, yet flexible; able to work in a dynamic, fast paced and ever-changing environment
  • Able to grasp the bigger picture, understand business priorities and strategic objectives and possess a knack for focusing employees to do the same and deliver the best quality work
  • Possess high standards that carry value and appreciation for employees and teams; positive attitude and strong work ethic grounded in honesty and integrity
  • Proficient in MS Office Suite; Mac/Apple products a plus
  • Must be comfortable around large, active dogs
  • Guiding Eyes requires all new hires to be fully vaccinated as a condition of employment

Please forward resume to Linda Stanley, Recruitment Manager at lstanley@guidingeyes.org.

Guiding Eyes for the Blind offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

  • Competitive and generous healthcare (Med/Den/Vis)
  • Life Insurance
  • 403(b)
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Competitive salary of  $80,000.00-$90,000.00 yearly

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER M/F, D/V

Must be authorized to work in the United States.

 

Internal Consideration: Guiding Eyes staff interested in this DOT position, please email Janine Petroro by March 15th. 

Position: Director of Training (DOT)

Location: Yorktown Heights, NY

Position Overview

The Director of Training (“DOT”) currently reports to the President & CEO and is responsible for managing all guide dog Training Programs. The role is the key subject matter expert serving on a Senior Management team of nine responsible for overseeing the provision of guide dogs to people with vision loss.  The role will be to work alongside the Senior Management Team to continue to implement a strategic plan for sustainable organizational growth.

 

The DOT is responsible for an operating budget of $8M and a team of 50 Guide Dog Mobility Instructors and staff.  

 

The DOT also serves as a high-level partner and collaborator across the organization, working with the veterinary, breeding and puppy raising teams, in addition to providing leadership and day-to-day management of the training team.

 

The DOT is responsible for meeting or exceeding the standards of Guide Dog Team Instruction and Follow-Up services.   As such, The DOT is responsible for overseeing that instruction provided to people who are blind is individualized and meets the International Guide Dog Federation standards to achieve safe and effective guide dog mobility.  The DOT will be responsible for working with management to execute a well thought out plan for all programs, including on campus instruction, training in a person’s home area, specialized training for people with a disability in addition to blindness, and a running guide dog program.  The individual has a key role in the ongoing management and execution of the organization’s strategic plan and operating budget.

 

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience overseeing programs designated for assisting people with disabilities as well as experience with animal training techniques. Experience leading change to adapt programs to support the changing needs of individuals with disabilities preferred.

Qualifications

Qualified candidates should have all or most of the following:

 

  1. Minimum of 10 – 15 years of related experience managing programs in the not-for-profit field.
  2. Bachelor’s or master’s degree in animal sciences/behavior and/or degree in a field related to education or rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities preferred.
  3. Demonstrated experience successfully developing and implementing project plans to achieve a measurable organizational goal, including accountability for developing and managing an operating budget in a not-for-profit or other social enterprise.
  4. Success in leading a team of educators or trainers a plus and demonstrated ability to build comradery and employee engagement a must.
  5. Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion.
  6. Proven ability to effectively manage cross-functional relationships at all levels.
  7. Must love dogs and be a person who enjoys interacting with others.
  8. Must be able to walk a minimum of 3 miles (5K) per day.
  9. Guiding Eyes requires all new hires to be fully vaccinated as a condition of employment.

Please forward cover letter and resume to Janine Petroro, jpetroro@guidingeyes.org.

 

Guiding Eyes for the Blind offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

  • Competitive and generous healthcare (Med/Den/Vis)
  • Life Insurance
  • 403(b)
  • Paid time off and holidays

 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER M/F, D/V

Must be authorized to work in the United States.

 

Title: Human Resources Business Partner

Location: Yorktown Heights, NY and Patterson, NY

Reports to: Head of Human Resources

Position Overview

Human Resources Business Partner will develop and support the employee experience across the organization collaborating with the Head of Human Resources and the HR team. You will be part of the HR team whose mission is to cultivate a remarkable workplace where people are motivated and inspired to do great work.

 

The responsibilities of this role will be to project manage new and existing employee engagement strategies designed to promote positive employee relations that drive engagement. This role will collaborate with management to lead exciting culture & engagement opportunities and create meaningful employee experiences across all departments and teams for the 150+ staff. Given the level of collaboration across the organization, the person in this role will have demonstrated knowledge and experience in understanding and navigating cultural norms and be proficient in tailoring initiatives, communications, and actions accordingly.

 

As a Human Resources Business Partner you will support designated functions within the organization, working closely with the department management and employees, providing hands-on and strategic input, insight, and advice on people-related issues: talent management, employee relations, coaching/development, conflict management, and training. The HR Business Partner will play an essential role in driving HR programs/talent initiatives forward within specific teams, while always ensuring alignment with organizational objectives. This role is also responsible for planning, developing, and implementing engagement strategies designed to promote positive employee relations.

 

Key Areas and Responsibilities

As an HR Business Partner you are a people champion and are creative with strategic abilities that will cultivate meaningful and memorable experiences as a key responsibility. This role will partner cross-functionally across various departments to lead exciting culture & engagement opportunities and create meaningful employee experiences for Guiding Eyes.

 

You must possess deep business acumen and understand the organization and its challenges to help address their HR needs and drive employee engagement. In this role you will work effectively across all levels of the organization and navigate through ambiguity and actively participate in the functional teams as a partner. 

 

Employee Experience

 

  • Establish and ensure successful collaborative partnerships across the organization to bring employee experience awareness into their processes, communications, and strategies.
  • Design and execute effective initiatives focused on program improvement and increasing engagement – focus groups, surveys, etc.
  • Support and enhance our onboarding experience for all new incoming employees; re-onboard existing staff as needed.
  • Meet with new hires on a weekly basis to recap and evaluate orientation and training, answer questions, and address concerns.
  • Address employee feedback and develop ways to improve company programs.
  • Provide managers with tools, guidelines, and aids on how to interact with their teams.
  • Offer on-going training and development to drive employee engagement and a strong workplace culture.
  • Maintain an open, honest and comfortable space for frequent feedback between the employee and employer.
  • Help lead employees and management in overcoming negativity in the workplace; always work in a timely manner to provide effective communication and to diffuse any difficult situations that may arise.
  • Build cultural two-sided communication practices, methods and tools to engage all employees.
  • Recommend and implement organizational employee engagement events.
  • Advise and ensure management provides staff with consistent feedback on performance and encourage ongoing appreciation/acknowledgement.

 

Human Resources Business Partner

 

  • Partner with the HR Team to develop and implement effective HR policies and practices that will support the organizational objectives.
  • Provide timely information and/or education for all levels of the organization on HR issues.
  • Educate, coach, and partner with managers on performance management and employee development goals.
  • Provide HR expertise in the areas of feedback, employee relations, development and coaching, compensation, and organizational development.
  • Collaborate with the HR team to champion and accelerate a culture of excellence in which people feel engaged and inspired to deliver results.
  • Analyze and interpret various types of employee reports (e.g., compensation, job levels, and attrition) to guide decision making and provide proactive solutions to their designated teams.
  • Partner with HR Team to work on value-added programs in areas of training, development, career mobility, and job performance.

Qualifications and Experience

  • 3+ years as an HR Business Partner with substantive experience in employee relations, human resources.
  • Bachelor’s Degree in human resources or related field.
  • Thrives in a people-oriented environment and demonstrates a collaborative leadership style at all levels of the organization. Demonstrates agility, strong interpersonal skills, and ability to lead and implement projects.
  • Demonstrates adaptability to changing situations or environments, and adjusts to work effectively within new situations, processes, and cultures.
  • Strong flexible communication skills with ability to convey ideas and concepts that are easily understood and retained by various audiences.
  • Exceedingly self-motivated, self-directed and detail oriented.
  • Advanced understanding of employment and HR related laws, regulations, policies, principles, concepts, and practices.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, adept at conflict resolution, successful at working and coaching at all levels of the organization.
  • Ability to be effective across strategic thinking and planning, and project management.
  • This position will split in-person office time between both Yorktown & Patterson locations.
  • Some travel may be required to meet with regional remote staff.
  • Proficiency in ADP Workforce Now, Microsoft Office 365, Word, Excel and Outlook Software.
  • Must be comfortable around large, active dogs. 
  • Guiding Eyes requires all new hires to be fully vaccinated as a condition of employment.

Please forward resume along with salary requirements to Linda Stanley, Recruitment Manager lstanley@guidingeyes.org.

 

Guiding Eyes for the Blind offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

  • Starting salary of $80,000.00-$90,000.00
  • Competitive and generous healthcare (Med/Den/Vis)
  • Life Insurance
  • 403(b)
  • Paid time off and holidays.

 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER M/F, D/V
Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Position:  Executive Assistant – President’s Office

Location: Yorktown Heights, New York

Reports to: President/Chief Executive Officer

 

Position Overview:

As an Executive Assistant at Guiding Eyes for the Blind based in Yorktown Heights, NY, you will work directly with the President/CEO as the person who keeps their day running — the glue that holds everything together. You’ll work quickly, efficiently, and at a high level of excellence, making good use of every moment, guiding through their day, prioritizing tasks, and keeping everything on schedule. You will be an initiative-taking, problem solver with exceptional communication skills and meticulous attention to detail.  You will use your calm demeanor and quick thinking to keep others on task and focused on the priority of the moment, which can change rapidly.  You will have solid experience performing administrative duties and providing support to C-Suite executives.

 

Responsibilities:

  • Use your professional persistence to keep deadlines and schedules top-of-mind for the President/CEO.
  • Make quick, sound judgments on how to shift priorities and productively use the space between meetings and calls.
  • Understand the big and small picture and apply that knowledge when making decisions every day, exhibiting a high level of diplomacy.
  • Provide impeccable calendar and email management for the President/CEO.
  • Anticipate needs and logistics in advance of executive meetings, conferences, projects, etc.
  • Arrange travel and accommodations as needed, including flights and ground transportation.
  • Provide high level administrative support to the President/CEO and Head of Human Resources, including drafting letters, emails, invoices, and other documents.
  • Process monthly/quarterly travel and expense reports for CEO & Head of Human Resources.
  • Provide hospitality to all guests/donors and help to create a welcoming environment.
  • Liaise with CEO’s senior management team; provide special project support as related to CEO or Head of Human Resources.
  • Prioritize internal and external communications.
  • Coordinate organization-wide correspondence, process approvals for donor acknowledgement.
  • Prepare presentation materials in advance of all-staff meetings or speaking engagements.
  • Perform other duties/projects as assigned.

 

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 5 years’ experience providing support to C-Suite executives, navigating the day-to-day.
  • Exceptional interpersonal and problem-solving skills.  Able to interact with poise, tact and diplomacy with board members, staff, volunteers, clients, and the general public.  Proven track record of maintaining strict confidentiality.
  • Excellent organizational skills and keen attention to detail. Demonstrated ability to set priorities and multi-task effectively.
  • Superb written, verbal, and proofreading skills.
  • Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
  • Extremely proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or similar software; MAC/Apple products a plus.
  • Strong work ethic and self-driven.
  • Extremely positive attitude and professional demeanor.
  • Flexible collaborator willing to do what it takes to get the job done; adaptable and enjoys a challenge.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license.
  • Must be comfortable around large, active dogs.  
  • Guiding Eyes requires all new hires to be fully vaccinated as a condition of employment.

 

Please forward resume along with salary requirements to Linda Stanley, Recruitment Manager lstanley@guidingeyes.org.

 

Guiding Eyes for the Blind offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

  • Competitive salary between $80,000.00-$90,000.00 yearly
  • Competitive and generous healthcare (Med/Den/Vis)
  • Life Insurance
  • 403(b)
  • Paid time off and holidays.

 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER M/F, D/V
Must be authorized to work in the United States.

 

Title: Regional Puppy Instructor

Reports to: Regional Puppy Manager (East or West)

 

About the Role:

The Regional Puppy Instructor provides direct support and guidance for puppy raising activities undertaken by youth and adult volunteers, and actively recruits volunteers to assist Guiding Eyes with raising guide dog puppies.  The Regional Puppy Instructor works directly with volunteers to plan and evaluate the progress of pups on program and provides instructional training to the raisers.

 

This position is based out of Richmond, Virginia, and covers the surrounding areas north and south of Richmond, and parts of Prince William County.

 

 

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Develop and maintain puppy raising regions according to the goals and needs of the organization
  • Teach regular group puppy and young adult dog training classes which will require working evenings and weekends
  • Provide direct supervision and development of volunteer Region Coordinators and raisers
  • Oversee the application process to ensure quality puppy raising environments
  • Evaluate puppies and provide follow-up as needed to ensure proper development of puppies
  • Provide written reports for puppies evaluated in the field
  • Coordinate travel for young adult dogs and puppies
  • Provide routine behavioral support to regional volunteers with assistance from the Regional Puppy Managers and other technical advisors
  • Represent Guiding Eyes at different social events
  • Maintain supply inventory and budget for assigned regions

 

Skills and Competencies

  • Solid background and understanding of positive dog training techniques and behavior modification and the ability to instruct in both group and one-on-one settings
  • Clear and professional communication skills
  • Excellent people, teaching, and team-building skills
  • Strong organizational and time management skills
  • Be able to work independently
  • Be proficient at Microsoft Office and Salesforce

 

Key Performance Indicator

  • Maintain region goal numbers for pups on program
  • Yearly Performance Review: 50% is job performance and 50% is the ability to demonstrate, understand and apply the values of Guiding Eyes for the Blind

 

Travel Requirements

  • Must be willing to fly or drive within the U.S.
  • Must be willing to transport puppies and dogs to the various regions or events
  • Up to one week at a time, several times a year

 

Physical Demands

  • Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
  • Must be able to manage large exuberant adolescent dogs
  • Must be able to be on your feet for 1.5 hours at a time, and withstand repetitive bending, stooping, kneeling and squatting

 

Education and Experience

  • College degree preferred, ideally with a concentration in Animal Behavior, Psychology, or Education/teaching
  • Minimum 2 years teaching experience in a group setting
  • 2 years of management experience
  • Solid understanding of puppy training and socialization

 

Values

Demonstrate, understand and live the values of Guiding Eyes for the Blind.

  • Kindness, Empathy, and Respect  We treat our colleagues, clients, volunteers, and dogs with kindness, empathy, and respect, creating a culture of trust.
  • Collaboration and Teamwork  We listen to diverse opinions and work together in an inclusive way to achieve our common purpose.
  • Innovation and Openness to Change We continuously learn, grow, and evolve our ways of working to enhance the quality of our services, our dogs, and our training.  We are resilient in the face of change.
  • Accountability We own our work, our words, our actions, and results, in a reasonable way, while supporting those in our care.
  • Client-focused We put our clients first and seek to exceed their expectations by supporting them with exceptional dogs trained to meet their unique needs.
  • Passionate We have unrelenting passion for matching the right dog with the right person so they can live the life they want to live.

 

 

Proof of Covid-19 Vaccination Status

Guiding Eyes requires all new hires to be fully vaccinated for at least two weeks before commencing work. New hires are required to present proof of their vaccinated status, such as their CDC Covid-19 Vaccination Record Card or an official immunization record from the jurisdiction, state, or country where the vaccine was administered; or a New York State Excelsior Pass, or a New York City COVID Safe Pass.

 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER M/F, D/V
Must be authorized to work in the United States.

 

Please submit your cover letter and resume to Linda Stanley, Recruitment Manager lstanley@guidingeyes.org

 

 

Title: Planned Giving Officer

Reports to: Director of Planned Giving

Location:  Yorktown Heights, NY/Hybrid

 

Position Overview

The Planned Giving Officer is an integral member of our Planned Giving team. The PGO will focus on the identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individual donors to secure deferred and other planned gifts to support revenue goals and organizational objectives.  The Planned Giving Program at Guiding Eyes is robust, and the position offers opportunities for internal career advancement and professional growth.

 

The position is based out of our Yorktown campus and will alternate between reporting into the office and working on a hybrid schedule.

 

Primary Responsibilities

  • Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward current and prospective donors of planned and integrated planned/major gifts through personalized correspondence, telephone calls and in-person visits.
  • Manage the current portfolio of planned giving prospects and donors who have indicated an interest in making a deferred or planned gift through wills, trusts, beneficiary designations, charitable gift annuities, retirement assets, and life insurance.
  • Engage and build relationships with Pathfinder (legacy) Society members.
  • Prepare life income and other planned gift proposals, including calculations and related documents for donors and their advisors, and follow-up via telephone, correspondence, or face-to-face meetings to close gifts.
  • Develop and implement marketing strategies for planned gifts and expand planned giving opportunities though print/digital media and events.
  • Assist in the bequest administration process as needed, including reviewing and processing of gifts under wills, trusts, and other deferred giving arrangements, and communicating with estate/trust representatives, attorneys, and financial institutions.
  • Record donor information and contacts as needed in appropriate database.
  • Track and report on progress, including contacts, prospects, and closed gifts.
  • Work collaboratively with other members of the Development team across all organizational revenue streams as needed.
 

 

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required plus five years of relevant experience and proven success in the development field, with emphasis on gift solicitation and stewardship of planned giving donors.
  • Working knowledge of charitable estate and gift planning fundamentals, planned giving options and related tax issues.
  • Excellent communication skills, including the ability to listen, retain information and respond tactfully, and to speak and write clearly and persuasively.
  • Mission oriented, critical thinker and self-starter with the demonstrated ability to work in a team environment and interact with all levels of staff, volunteers, and the general public.
  • A high level of discretion and attention to detail required.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; experience in PG Calc and Salesforce desirable.
  • Must be willing and able to travel periodically throughout the US, usually between 2-5 days at a time, and work occasional weekends and evenings.
  • Must be comfortable working in an environment with large dogs.
  • Must be legally able to work in the US.

 

Proof of Covid-19 Vaccination Status

Guiding Eyes requires all new hires to be fully vaccinated for at least two weeks before commencing work. New hires are required to present proof of their vaccinated status, such as their CDC Covid-19 Vaccination Record Card or an official immunization record from the jurisdiction, state, or country where the vaccine was administered; or a New York State Excelsior Pass, or a New York City COVID Safe Pass.

 

Salary of $120,000.00-$150,000.00 along with a comprehensive benefits package including healthcare (Med/Den/Vis) and 403(b) plan.

 

Please send letter of interest and resume along with your salary expectations to Linda Stanley, Recruitment Manager, lstanley@guidingeyes.org

Position:  Trainee Guide Dog Trainer

Location:   Yorktown Heights, New York

Reports To: Foundation Manager

 

Position Overview

This is an assignment for a 1.5-year development program to train for a potential role as a Guide Dog Trainer.* In this program you will prepare assigned dogs to a state of readiness to be matched with a person who is blind in Guiding Eyes’ guide dog instruction program. Provide a positive emotional, behavioral, and physical environment for all assigned dogs. Participate in public relations and public education events. Ability to demonstrate, understand, and apply the values of Guiding Eyes for the Blind.

This position will report to our Yorktown Heights, NY campus, Monday-Friday. Ability to work a flexible schedule is a must – including nights, holidays, weekends as needed.

 

Key Responsibilities

  • Start a string of eight (8) dogs, 2-3 times per year
  • Conduct foundation training (16 weeks) and possibly customized training (4 weeks) with assigned dogs
  • Blindfold work with assigned dogs
  • Train dogs as assigned, to a condition of class readiness in obedience and guide work skills
  • Participate in daily cleaning, disinfecting and other routine maintenance of the kennel and associated facilities
  • Assist in daily feeding and monitoring the diets of all dogs in the kennel facility
  • Provide a constant positive image of Guiding Eyes through appropriate dress and conduct while working with dogs
  • Participate in public relations and public education efforts by giving talks, presentations, demonstrations, and tours of the training school and/or training kennel
  • May be asked to fill in for Foundation GDMIs when not training assigned dogs
  • May be assigned boarding guides, returned guides, and placement-ready guides
  • May be asked to pick up and drop off guide dogs in the field
  • Travel Requirements
  • Day trips as needed or assigned
  • Overnights during the year (may include weekends)
  • Airline travel in the U.S. and Canada

 

Qualifications

  • Must be comfortable wearing and working under a blindfold for extensive periods of time
  • Experience working and training dogs
  • Able to lift 40 pounds and handle large, active dogs
  • Stand, walk long distances indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions (average of 3-10 miles per training day)
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate at a high level both verbally and in writing
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays to fulfill the requirements of training
  • Must be able to travel by car, train, airplane as required
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Bachelor’s Degree preferred
  • Must be familiar with Microsoft Outlook Suite; Salesforce

 

Proof of Covid-19 Vaccination Status

Guiding Eyes requires all new hires to be fully vaccinated for at least two weeks before commencing work. New hires are required to present proof of their vaccinated status, such as their CDC Covid-19 Vaccination Record Card or an official immunization record from the jurisdiction, state, or country where the vaccine was administered; or a New York State Excelsior Pass, or a New York City COVID Safe Pass.

 

Comprehensive benefits package including healthcare (Med/Den/Vis) and 403(b) plan

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER M/F, D/V
Must be authorized to work in the United States.

 

*As an assignment, after the 1.5-year program has ended, there is no guarantee of employment nor a guarantee of becoming a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor. 

The above job description is intended to be a general description of the requirements and duties of this assignment.  It is one of inclusion, not exclusion.  Any Guiding Eyes for the Blind employee must be willing to perform tasks not specified within their job description, so long as those tasks are in the best interests of Guiding Eyes for the Blind and are tasks which the individual is capable of performing.

Please submit your cover letter and resume to Linda Stanley, Recruitment Manager, lstanley@guidingeyes.org

Position:  Guide Dog Mobility Instructor – Trainee

Location:  Yorktown Heights, New York
Reports To:  Director of Canine Program Development

 

Position Overview

This is an assignment for a 3-year development program to train for a potential role as a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor.* In this program you will prepare assigned dogs to a state of readiness to be matched with a person who is blind in Guiding Eyes’ guide dog instruction program. Educate, instruct and train assigned students who are blind in the use, care, and maintenance of a guide dog. Complete all reading, written and oral assignments. Provide a positive emotional, behavioral, and physical environment for all assigned dogs. Provide advice and assistance to graduate guide dog users via telephone and personal contact. Participate in public relations and public education events.

This position will report to our Yorktown Heights, NY campus, Monday-Friday. Ability to work a flexible schedule is a must – including nights, holidays, weekends as needed.

 

Key Responsibilities

  • Train dogs as assigned, to a condition of class readiness in obedience and guide work skills
  • Instruct students who are blind/visually impaired on becoming a guide dog handler with their assigned dog while participating in Guiding Eyes training program
  • Participate in daily cleaning, disinfecting and other routine maintenance of the kennel and associated facilities
  • Assist in daily feeding and monitoring the diets of all dogs in the kennel facility, with special attention to dogs assigned specifically to the GDMI – Trainee
  • Provide a constant positive image of Guiding Eyes through appropriate dress and conduct while working with dogs or students
  • Participate in public relations and public education efforts by giving talks, presentations, demonstrations, and tours of the training school and/or training kennel

 

Qualifications

  • Must be comfortable wearing and working under a blindfold for extensive periods of time and complete a 5 day under blindfold experience during a class in session
  • Experience working and training dogs and/or teaching people who are blind or visually impaired
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate at a high level both verbally and in writing
  • Valid NYS driver’s license
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays to fulfill the requirements of class assignments or student need
  • Must be able to travel by car, train, airplane as required
  • Bachelor’s Degree preferred
  • Must be familiar with Microsoft Outlook Suite

 

Proof of Covid-19 Vaccination Status

Guiding Eyes requires all new hires to be fully vaccinated for at least two weeks before commencing work. New hires are required to present proof of their vaccinated status, such as their CDC Covid-19 Vaccination Record Card or an official immunization record from the jurisdiction, state, or country where the vaccine was administered; or a New York State Excelsior Pass, or a New York City COVID Safe Pass.

 

Comprehensive benefits package including healthcare (Med/Den/Vis) and 403(b) plan

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER M/F, D/V
Must be authorized to work in the United States.

 

Please submit your cover letter and resume to Linda Stanley, Recruitment Manager, lstanley@guidingeyes.org.

 

*As an assignment, after the 3-year program has ended, there is no guarantee of employment nor a guarantee of becoming a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor. 

 Empty heading

The above job description is intended to be a general description of the requirements and duties of this assignment.  It is one of inclusion, not exclusion.  Any Guiding Eyes for the Blind employee must be willing to perform tasks not specified within their job description, so long as those tasks are in the best interests of Guiding Eyes for the Blind and are tasks which the individual is capable of performing