Regional Puppy Manager - East

At Guiding Eyes for the Blind, we are passionate about connecting exceptional dogs with individuals seeking greater independence.  We are dedicated to creating and supporting life-changing partnerships between people and dogs.

At our facilities, we breed, raise, and train exceptional guide dogs – and match them with individuals ready to embrace a life of greater freedom, confidence, and possibility.  Together, they embark on incredible life adventures.  Are you ready to play a role in that journey?  Join us and help be a part of transforming lives.

Our incredible dogs make our mission possible – and working with them will inspire you!  We put our clients first, striving to exceed their expectations by providing exceptional dogs trained to meet their unique needs and empower them to live the lives they choose.

Join us, and play a key role in transforming lives.

As a Regional Puppy Manager, you'll play a vital role in advancing Guiding Eyes' mission by helping prepare future guide dogs for formal training – ultimately fostering greater independence for people who are blind or visually impaired.

You'll lead assigned puppy raising regions serving approximately 225 puppies and collaborate with another Regional Puppy Manager to support the overall success of a program serving approximately 450 puppies.  You'll recruit, screen, and train volunteer puppy raiser applicants while developing training methods and materials that ensure Guiding Eyes' messaging and puppy raising practices are consistent, complete, and delivered uniformly across all regions. Partnering closely with Regional Puppy Instructors, you'll provide strategic leadership, mentorship, and operational support to strengthen regional programs and help ensure every puppy receives the strongest possible foundation for success.

The Regional Puppy Manager directly supervises up to eight (8) Regional Puppy Instructors and one (1) Regional Puppy Specialist, fostering a collaborative, high-performing team through coaching, performance management, and professional development.

This position may be performed through a campus-based, hybrid, or remote work arrangement, as approved by the organization and based on business needs.  Preference may be given to candidates located within the East region. Regardless of the approved work arrangement, regular in-person engagement and travel throughout the assigned territory are essential components of the role.

The Role

• Manage one or more assigned puppy raising regions, whether local or remote, ensuring a consistent, high-quality volunteer and puppy raising experience.
• Develop and maintain engaging training methods and educational materials, including written resources and video content, to support the puppy raising program.
• Plan, organize, and facilitate onsite training for Regional Puppy Instructors up to four (4) times per year.
• Provide coverage and operational support for Regional Puppy Instructors as needed.
• Collaborate across the organization on strategic initiatives that enhance the success of our puppies and future guide dogs, including:
  • Improving the online experience for puppy raisers and volunteers through website updates.
  • Participating in research projects that support program development and continuous improvement.
  • Partnering with the Genetics Department through regular production meetings.
  • Collaborating with the Development Department on public awareness, volunteer recruitment, and outreach initiatives.
  • Working closely with the Volunteer Programs Manager to support volunteer engagement and program success.
• Foster volunteer engagement by:
  • Planning and facilitating onsite Regional Coordinator Workshops every two (2) to three (3) years.
  • Contributing content to the monthly puppy program newsletter.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the department and organizational mission.

Qualifications You Will Need

Education & Experience

• College degree preferred, ideally with a concentration in Animal Behavior, Psychology, Education, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience teaching in group settings, with the ability to instruct effectively in both group and one-on-one environments.
• Five (5) years of management experience, including experience leading teams, providing coaching and professional development, and motivating staff and/or volunteers to achieve individual and organizational goals.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage and support a team remotely, including maintaining communication, accountability, engagement, and collaboration across regions.

Canine Knowledge & Training Experience

• Strong understanding of dog behavior and puppy development, including the ability to recognize and support healthy behaviors and appropriately address concerns using positive methods.
• Solid foundation in puppy training, socialization, and behavior modification using positive training techniques.
• Experience developing puppy raising curriculum, training resources, and weekly lesson plans to support consistent learning and program outcomes.

Leadership & Communication Skills

• Effective relationship-builder with the ability to find common purpose, build consensus, and foster collaboration across teams and with volunteers.
• Excellent interpersonal and clear, professional communication skills, with the ability to explain behavioral concepts, set expectations, and navigate high-stress or emotionally charged conversations with empathy and professionalism.
• Confident presenter with strong public speaking and instructional skills.
• Ability to motivate and engage teams while fostering accountability and achieving individual and organizational goals.

Organizational & Technical Skills

• Ability to accurately assess situations, exercise sound judgment, and make timely decisions independently.
• Flexible and adaptive; thrives in a dynamic environment with shifting priorities.
• Self-motivated and disciplined, with the ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
• Exceptional organizational, strategic planning, and logistical coordination abilities.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office programs; Salesforce savvy a plus.

Additional Requirements

• Highly reliable, punctual, and demonstrates a high level of personal integrity.
• Physically capable of lifting up to 50 pounds as well as managing large, exuberant adolescent dogs in addition to standing for extended periods (up to 1.5 hours at a time), and performing repetitive physical tasks such as bending, stooping, kneeling and squatting.
• Must have a valid Driver’s License and pass a motor vehicle history check demonstrating safe driving practices.

Travel Requirements

• Willing and able to travel domestically by car or plane.
• Comfortable transporting puppies or dogs to various regions or events as needed.
• Available for travel up to one (1) week at a time, several times per year.

Salary Range: $75k - $85k

Please include a cover letter along with your resume telling us 'About You' and to share why you're excited about contributing to our mission.  As a Guiding Eyes employee, you will enjoy knowing that every day you make a difference in the lives of people with vision loss!  

While we appreciate your interest and application, only candidates under consideration will be contacted.
 
Guiding Eyes for the Blind offers a comprehensive benefits package including the following:

• Competitive and generous healthcare (Medical/Dental/Vision)
• 403(b)
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off and Holidays
• You are invited to bring your well-behaved dog to work

 
The above job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of this employee for this role.
 
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER M/F, D/V
 
Must be authorized to work in the United States