JOB SUMMARY

The Vice President of Shelter Medicine reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) under the leadership of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA) and St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center. This role is essential to the success of in-shelter medical operations and will be responsible for managing a team of veterinarians and assuring regulatory compliance as based on standard veterinary medical ethics. The Vice President of Shelter Medicine is considered a thought-leader, and a steward of their team continually encouraging staff development and creating standard operating procedures (SOPs) rooted in a thorough understanding of current best practices in veterinary medicine and the animal welfare industry.

With a focus on strategic planning, strong communication skills, and a deep understanding of veterinary healthcare delivery, you'll be instrumental in shaping the future of the medical department at HRA.

To successfully perform their duties in this role, a candidate should possess:

• The skill to review, assess and/or prepare budgets for approval, including those for funding or implementation of in-shelter medical needs.
• The knowledge of basic science, paraclinical and clinical knowledge as it relates to mechanisms of disease, clinical manifestations, and treatment for common zoological diseases.
• The ability to apply knowledge of regulatory laws to a high-volume shelter’s medical practice.
• The ability to effectively communicate with a team of high-performing medical staff, shelter staff, field services and shelter patrons with compassion and empathy.
• The knowledge of proper euthanasia protocol as outlined in the AVMA Guidelines for Euthanasia of Animals
• The skill to develop comprehensive training and SOPs to successfully guide staff through proper medical protocols and procedures.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of staff veterinarians.
• Foster a collaborative and supportive work environment.

Community Engagement

• Maintain relationships within the animal welfare space, specifically engagement with other shelters’ medical and operational leadership.
• Establish connections for pro bono services and volunteer opportunities.

Animal Care and Program Management:

• Direct the program and processes related to the medical care of shelter animals, those brought in by the public, and those received through animal control officers and long-range rescue efforts.
• Manage controlled substances responsibly.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Collaborate with the VP of Community Medicine to ensure excellent animal care, high customer satisfaction, and financial vitality across medical facilities.

Organizational Leadership:

• Serve on the extended leadership team for the entire organization.
• Contribute to shaping the culture, climate, and overall brand of the organization.

Professional Representation:

• Represent the organization in a professional and courteous manner.
• Provide quality service to the public, volunteers, and employees, acknowledging their contributions to the organization's success.

Special Projects:

• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• Will use hands to manipulate, handle, or feel; will reach with hands and arms.
• The employee must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Exposure to disinfectant and bleach solutions when cleaning.
• Ability to perform strenuous physical activity daily, including but not limited to lifting and carrying, reaching, stooping, squatting, and bending. Regularly moves about the facilities to coordinate work. Typically stands, bends, stoops, and crouches while working special events.
• Due to the nature of shelter work, may be exposed to deceased, fractious, or aggressive animals; common allergens; hostile or irate persons; zoonotic or other diseases; unpleasant noises, odors, or sights; and extreme temperatures.

QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from an accredited college or university.

Current valid license to practice veterinary medicine in the District of Columbia (or willingness to pursue D.C. license).

Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience as a veterinarian, preferably in a high-volume animal shelter. Experience in private practice or community medicine is highly desirable.

Experience should include leading veterinary teams including veterinarians, veterinary technicians and support staff.

Multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. A salary premium may be offered for multilingual candidates who demonstrate proficiency in written and oral testing.

HRA is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate because of race, color, creed, gender, religion, national origin, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic predisposition or carrier status, marital status, citizenship status, or sexual orientation. Accommodation will be provided to qualified individuals requiring them.