Director Of Veterinary Services

DescriptionPosition Summary

The Director of Veterinary Services (DVS) will oversee clinic staff to support ARF's mission and goals for spay/neuter, community outreach and customer service. The DVS will manage, mentor, and motivate staff to achieve or exceed objectives while ensuring humane treatment of all animals. This role requires innovation, enthusiasm, professionalism and compassion for both animals and people in alignment with ARF's mission.

Key Responsibilities

I. Leadership

• Lead by action and example to advance a culture of positivity, professionalism, trust, transparency, empathy, and excellence at ARF.
• Serve as a positive contributing member of ARF's Leadership Team to guide the organization's strategic direction and tactical implementation.
• Coach and guide clinic staff, providing ongoing direction, example, mentorship, resources, feedback, and accountability to elevate individual and team performance.
• Advance ARF's veterinary clinic, community programs, and shelter medicine program through effective management and vibrant cross-departmental collaboration.
  

II. Management

• Manage all aspects of ARF's clinic, community veterinary care and shelter medicine program, and volunteers and staff under the general guidance of the Chief Programs Officer. Ensure collaborative approach among all staff regarding veterinary health and wellness issues and standards. Foster a climate in which staff is motivated and empowered to perform at peak levels.
• Monitor information on evolving best practices in shelter medicine and community veterinary care, analyze for effectiveness and relevance to ARF's goals and implement as needed. Serve as on-site subject matter expert and share relevant information with team and leadership as appropriate.
• Lead department, providing vision, direction, strategic problem solving, conflict resolutions and oversight to all aspects and functions.
• Develop and/or update all departmental policies/protocols for staffing, scheduling, drug management, general clinic conditions, adoption matters, etc.
• Skilled in developing and working with a culturally diverse staff, volunteers, and community.
• Manage all financial matters related to Veterinary Services.
• Participate in strategic planning process. Establish and achieve departmental goals in alignment with strategic plan. Develop and implement new or expanded programs in alignment with strategic priorities.
• Ensure operations in the ARF Animal Clinic comply with all state and federal laws regarding the practice of Veterinary medicine on site, Federal, State and local safety regulations and laws, as well as ARF policies, procedures and guidelines.

III. Advancement

• Fulfill commitments to corporate and individual sponsors under guidance of ARF's Advancement team. Support events, fundraising, television requests, and other media spots as needed. Support the development of relevant proposals and reports; ensure proper application and stewardship of grants, gifts, program revenue, and other resources.

IV. Other Duties as Assigned

Qualifications
Physical/Environmental Requirements

• Work environment includes constant exposure to animals and animal allergens
• Lift and move objects and animals weighing up to 30 pounds, push/pull objects up to 25 pounds. for short distances and to humanely restrain animals when necessary
• Sit for extended periods of time using a computer
• Receive Tetanus and rabies inoculations or present qualified waiver
• Must be able to drive a vehicle

Educational Requirements

• Four-year college degree required and experience in Veterinary Services field as veterinarian, RVT or veterinary tech; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience, Abilities and Qualities Required

• Minimum 5 years' experience working in Veterinary Services field or shelter medicine experience
• Effective writing and proof-reading skills with extreme attention to detail and accuracy
• Proven strong management, organizational and planning skills with a demonstrated ability to lead; meet deadlines, delegate tasks, supervise and evaluate work force. Demonstrate flexibility and a positive attitude in a changing environment
• Supports recruitment of staff from groups not commonly drawn to veterinary medicine in an effort to spark interest in, or foster pathways, to animal welfare careers
• Excellent people-management and proven leadership skills, with ease in the roles of motivator and trailblazer.
• Experience working as part of cohesive fundraising or sales team.
• Interacts and communicates with colleagues, volunteers, and publicin a positive and professional manner in order to contribute to healthy culture.
• Strong verbal and interpersonal skills, both one-on-one and in a group, including public speaking.
• Comfortable and skilled in working with diverse staff, volunteers and community
• Ability to communicate with the public, volunteers and co-workers in a pleasant, courteous and tactful manner at all times
• Strong analytical skills, effective problem-solving skills, and ability to identify opportunities
• Must have a valid California Driver's License, not have more than two at-fault incidents in a three-year period and no major at-fault violations in the last ten years, and must be insured.
• Pre-employment background check required.

Hours

Exempt position requires a minimum of 40 hours per week. Daily reporting hours and days of the week may vary according to the needs of the department. Weekend and evening work may be required.