Senior Director, Shelter Medicine Training

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in New York.

📋 Description

• The Senior Director of Shelter Medicine Training (Senior Director, SMT) is part of the Shelter Medicine Services (SMS) team, which offers shelter medicine expertise both within the ASPCA and to external veterinarians, shelters, rescues, and other stakeholders.

• The Senior Director, SMT is responsible for overseeing and participating in the training and supervision of shelter medicine residents, creating resources on various shelter medicine topics, collaborating across programs to support the integration of shelter medicine principles, and taking on strategic roles in veterinary and animal welfare associations to enhance the welfare of animals and communities.

• As the direct supervisor of the Director of Clinical Training, who manages the residents, the Senior Director, SMT collaborates with ASPCA and external program partners to deliver a residency program that provides extensive shelter medicine practice experience, including direct clinical care and population-level care for animals in shelters and community clinics, along with the completion of a clinical research project.

• The Senior Director, SMT also participates in training and mentorship activities with personnel from shelters and community clinics, veterinary professionals, and students, aimed at advancing the field of shelter medicine and community animal health practices.

• Reporting to the Vice President of Shelter Medicine Services and Veterinary Training Programs (VP), who also holds the title of Residency Program Director, the Senior Director, SMT has one direct report.

• The Senior Director, SMT works in collaboration with the VP, the Director of Shelter Medicine Clinical Training, ASPCA programs, and external partners to establish a comprehensive training program for shelter medicine residents, and will be expected to fulfill Resident Advisor responsibilities in accordance with ABVP Shelter Medicine Residency requirements.

• The Senior Director, SMT delivers training through direct care in shelter medicine clinical practice at both individual and population levels, showcasing strong clinical skills, clinical confidence, intellectual curiosity, and resilience.

• They engage with NYC-based ASPCA programs to facilitate the integration of essential shelter medicine principles; support shelter organizations through consultation, training, and the development of resources on shelter medicine topics; and participate in both trainees’ clinical work and their consultative activities with shelters, clinics, and veterinarians.

• They play a significant role in the ongoing advancement of shelter medicine as a discipline by holding strategic positions in veterinary medical and animal welfare associations.

⛳️ Requirements

• A preferred expert level of knowledge and experience in shelter medicine practice and companion animal population health, with a required working knowledge.

• A current veterinary license in New York State or the ability to obtain NYS licensure within 90 days of employment.

• An innovative, creative, and solution-oriented problem-solver with a positive, proactive attitude when faced with complex challenges.

• A demonstrated ability to influence and lead teams, even without formal authority, by exhibiting flexibility, resilience, and commitment.

• A proven coach and mentor who inspires, guides, and supports others in successfully achieving complex, long-term goals.

• A skillful and diplomatic communicator, possessing the confidence and composure necessary to effectively engage with staff and management at various levels.

• A strong sense of integrity, able to uphold high professional standards while innovating and adjusting recommendations to align with programmatic needs in a productive manner that is well-received by stakeholders.

• Robust organizational, analytical, writing, and presentation skills, capable of identifying key metrics, persuasively communicating with stakeholders, translating information into data-driven resources that influence decision-making, and presenting materials effectively.

• Must be able to identify opportunities and aid in the creation of new projects and partnerships.

• Capable of working well under pressure, adapting to changing circumstances, and shifting priorities based on animal and organizational needs.

• Able to work in a home office environment with minimal supervision.

• Exemplifies the ASPCA’s core values and behavioral competencies.

• A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or an equivalent degree from an accredited veterinary college is required.

• A minimum of 7 years of veterinary experience is required.

• At least 5 years of experience in shelter medicine, including direct work with or closely with various sheltering organizations on both individual and population levels, is required.

• Prior experience in training veterinary students and/or veterinarians is preferred.

• Previous experience in conducting or supporting applied clinical research and knowledge of epidemiological study design is preferred.

• English language proficiency is required.

🏝️ Benefits

• Affordable health coverage, including medical, employer-paid dental, and optional vision coverage.

• Flexible time off that includes vacation time, paid personal time, sick leave, bereavement leave, paid parental leave, and 10 company-paid holidays, allowing you greater flexibility to observe the days that are most meaningful to you.

• Competitive financial incentives and retirement savings, including a 401(k) plan with generous employer contributions — we match dollar-for-dollar up to 4% and provide an additional 4% contribution toward your future each year.

• Extensive professional development opportunities, including classes, on-the-job training, coaching and mentorship from industry-leading peers, internal mobility, opportunities to support in the field, and much more.