isseeking an experienced and mission-driven Executive Director of Programs and Veterinary Services to lead veterinary services, animal care, and program operations for a large animal welfare organization in the Pacific Northwest.
This is a senior leadership role for a veterinary professional who brings both strong clinical credibility and proven leadership experience. The ideal candidate will be comfortable overseeing complex veterinary and animal-care operations, building and developing teams, establishing high standards of care, and driving strategic and operational priorities.
Key Responsibilities- Provide executive leadership and oversight for veterinary services, animal care programs, and related operations across multiple facilities
- Establish and maintain high standards for medical care, animal welfare, clinical protocols, and regulatory compliance
- Lead, develop, and build a high-performing veterinary and animal-care team, including veterinary staff, program leaders, and shelter-medicine professionals
- Oversee shelter-medicine hiring and workforce development, with a focus on building a strong and sustainable veterinary team
- Provide clinical leadership and step into direct veterinary and surgical care as needed
- Oversee programs, foster operations, and volunteer engagement related to animal care and welfare
- Develop and maintain partnerships with veterinary schools, externship programs, veterinary professionals, and community partners
- Drive strategic planning, budgeting, operational priorities, and continuous improvement across programs and veterinary services
- Manage and support a diverse workforce, including union and non-union employees and volunteers
- Build accountability, strengthen team performance, and foster a collaborative and mission-driven culture
- Monitor program and veterinary outcomes and provide regular reporting, recommendations, and strategic updates to organizational leadership and the Board of Directors
Required Qualifications- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree
- Washington State veterinary license in good standing by start date
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DEA license for shelter-related medications
- Minimum 5 years of progressive leadership or senior management experience within veterinary services, animal welfare, shelter medicine, or a related organization
- Demonstrated experience leading and developing veterinary or animal-care teams
- Strong understanding of veterinary operations, animal welfare standards, and clinical best practices
- Experience managing budgets, operational priorities, and organizational outcomes
- Strong communication, decision-making, and people leadership skills
- Ability to work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, organizational leadership, and external partners
Preferred Qualifications- Multi-site veterinary, shelter-medicine, or animal welfare operations experience
- Experience building or scaling a veterinary team
- Experience working within a union and non-union workforce
- Experience developing veterinary-school, externship, or academic partnerships
- CAWA certification or equivalent credential
Benefits- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off and holidays
- 401(k)
- Mission-driven work environment
