Director, Shelter Medicine and Animal Health

Description

Purpose of Position:  Responsible for the oversight of Humane Colorado shelter veterinary, behavior and foster teams. Develop innovative, evidence-based approaches to ensure the medical and behavioral needs of every animal sheltered at Humane Colorado are met. Provide strategic direction to optimize resources and ensure that veterinary and behavior operations are aligned with Humane Colorado’s mission and goals. 

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight for all shelter veterinary and behavior operations, ensuring high-quality, integrated care across departments.
• Oversee and manage staff veterinarians, partnering with Lead Veterinarians on performance evaluations, coaching, and professional development of veterinarians and interns.
• Ensure veterinary staff consistently practice incremental medicine, applying strong critical thinking and sound medical decision-making within the organization’s scope of care.
• Lead, develop, and manage staff by providing clear communication, direction, and ongoing support; oversee recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, mentoring, performance management, and employee development.
• Ensure staff meet safety standards and maintain compliance with all regulatory requirements.
• Integrate Veterinary Professional Associates (VPAs), externs, and interns into daily operations, supporting skill development, collaboration, and a culture of continuous learning.
• Develop, manage, and monitor departmental budgets, ensuring responsible and effective use of resources.
• Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness across veterinary, behavior, and foster operations through data analysis, reporting, and presentations; implement improvements as needed.
• Work collaboratively with managers and veterinarians to ensure effective workflow, staffing, and resource allocation across departments.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of veterinary, foster, and behavior programs, policies, and protocols to maintain high standards of care.
• Develop, maintain, and enforce shelter management policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs), ensuring they are clearly communicated and consistently followed.
• Oversee contagion management protocols, including isolation procedures, sanitation standards, and disease prevention practices.
• Collaborate with shelter teams to ensure the appropriate and efficient flow of animals through all stages of care.
• Build and maintain strong cross-functional relationships with organizational leadership to support strategic priorities and operational success.
• Participate in euthanasia decision-making and oversee the euthanasia training program to ensure compliance with state regulations and organizational standards.
• Develop and deliver training programs; maintain required licenses and ensure DEA compliance.
• Ensure the highest level of People Care is provided to staff, volunteers, patrons, donors, partners, and vendors, with all interactions reflecting the organization’s mission, values, and brand.
• Lead staff meetings and provide clear direction, communication, and alignment with organizational goals and mission.
• Stay current on industry trends, best practices, and advancements in animal welfare, veterinary medicine, and behavior to support innovation and continuous improvement.
• Partner with Development and Communications teams to support fundraising efforts by contributing program insights, data, and impact stories.
• Participate in donor engagement activities, including events, meetings, and tours.
• Ensure compliance with grant requirements, program quality standards, and ongoing evaluation processes.
• Oversee vendor relationships, including negotiating and managing contracts for vaccines, medical supplies, equipment, and other resources.
• Ensure cost-effectiveness, quality control, and timely procurement in alignment with organizational policies.

People Care

People are the key to fulfilling our mission. Making internal and external patrons and their needs a primary focus is expected in all situations. This position interacts with and collaborates with employees at all levels of the organization. Communication occurs through face to face, telephone, and electronic interactions and may also include contact with the general public and business partners. Communication and contact must be clear, understandable, cooperative, professional, and respectful in all circumstances. Employees are expected to actively support a positive team environment, directly address conflict, and appropriately express concerns.

Competencies

Competencies are work behaviors and expectations necessary for successful job performance. They encompas