Associate Director of Animal and Medical Care

Description

• Directs and oversees all aspects of medical care for shelter animals, including intake assessments, triage, treatment protocols, vaccination programs, and disease prevention including: 
  • Surgical coordination
  • Isolation and quarantine procedures
  • Foster medical support
  • Neonatal and critical care programs
  • End-of-life and humane euthanasia procedures
• Monitor medical outcomes, identify trends, and implement improvements that reduce disease transmission, improve recovery, and enhance animal welfare. 
•  Develop, implement, and continually refine evidence-based behavioral assessment and enrichment programs for dogs and cats by:
  • Developing evidence-based enrichment plans
  • Overseeing canine and feline behavior evaluations
  • Supporting playgroup programming
  • Reviewing behavior modification plans
  • Monitoring quality of life
  • Establishing humane decision-making criteria
  • Reducing shelter stress through enrichment initiatives
• Collaborate with veterinary staff and external partners to ensure all animals receive timely, appropriate, and compassionate care.
• Ensure accurate and complete medical and behavioral recordkeeping in compliance with applicable regulations and shelter standards.
• Partner with Humane Fort Wayne veterinarians to ensure medical care is delivered in accordance with veterinary direction, current shelter medicine principles, and ASV Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters.

• Directly supervise Animal and Medical Care Leads who manage day-to-day animal care operations across all shelter departments.

  QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

• Active Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) credential in good standing.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of progressively responsible experience in an animal shelter, humane society, or comparable animal welfare organization
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and on-call.
• Ability to work effectively, both independently and in a team environment, in an atmosphere of multiple projects, shifting priorities, and handle high levels of stress.
• Ability to be flexible, detail oriented, and able to prioritize. 
• Demonstrated experience managing or supervising teams in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
• Ability to orient a collaborative approach to work, with an ability to bring out the best in peers. 
• Ability to think strategically and solve problems creatively. 
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• High emotional intelligence; ability to support staff through challenging situations, including animal loss and high-stress scenarios.
• Ability to organize and maintain detailed records; complete necessary paperwork and meet deadlines. 
• Thorough knowledge of canine and feline medical care, behavior, and husbandry.
• Able to handle individual animals in a caring, sage and humane manner
• Knowledge of personnel practices as they relate to selecting, training, evaluating performance and supervision of employees
• Computer literacy with proficient use of programs including but not limited to Microsoft Office programs, internet database system, email and database management software. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Fear Free for Shelters course within 60 days of employment (Required).
• Experience in developing and implementing infectious disease management protocols and capacity of care guidelines for maintaining a healthy shelter population (preferred).

• Maintain a valid Driver’s License.

  PREFERRED

• Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Veterinary Technology, Biology, or a related field.
• Familiarity with Fear Free®, Low Stress Handling®, or similar animal behavior and handling certifications.
• Experience with shelter medicine principles, including population health management and infectious disease control.
• Bilingual communication skills are a plus.

How to Apply

We offer a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off; retirement plan contributions; continuing education support; and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference for animals and the community every day.