Director of Veterinary Medicine

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Summary

The Director of Veterinary Medicine provides strategic leadership, medical oversight, and operation direction for all veterinary programs across Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh (HARP). This role ensures the highest standards of care for shelter animals, wildlife, and public clinic patients while driving innovation in shelter medicine, surgery, community veterinary services, and animal welfare initiatives. 

 

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Develop and execute long-term vision for HARP’s medical programs, including shelter medicine, public clinics, HQHVSN surgery, and wildlife care.
• Create and maintain medical protocols, policies and quality-of-care standards across all locations. 
• Oversee staffing models, scheduling strategies, and resource allocation to ensure efficient, high-quality service delivery.
• Drive continuous improvement through data analysis, outcome evaluation, and performance metrics.
• Partner with Executive Leadership to inform organizational strategy, capital planning, and program expansion.

Medical Oversight & Quality Assurance

• Ensure all state and federal regulations, veterinary practice laws, DEA requirements, and sheltering standards are followed.
• Oversee the development and implementation of disease-control protocols and medical workflows for shelter, clinic, and wildlife operations. 
• Serve as the organization’s chief medical authority, ensuring consistency and excellence in clinical decision-making.
• Evaluate medical equipment needs and oversee procurement, maintenance, and replacement planning. 

Team Leadership & Development

• Provide mentorship, coaching, and clinical guidance to veterinarians and veterinary support staff. 
• Lead recruitment, onboarding, and retention efforts for medical positions. 
• Create and oversee continuing education opportunities, training programs, and professional development pathways. 
• Foster a culture of collaboration, empathy, high performance, and medical excellence.

Client, Community & Stakeholder Engagement

• Represent HARP within the veterinary community, at conferences, and in collaborative partnerships.
• Support community outreach initiatives, including public education, access-to-care programs, and partnerships with rescue groups.
• Serve as the primary medical contact for internal and external stakeholders, including regulatory agencies and academic programs.

Administrative & Financial Responsibilities

• Develop and manage departmental budgets, staffing plans, and financial projections.
• Oversee controlled drug management systems and ensure compliance with DEA standards.
• Review and optimize clinic operations to meet revenue goals while maintaining exceptional care quality.
• Ensure accurate, comprehensive medical recordkeeping and compliance with reporting requirements.

Additional Responsibilities

• Provide support and leadership during emergency response situations.
• Perform clinical or surgical duties as needed to support operations, cover staffing shortages, or manage high-volume periods.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Executive Leadership.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Advanced leadership and team-building abilities. 
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. 
• Deep knowledge of shelter medicine, population health management, and HQHVSN protocols. 
• Strong understanding of infectious disease control, vaccination strategies, and treatment guidelines for companion animals and wildlife. 
• Ability to develop and interpret medical KPI dashboards and program metrics. 
• Competency with medical record systems, practice management software, and general computer applications. 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be exposed to hazards associated with aggressive animals.??The employee will primarily be working in an animal shelter environment.??The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate? 

 

Physical Demands

Incumbent must be able to read, see, hear, and speak. During work, employee may be required to bend, stoop, squat, climb, and walk. The position will require the ability to lift, push, pull, and carry up to fifty (50) pounds. Will be required to use a computer with keyboard, telephone, or handheld mobile device for extended periods of time, and office machinery as needed. This description?represents?the requirements that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable?accommodations?may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.???

Travel

• Regular travel between HARP’s North Shore, East End, and Wildlife Center facilities. 
• Occasional travel for conferences, training, and professional obligations.

Requirements:

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM/VMD).
• Current Pennsylvania veterinary license (or ability to obtain).
• USDA APHIS Accreditation.
• Minimum 7–10 years of clinical veterinary experience.
• At least 3–5 years of leadership, medical management, or program oversight experience in shelter medicine or similar high-volume environments.
• High proficiency in surgery, including HQHVSN, preferred.