Clinic Director / Senior Veterinarian

Summary/Objective

The Richmond Animal League Loving Spay & Neuter Clinic is seeking a dedicated and visionary Senior Veterinarian to lead our medical operations and guide our dynamic team. This is a rare opportunity to take on a strategic leadership role at an ambitious, mission-driven organization that is expanding its reach and impact, and is committed to addressing the challenge of homeless pets.

As Senior Veterinarian, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and elevating our clinical practices. You'll provide medical oversight, mentor a talented team, and champion progressive, evidence-based spay/neuter and shelter medicine protocols. Your leadership will have a direct impact on the health and well-being of pets in the community, as well as RAL and RAL’s animal control partners’ ability to quickly adopt out pets and save lives.

If you're an experienced clinician with a passion for developing the technical skills and leadership of staff, a collaborative spirit, and a deep commitment to animal well-being, we invite you to help us expand our lifesaving impact.

Essential Functions

 Department Staff Management and Development

       Build and develop the LSNC team

      Develop and grow the clinic’s supervisory team to support the training, oversight, and growth of the staff

      Lead professional development, continuing education, and advancement of team members

       Conduct regular departmental meetings and trainings to ensure team engagement and protocol compliance

       Lead by example, maintaining constant professionalism and a productive attitude

       Create a culture of collaboration and growth

Operations

       Collaborate with the team to maintain and advance LSNC SOP manuals

       Ensure clinic staff are trained on and following the highest standards for patient care, disease control, and safety

       Maintain and advance the efficiency of daily clinic procedures

       Arrange necessary equipment maintenance, repair, and acquisition as needed

       Act as the Veterinarian in Charge for the LSNC, ensuring compliance with Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine codes and regulations and preparedness for veterinary inspection

       Comply with the DEA’s PMP reporting system and other requirements

       Keep a safe work environment

Veterinary Medicine and Surgery

       Uphold exceptional patient care and Fear Free standards

       Conduct pre-surgical exams on each patient

       Guide drug choice and dosages based on established protocols and on individual patient needs

       Create a game plan with the surgical staff each day to optimize patient safety and process efficiency

       Perform spay and neuter surgeries and other procedures as appropriate for LSNC patients and RAL shelter pets

       Utilize clinic software to input accurate medical record information

       Assess the recovery status of all patients after surgeries are complete

       Be available throughout discharge for support

       See post-operative recheck appointments as needed

       Regularly seek to update your knowledge and the clinic protocols with the most up-to-date medical information to provide the very best care

       Hold staff training and practice sessions

Organizational Leadership

       Engage in RAL leadership and organization-wide decisions as a member of the Senior Leadership Team

       Exhibit flexibility to ensure the safety and comfort of staff and pets

       Model respectful interactions with staff, volunteers, clients, and patients

       Welcome all visitors to RAL campus

       Attend and actively participate in clinic and RAL staff meetings and events

       Motivate the team with RAL’s mission, vision and strategic priorities as guidance

       Consider all staff to be a valuable part of the RAL team

Competencies

       Strong Leadership Skills

       Passionate and Inspiring

       Constant Professionalism

       Creative and Enterprising

       Exceptional Surgical Technique

       Highly Value Personal Growth

Emotional/Mental Requirements

       Must be able to work efficiently and effectively under stressful conditions

       Must respond quickly and appropriately to a variety of medical situations

       Must be able to cope with loss, whether due to surgical complications or euthanasia

       Ability to rapidly and accurately process information

       Strong delegation skills, including recognizing when assistance is needed and asking for help

       Ability to control instincts in critical situations (e.g., maintaining a secure hold on an animal during restraint, even if they begin to struggle)

       Must remain calm and composed in challenging or emotionally complex situations.

Work Environment

RAL and the LSNC are high-noise areas, and you will be exposed to cleaning chemicals, fumes, dust, animal urine, and feces. There is also a potential for exposure to animal bites and scratches.

Physical Demands

Must be able to sit or stand for hours at a time; lift at least 40 pounds without help and over 40 pounds with help; work at a computer and type; walk; get up and down on the floor; use hands to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a Full-Time, exempt, salaried position with a schedule to be determined by the Executive Director. Regular, predictable, reliable attendance is an essential function of this position.

Travel

There may be light travel requirements for this position.

Required Qualifications

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from an accredited Veterinary College

Minimum of 7 years practicing veterinary medicine

At least 1 year of experience in practice performing high-volume surgeries

Experience managing and growing successful teams

Preferred Education and Experience

Experience and/or certification in shelter veterinary medicine

Proficiency in Spanish

Other Duties

Please note that this job description is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee in this role. Duties, responsibilities, and activities are subject to change at any time, with or without notice.