Senior Director, Shelter Medicine Training

ASPCA

Senior Director of Shelter Medicine Training overseeing ASPCA’s shelter medicine training. Collaborating with external partners for an effective residency program in New York City.

Posted 7/9/2026full-timeRemote • New York • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $164,000 - $210,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

The Senior Director of Shelter Medicine Training (Senior Director, SMT) works within the Shelter Medicine Services (SMS) team, which provides shelter medicine expertise within the ASPCA and externally to veterinarians, shelters & rescues, and other stakeholders.
The Senior Director, SMT oversees and engages in the training and supervision of shelter medicine residents, develops resources on shelter medicine topics, collaborates across programs to support the integration of shelter medicine principles, and serves in strategic roles in veterinary and animal welfare associations to promote positive welfare for animals and communities.
As direct supervisor of the Director of Clinical training, who directly supervises the residents, the Senior Director, SMT engages across ASPCA and external program partners to provide a residency program with comprehensive shelter medicine practice experience encompassing direct clinical care and population level care to animals in shelters and community clinics as well as completing a clinical research project.
The Senior Director, SMT also engages in training and mentorship activities with shelter and community clinic personnel, veterinary professionals, and students to advance the field of shelter medicine and the practice of community animal health.
The Senior Director, SMT reports to the Vice President, Shelter Medicine Services and Veterinary Training Programs (VP), who also serves as the Residency Program Director. The Senior Director, SMT has one direct report.
The Senior Director, SMT collaborates with the VP, the Director of Shelter Medicine Clinical Training, ASPCA programs, and external partners to provide a robust training program for shelter medicine residents; the Senior Director, SMT will be expected to assume Resident Advisor responsibilities in alignment with ABVP Shelter Medicine Residency requirements.
The Senior Director, SMT provides training through direct care in shelter medicine clinical practice at both individual and population levels, demonstrating strong clinical skills, clinical confidence, intellectual curiosity, and resilience.
They engage across NYC-based ASPCA programs to support the integration of key shelter medicine principles; support sheltering organizations through consultation, training, and the development of resources on shelter medicine topics; and participate in trainees’ clinical work as well as their consultative work with shelters, clinics, and veterinarians.
They play an important role in the continued growth of shelter medicine as a discipline by serving in strategic positions in veterinary medical and animal welfare associations.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Expert level of knowledge and experience in shelter medicine practice and companion animal population health is preferred, working knowledge is required
Current veterinary license in New York State or able to achieve NYS licensure within 90 days of employment
Innovative, creative and solution-minded problem-solver with a positive, proactive attitude in the face of complex challenges
Demonstrated ability to influence and lead teams, even without formal authority, by demonstrating flexibility, resiliency, and commitment
Proven coach and mentor who inspires, guides, and supports other individuals to successfully reach complex, long-term goals
Skillful and diplomatic communicator, possessing confidence and composure required to effectively communicate with staff and management at a variety of levels
Strong sense of integrity: able to maintain high professional standards while innovating and adjusting recommendations and approaches to meet programmatic needs in a way that is productive and well-received by stakeholders
Strong organizational, analytical, writing, and presentation skills: able to identify key metrics, communicate persuasively to stakeholders, translate into data-driven resources that inform decision making, and present materials to others
Must be able to identify opportunities and assist in the development of new projects and partnerships
Able to work well under pressure, adapt to changing circumstances, and shift priorities based on animal and organizational needs
Able to work in a home office with minimal supervision
Exemplifies the ASPCA’s core values and behavioral competencies.
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or equivalent degree from an accredited veterinary college required
7 years of veterinary experience required
5 years of shelter medicine experience, including working directly in or closely with a variety of sheltering organizations on both individual and population levels, required
Prior experience training veterinary students and/or veterinarians preferred
Prior experience in performing or supporting applied clinical research and knowledge of epidemiological study design preferred
English (Required)

Benefits

Comp & perks

Affordable health coverage, including medical, employer-paid dental and optional vision coverage.
Flexible time off that includes vacation time, paid personal time, sick time, bereavement time, paid parental leave, and 10 company paid holidays that allows you even more flexibility to observe the days that mean the most to you.
Competitive financial incentives and retirement savings, including a 401(k) plan with generous employer contributions — we match dollar-for-dollar up to 4% and provide an additional 4% contribution toward your future each year.
Robust professional development opportunities, including classes, on-the-job training, coaching and mentorship with industry-leading peers, internal mobility, opportunities to support in the field and so much more.

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

Shelter Medicine PracticeCompanion Animal Population HealthClinical ResearchEpidemiological Study DesignData-Driven Resource Development

Soft Skills

Problem-SolvingInfluencing And Leading TeamsEffective CommunicationFlexibility And ResiliencyCoaching And Mentoring

Certifications

Doctor Of Veterinary Medicine