Senior Director, Veterinary Services

Humane Society Silicon Valley; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading animal welfare organization in Milpitas is seeking a Senior Director of Veterinary Services to provide strategic leadership for the veterinary team. The role requires building strong partnerships, optimizing vet care processes, and ensuring compliance. Key qualifications include proven leadership skills and experience in animal welfare or veterinary settings. A flexible schedule is required, including some weekends and holidays.

Qualifications

• Experience in animal welfare or veterinary practice preferred.
• Ability to lead in dynamic environments and drive results.

Responsibilities

• Develop resource plans and operational strategies.
• Lead and mentor a high-performing veterinary services team.
• Build and maintain partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership experience

Project management

Data analysis

Communication skills

Job description

Love animals? Want to spend your day surrounded by wagging tails and soft purrs?

Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV), a privately funded, 501(c)(3) non‑profit, has been serving people and pets in Silicon Valley since 1929. HSSV is a leader in animal welfare through our lifesaving efforts, community programs, and the many ways we are working to move the animal welfare industry forward.

Our mission is to save lives, keep families together, and create a better future for pets and their people.

We are a passionate, high‑performing team who believes that collaboration is key to our success. Our best work is achieved by leveraging each other’s strengths and creating opportunities for professional growth. Join a team that focuses on our key values of kindness, courage, and impact.

Overview

The Senior Director, Veterinary Services provides strategic and operational leadership to HSSV’s Veterinary Services team, serving as a key connector and relationship‑builder across a broad network of partners. This role prioritizes the development and stewardship of strong, trust‑based partnerships with internal leaders, veterinary professionals, and other stakeholders to expand access to high‑quality care and advance shared animal welfare goals. By specifically aligning efforts across internal partners, this individual helps drive innovative, community‑centered solutions that extend care beyond the shelter.

Leading a team of managers and 20–25 veterinary support staff in a state‑of‑the‑art facility, the Senior Director, Veterinary Services fosters a culture rooted in collaboration, transparency, and shared accountability. This role ensures that partnership is embedded in both strategy and daily operations, positioning HSSV as a collaborative leader and valued partner within the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Organizational Planning – Develop resource plans and operational strategies that position the team and Veterinary Services for sustained success in alignment with HSSV mission‑driven goals.
• Leadership & Growth – Lead and develop a high‑performing team of veterinary services managers and support staff fostering strong team dynamics. Establish and manage performance metrics and goal‑setting to drive accountability and results. Mentor and coach managers to strengthen leadership capabilities and proactively assess staffing needs. Champion professional development initiatives that build staff competencies and support both current performance and long‑term career growth.
• Partnerships – Build, strengthen, and sustain collaborative partnerships with HSSV’s veterinarians, senior leaders across Shelter Operations and Community Programs, and other internal stakeholders to co‑design and deliver impactful shelter medicine and community care initiatives. Cultivate alignment and shared ownership across partners to advance programs such as spay/neuter and vaccination clinics, TNR efforts, and wellness services. Serve as a key medical partner and thought leader for the Community Pet Clinic, ensuring programs are responsive, coordinated, and rooted in collaboration. Build and maintain strategic relationships with external veterinary partners and vendors to foster collaborative partnerships that support HSSV’s mission.
• Processes Optimization & Data Analysis – Collaborate with the team and cross‑functional stakeholders to develop and implement protocols that uphold the highest standards of care. Own and drive metrics to evaluate and continuously improve veterinary operations within HSSV’s portfolio of programs and services. Leverage systems, tools, and data‑driven insights to optimize processes and deliver measurable outcomes.
• Financial Management – Lead budget planning and financial management for the team, including optimizing inventory, establishing purchasing standards, and managing staffing costs to ensure operational efficiency and fiscal responsibility.
• Compliance – Partner with internal teams and external regulatory bodies to ensure full compliance with all applicable local, county, state, and federal regulations, including OSHA and DEA requirements. Build strong, proactive relationships that support shared understanding, readiness, and continuous alignment with evolving standards.
• Other job duties may be assigned as needed.

Requirements

• Proven leadership and partnership building experience within multi‑level, cross functional teams working in a highly collaborative environment; animal welfare or veterinary practice highly preferred.
• Ability to lead at a strategic and operational level.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt in dynamic environments, drive results, and leverage process optimization and technology to implement effective solutions.
• Strong project, time management, organizational, and data analysis skills; ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proven ability to lead change initiatives and cultivate resilient, high‑performing teams that rapidly adapt to evolving organizational and community needs.
• A deep commitment to the mission of HSSV – to save lives, keep families together, and create a better future for pets and their people.
• Excellent listening and critical thinking skills and strong attention to detail.
• Outstanding communication and relationship building skills (with internal and external audiences), including excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven leadership and partnership building experience within multi‑level, cross functional teams working in a highly collaborative environment; animal welfare or veterinary practice highly preferred.

Work Days and Hours

Primary schedule is Monday‑Friday with a ability to work a flexible schedule, including some holidays and weekends, depending on staffing needs.