Description
Small Animal Hospital Director, Animal Health Center, Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine
Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine (MSU CVM) seeks a talented, caring leader committed to community building to serve as Director of the Small Animal Hospital within the Animal Health Center (AHC), located in Starkville, MS. The Small Animal Hospital provides general practice, referral specialty care, and 24/7 emergency services for the state of Mississippi and region. As an academic teaching hospital, it delivers high-quality clinical care for small animals while training third- and fourth-year veterinary students and fourth-year veterinary medical technology (VMT) students during clinical rotations. Graduate veterinarians completing internship or residency programs also work in the hospital alongside faculty clinicians, technicians, and students.
The AHC Small Animal Hospital supports the clinical care, teaching, and research missions of the college. The annual caseload is approximately 10,000 cases per year (8,600 dogs, 1,400 cats, and 50 other species). Clinical care is provided by approximately 40 academic clinicians, 100 technical and support staff, 21 residents, and 13 interns, as well as veterinary students and VMT students.
Reporting directly to the dean, the Small Animal Hospital Director is a senior leadership position responsible for fostering a positive, collaborative environment and enhancing the hospital community. Primary responsibilities include 1) leadership and oversight of clinical services to optimize patient care and teaching; 2) support and supervision of faculty, staff, interns, residents, and students; and 3) implementation of initiatives to streamline workflows, improve systems, and enhance client and referring veterinarian satisfaction. The Small Animal Hospital Director works closely with the AHC business manager and with the service chiefs for Anesthesia, Community Veterinary Services (Primary Care), Dermatology, Diagnostic Imaging, ICU/ER, Neurology, Oncology, Ophthalmology, Small Animal Medicine, and Small Animal Surgery.
The Small Animal Hospital Director collaborates with the Large Animal Hospital Director, Director of Hospital Business Operations, and Associate Director for Clinical Staff Success and works with the Head of the Department of Clinical Sciences on matters pertaining to faculty, interns, and residents. Administrative on-call duties are split between the Small Animal Hospital Director, Large Animal Hospital Director, and Director of Hospital Business Operations. The Director also works with the House Officer Committee to optimize internship and residency programs and serves on the college leadership team.
Depending on qualifications and interests, a faculty appointment in the Department of Clinical Sciences is available. Additional responsibilities and leadership opportunities may be assigned based on the strengths of the successful candidate.
Requirements
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree or terminal degree.
Preferred qualifications: A minimum of 5 years’ experience in veterinary hospital administration. Additional preferred qualifications include specialty board certification.
Proven leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Familiarity with academic veterinary hospital operations and teaching environments is highly desirable.
Salary and Benefits
This position consists of 80% administrative effort, with a 20% faculty appointment in the Department of Clinical Sciences. This 20% will be tailored to the candidate’s qualifications and interests, which may include teaching, research, or clinical service. The role offers a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. Mississippi State University provides a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, tuition remission for children, and professional development opportunities.
Application Process
Applications can be submitted to https://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/en-us/job/510134
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three professional references. Inquiries may be directed to Dr. Bridget Willeford (willeford@cvm.msstate.edu).
