Director of Breathitt Veterinary Center

Summary of Job Duties and Responsibilities:
The Director of Breathitt Veterinary Center is responsible for the overall operations and strategic direction of the Breathitt Veterinary Center, a Level 1 laboratory as designated by the USDA National Animal Health Laboratory (NAHLN) system and nationally preeminent animal disease diagnostic laboratory. The responsibilities include all laboratory administration and personnel management, diagnostic services and testing, research, and instructional activities. The Director works closely with the Dean of the Hutson School and Agriculture and other University officials.

• Oversee the successful and timely delivery of veterinary diagnostic and necropsy services.
• Maintain Level 1 laboratory designation by the USDA National Animal Health Laboratory (NAHLN) system and ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements and standards.
• Ensure quality service complying with accreditation and membership standards of AAVLD and NAHLN.
• Ensure compliance with all University, state, and federal policies and procedures.
• Serve as liaison with state and federal veterinarians and agencies on animal health, providing professional expertise, diagnostic support, and the timely reporting of results.
• Enhance the research and development activities of the laboratory to improve and advance diagnostic technology.
• Provide oversight of budgetary activities, including securing external funding to support the activities and programs.
• Develop, implement and provide oversight to ensure efficient and fiscally sound operations and effective communications with stakeholders while maintaining a high standard of service.
• Supervise faculty and staff with varied diagnostic, research and instructional responsibilities.
• Serve as principal spokesperson and liaison for the laboratory with the veterinary practitioners, food producers, and the University.
• Develop current and future plans to ensure the laboratory meets the needs of the customers, including diagnostic service development, relationship building and new market expansion as appropriate.
• Perform special projects as determined by the Dean, Hutson School of Agriculture.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education Requirements:

• DVM, VMD or doctoral degree in animal science or a related field.

Minimum Experience and Skill Requirements:

• Five years of experience in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory or relevant work experience.
• Previous supervisory experience required.
• Financial management experience in a professional setting.
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance requirements and standards associated with managing a diagnostic laboratory.
• Board knowledge of Laboratory Disciplines.
• Exceptional leadership and management skills to effectively motivate, mentor and lead a team of laboratory personnel.
• Demonstrated interpersonal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with practitioners, producers and university officials.
• Excellent organizational skills with high attention to detail.

Preferred Education and/or Experience Qualifications:

• DVM, VMD or equivalent degree accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
• Specialty Board Certification.
• Additional experience in diagnostic laboratory leadership.
• Demonstrated experience with data analysis and interpretation.
• Food animal practice experience.

Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Murray State is an equal education and employment opportunities AA/Vets/Disabled employer.