Overview
Tufts University's Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine offers one of the most forward-looking educational environments in veterinary medicine in the country. Located in Grafton, MA, our beautiful campus is situated in a country atmosphere within an easy reach of major highways.
The Foster Hospital for Small Animals provides high-quality veterinary medical/surgical care to inpatient, outpatient, and critical/emergent small animal cases and superior customer service to our clients. In addition, the hospital provides a positive learning experience for Tufts veterinary students encompassing all specialties at the Foster Hospital for Small Animals.
We offer a generous compensation package to include medical, dental, life insurance, retirement, tuition reimbursement and generous holiday, sick and vacation time. We offer a competitive salary commensurate with education and experience. Some other perks of working here include a CE allowance, a beautiful New England campus with an on-campus cafe, and all major holidays being observed by the University.
What You'll Do
The Assistant Director, Veterinary Nursing (Specialty Services) is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and operational direction of specialty veterinary nursing staff within FHSA. This primarily administrative role oversees specialty department supervisors, ensuring excellence in patient care, staff engagement, and operational efficiency.
The Assistant Director leads recruitment, retention, training, and professional development initiatives for veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, and animal care attendants, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive environment for staff and students. This position works closely with hospital leadership and counterparts across CSVG. Tufts University offers a generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, life insurance, retirement, tuition reimbursement, paid holidays, sick and vacation time, a continuing education allowance, and access to a beautiful campus with on-site amenities.
- MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP:
- Directly supervise Senior Veterinary Technician Supervisors for Specialty Services and indirectly oversee veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, and animal care attendants.
- Lead staffing strategies and workforce planning for specialty services.
- Coach, mentor, and develop senior veterinary technicians and supervisors, creating structured leadership and management pathways.
- Serve as interim supervisor when needed during supervisory absences.
- Conduct annual evaluations and regular one-on-one meetings with direct and indirect reports.
- Partner with Human Resources to implement performance improvement plans and personnel actions.
- Ensure a rigorous, supportive clinical training environment for students; hire and manage student technicians.
- Promote inclusivity, teamwork, professionalism, and mutual respect.
- Work in close collaboration with leadership and faculty to balance complex and competing priorities across staff, students, and faculty.
- Address and mediate interpersonal issues, client concerns, and patient care concerns.
- Participate in orientation programs for new residents, interns, staff, and students.
- Serve as an administrative and technical representative on hospital-wide committees and initiatives.
- Lead or contribute to successful design and implementation of large scale change initiatives
- DAILY HOSPITAL PATIENT CARE SERVICE RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Support and continuously enhance specialty services nursing teams to promote high-quality patient care.
- Direct daily operations within specialty departments to ensure exceptional patient care, customer service excellence, and productivity.
- Assess and allocate staffing resources in collaboration with senior technician supervisors to maintain appropriate coverage.
- Cultivate a collaborative, respectful, and learning-centered environment for patients, staff, students, and faculty.
- Provide hands-on patient care support during periods of short staffing, as needed.-
- RECRUITMENT, INTERVIEWING AND RETENTION OF VETERINARY TECHNICIANS:
- Lead recruitment, interviewing, and retention efforts for veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants.
- Train and support supervisors in recruitment, onboarding, and staff development.
- Develop and implement innovative staffing models and career pathways to support growth, retention, and longevity.
- Ensure structured training, development, and career progression opportunities for technical staff.
- Represent the hospital at industry recruiting and networking events.
- Collaborate with the Technician Development Coordinator, Veterinary Nursing Director, and Assistant Veterinary Nursing Director for Inpatient Services to ensure successful onboarding and continuous professional development.
- Support supervisors in staff training and cross-training initiatives.
- FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT:
- Collaborate with Hospital Administration on departmental budget development.
- Manage staffing resources to achieve annual budget and profit margin targets.
- Review, approve, and monitor staff timekeeping, ensuring compliance with overtime and budget guidelines.
- Provide recommendations regarding staffing and resource allocation.
- Partner with the Equipment Manager, Section Heads and Senior Technician Supervisors on sourcing, purchasing, and maintaining equipment with fiscal responsibility.
- Assess departmental efficiencies, caseloads, charge capture, and appointment structures, making recommendations to improve financial performance.
- GENERAL AND OTHER:
- Assist the Veterinary Nursing Director, Assistant Veterinary Nursing Director-Inpatient Services, Associate Medical Directors, Hospital Director, and Hospital Administrator with special projects as needed
What We're Looking For
Basic Requirements:
Knowledge and experience typically acquired by:
- Associate's Degree In Veterinary Technology or related field
- 7 years of related experience in a large-scale veterinary practice.
- 3 years of veterinary supervisory or leadership experience
- Demonstrated leadership experience with strong organizational, communication, interpersonal, and time management skills.
- Veterinary Technician Certification
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor's Degree In Veterinary Technology or related field
- Experience with electronic medical records and practice management software systems.
- Technical and leadership experience working in a multispecialty hospital or academic setting.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment, manage sensitive information with discretion, and effectively multitask in a fast paced environment with frequent interruptions.
- Demonstrated commitment to professionalism, inclusivity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Strong analytical and problem solving skills with a collaborative, team oriented approach to work
- Veterinary Technician Specialist Certification
Pay Range
Minimum $72,500.00, Midpoint $90,700.00, Maximum $108,900.00
Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.
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Tufts University
Minimum $72,500.00, Midpoint $90,700.00, Maximum $108,900.00
life insurance, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement
Apr 15, 2026