Practice Manager

Ruff Start Rescue, a non-profit animal rescue organization dedicated to finding loving foster homes for animals in need, is seeking a highly qualified Practice Manager to oversee our veterinary clinic and ensure that all rescued animals receive exceptional care. The ideal candidate will possess extensive medical and administrative expertise, demonstrate strong leadership abilities, maintain efficient operations, and manage finances effectively.  A passion for providing a safe and loving environment for every animal and the ability to contribute to our mission is essential.

Our vision is simple: We strive for a world where every companion animal has a safe and loving forever home and their family has the knowledge and resources needed to give them the life they deserve. We believe in connecting people with pets and helping provide resources in need.  

Availability:  40 hours a week, Monday - Friday, at the Ruff Start Rescue office 

Essential Job Functions: 

• Vetting Department Operations Management:

• Oversee the smooth day-to-day operation of the veterinary clinic, ensuring all appointments, surgeries, and treatments are scheduled efficiently.

• Works closely with the Lead Veterinary Technician to ensure all equipment in the medical suite is maintained in safe working order and that preventative maintenance of all surgical and medical equipment is performed per manufacturer guidelines and per any regulatory requirements

• Collaboratively reviews reports and procedures, resolves open issues, and discusses strategies for a positive and productive work environment. 

• Will work collaboratively with the Director of Programs to ensure a high standard of veterinary care extends throughout the Vetting Department.

• Identify areas for process improvements and contribute to the development of new initiatives and services.

• Staff Supervision & Development:

• Supervise, train, and evaluate veterinary staff including veterinary technicians, assistants, and receptionists.

• Foster a positive, team-oriented environment and ensure staff are adequately supported in their roles.

• Implement continuing education and training opportunities for staff to ensure skills and knowledge are up to date with the latest industry practices.

• Plan and lead monthly veterinary staff meetings

• Budgeting & Financial Management:

• Work with the Director of Programs to manage the veterinary budget, tracking revenue, expenses, and cost-effectiveness of operations.

• Provides budgetary oversight of the Vetting Department.

• Client Relations & Communication:

• Act as the primary point of contact for clients, providing excellent customer service and ensuring clear communication about treatments, costs, and care plans.

• Resolve concerns and complaints in a timely and professional manner, always keeping the welfare of the animals a top priority.

• Medical & Administrative Oversight:

• Helps effectively communicate and guide the vetting team and other staff in carrying out appropriate health policies and procedures, including surgical intake/discharge criteria, medical concerns, and isolation protocols for foster homes. Assures that these policies and procedures are followed by staff and other program volunteers/fosters.

• Collaborate with veterinarians and medical staff to ensure appropriate and efficient animal care protocols are followed.

• Ensure accurate patient records are maintained in the practice management system.

• Stay current on regulatory requirements, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations related to animal care, shelter medicine and veterinary practices.

Qualifications (required):

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Animal Science, Veterinary Technology, CVT, or a related field (preferred).

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in veterinary practice management or a similar managerial role, ideally in animal welfare or a non-profit setting.

• Preferred knowledge and experience with high quality/high volume spay/neuter surgical practices

• Advanced computer skills and proficiency

• Valid driver’s license with reliable transportation

• Supervisory knowledge includes training methods, motivation, and decision-making techniques. 

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and volunteers within the organization as well as local, state, and national animal welfare organizations 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with public speaking and presentation experience. Will regularly be engaging with volunteers, fosters, community members, and staff.

Qualifications (preferred):

• Experience and/or willingness to learn the following:

• Trap-Neuter-Return practices for community and feral cats 

• Public vetting and engaging with clients and their animals

• Wellness clinics for the community

• Following up with adopters on any veterinary concerns

Personal Characteristics:

• A strong leader with excellent interpersonal skills - outgoing, patient, professional, and able to get along well with various people. 

• Demonstrates honesty, integrity, and discretion. Skilled at handling sensitive and confidential situations, including the death of animals due to surgical complications or humane euthanasia.

• Ability to show compassion and empathize with the foster families and volunteers. 

• Possibility-driven, proactive, personable, energetic, collaborative, and tactful.

• Brings a strong drive for results while maintaining a calm approach to managing change and working through unexpected, challenging, or frustrating situations.

• High attention to detail and strong organizational abilities.

• Deep and abiding passion to professionally advocate Ruff Start Rescue's position on key animal welfare and no-kill issues.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Benefits:

• Work-life balance! This position is salaried with a general schedule of Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM. The availability of the Practice Manager position may fluctuate due to the oversight of open roles within the organization.

• May be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program

• Health insurance is available for employees on the first of the month following 30 days. RSR will pay 50% of the employee's monthly premium. 

• Retirement plan with up to a 3% employer contribution available after 90 days.

• After 90 days, Additional Insurance options are available. You pay a 100% premium at a discounted group rate.

• Short term disability

• Life Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Accident Insurance

• Hospital Indemnity Insurance

• Critical Illness Insurance

• Cancer Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• PTO 

• First-year 10 days

• Years 1 and 2 15 days (3 Weeks)

• Year 3 and 4 20 Days (4 Weeks)

• Year 5 and 6 25 Days (5 Weeks)

• Year 7 30 Days (6 Weeks)

• When an employee rolls over to a new year bracket, we prorate from their anniversary date.

• PTO carryover 

• Ruff Start Rescue recognizes seven paid holidays each year. If a holiday falls on a weekend, it will be observed on the workday closest to the holiday.

• One floating holiday

• Employee Discount

• Professional Development courses cover up to $200 annually. 

• DEA License Fee

Salary: $55,000-$70,000

Reports to: Director of Programs

How to Apply: Submit a cover letter and resume 

Salary : $55,000 - $70,000