NOW HIRING - PROGRAM DIRECTOR

POSITION DESCRIPTION: The Program Director will manage programs and staff members at Gem City Kitties, a 501(c)3 nonprofit. A majority of the focus will be on our largest program, Gem City Vet (“GCV”), a low-cost clinic that provides affordable veterinary care to pets in low-income families.

The Program Director will also provide client education and support during appointments. They will work with the Gem City Vet staff members, as well as the other Gem City Kitties staff members to provide management and support. We are looking for someone who is passionate about animal welfare or social services, highly organized, and able to interact compassionately with all clients. 

SCHEDULE AND PAY: The Program Director position is a full-time role requiring between 35-40 hours per week Sunday - Thursday. A laptop will be provided for administrative duties. This position reports to the Executive Director. Full-time work will start August 3, 2026, but training may take place earlier if scheduling allows.

The salary range is $45,000 - $50,000/year, depending on experience. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, employment qualifies under current federal student loan forgiveness programs. (Please confirm all details with your specific situation and current program guidelines). 

Staff members receive low-cost veterinary care for their own pets on all items offered at Gem City Vet. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Gem City Vet Client Education:

  • Greet clients upon arrival and create an inclusive and welcoming space

  • Provide empathetic service and diffuse situations if clients are upset

  • Review patient history and recommend services based on the client’s budget

  • Recommend products recommended by the veterinary team and provide guidance about veterinary care and best practices

  • Clean all areas of the clinic open to the public and ensure the spaces are tidy, sanitized, and organized

  • Promote a client-centered environment and facilitates programs and processes that meet client needs

  • Maintain a practice philosophy for attracting new clients and retaining existing clients

  • Communicate with clients between appointments when necessary to follow up and answer questions

  • Initiate new programs and market clinic services

  • Ensure client records are maintained correctly through online client management software

Gem City Vet Facility:

  • Ensure the spaces are tidy, sanitized, and organized

  • Work with Executive Director to schedule facility and equipment maintenance and improvements when necessary

  • Manage grounds and lawn care to be compliant with city ordinances and maintain a professional appearance

  • Manage facility deep cleaning to maintain a clean and tidy environment

  • Maintain office supplies in the reception area 

Gem City Vet Medical:

  • Manage medical supply inventory according to state and federal legal requirements

  • Monitor product usage and costs

  • Make recommendations for adding or discontinuing products based on sales data

Human Resources & Management:

  • Hire, onboard, and train new staff members 

  • Recommend updates when necessary for the employee handbook, written job descriptions, employee personnel files

  • Facilitate performance reviews 

  • Provide phased training and helps staff plan for continuing education 

  • Support staff members as needed by giving feedback, support, or advice

  • Creates staff schedules to efficiently balance labor costs with appropriate staff levels and work/life balance for staff members  

  • Communicates objectives, motivates staff, builds and maintains morale; maintains core values and standards

  • Promotes cooperative working environment among staff members; understands the value of teamwork; shows enthusiasm and willingness to perform as necessary to help the practice function as a unit

  • Compassionately manage team members who are not meeting standards through open discussion, providing feedback, creating performance improvement plans, or as a last resort, terminating employment

  • Attend to rare after-hour emergencies or time-sensitive issues from time to time

Finance and Accounting:

  • Oversee cash records and protocols, and ensure records are updated accurately during opening and closing procedures

  • Bring or coordinate bank deposits

  • Pay vendors in a timely manner and ensure accounts are kept current

  • Ensure receipts and financial records are correctly stored electronically and assist with bookkeeping as needed

  • Attend quarterly board meetings to share ideas and facilitate open communication with board members

  • ​​Implement and follow procedures set by the Board of Directors

  • Gather and report data trends to assist with strategic decision making

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be 21+ and have a valid driver’s license with safe driving record and reliable transportation

  • High School Diploma or GED Required

  • Bachelor’s degree or 4 years equivalent work experience required

  • 3+ years required in customer service

  • Must have deep concern and empathy for animals

  • Must be able to pass a background check

  • Requires interactions with animals owned by the public

  • Bending, reaching, squatting, kneeling, lifting 30 lb items, and use of stairs required while performing job function 

  • Exposure to cleaning agents, allergens, and zoonotic disease 

  • Ability to learn new computer programs quickly

  • Proficiency in G-Suite – specifically Gmail, Google Drive, Docs, and Sheets

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Must be friendly, compassionate, and empathetic

  • Must be highly organized and able to use consistent systems to maintain order 

  • Exceptional work ethic with excellent interpersonal and planning skills. Ability to exercise independent judgment as appropriate and to work independently with little direct supervision

  • Demonstrates exemplary communication skills, including writing and editing skills and the ability to express thoughts orally in a clear manner. Will be required to communicate effectively with the public, other staff, and vendors. Must be able to work with various personalities, ethnicities, social and age groups, and maintain tact and professionalism at all times

  • Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information

CORE COMPETENCIES:

  • Develops continuously - Continuously seek opportunities to improve self and others. Leads with trust, honesty, and commitment to hire, coach, and develop partners to achieve their potential.

  • Acts thoughtfully - Takes personal responsibility to do the right thing and persists in times of challenge or uncertainty. Adapts quickly to change and makes timely, thoughtful decisions.

  • Works well with others - Listens and communicates well with others within and outside of both GCK and Gem City Catfe. Creates a team environment that is positive and productive.

  • Values our supporters – Appreciates our supporters; seeks to understand what the supporters, donors, and sponsors want and how to best deliver the experience.

  • Achieves results - Understands what drives overall organizational success and is accountable to prioritize and deliver quality results. Demonstrates knowledge of core products and processes to get results. Anticipates obstacles and takes action to prevent or minimize their impact.

HOW TO APPLY

Send resume and cover letter to hello@gemcityvet.org in PDF format. This position is open until filled.