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Rporting directly to the Associate Dean for Novel Technologies and Cores, Emory School of Medicine, with dotted line for animal welfare to the Vice President for Research Administration, Emory University (Institutional Signing Official).

Division of Animal Resources:

The Division of Animal Resources (DAR) is the administrative unit responsible for all programs of animal care across Emory University (outside of the Emory Primate Center) and is administered through the School of Medicine (SOM) and Emory Integrated Core Facilities. The mission of the DAR is to promote the health and wellbeing of people everywhere by providing the finest animal care and support for Emory University scientists. Fundamentally, the DAR participates closely in the science enterprise by providing wholesome environments free of variability where animals reside and studies are done. This includes not only physical factors and characteristics, but personnel and programs.

Position Summary:

The Executive Director of DAR is responsible for the development and conduct of a comprehensive, quality animal resources program in support of the research and teaching missions of Emory. Such programs shall provide for proper husbandry, veterinary medical care, and handling of laboratory animals and protect the public trust in research through compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and animal welfare standards, including but not limited to those in the CFR.

The School of Medicine and Emory will look to this position to provide leadership and serve as the point person for animal care partnerships between Emory University and other institutions. This role also includes strategic planning and implementation to improve the animal research related functions and facilities on Emory’s campus. The Executive Director, DAR works closely with Emory University to assure compliance with policies and procedures related to animal research as well as participates on SOM and University research committees to ensure alignment with organization initiatives. The Executive Director, DAR, is accountable for the budget management, finances, and operations of the DAR, in alignment with SOM leadership, SOM policies, and SOM budget processes.

 Key Organizational Colleagues:

• Associate Dean for Novel Technologies and Cores, Emory School of Medicine
• Institutional Official, Emory University
• Key contacts across Emory and Oxford who use animals in research, testing, and teaching
• School Deans and Directors, Emory University and Woodruff Health Sciences Center
• Executive Associate Dean & Chief Business Officer, and Sr. Associate Dean & COO, SOM
• Executive Administrator, Research Administration, SOM
• Chair, Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee
• Assistant Vice President, Environmental Health and Safety
• Associate Vice President, Facilities Management

Major Responsibilities

Strategic:

• In collaboration with all key consistencies, drives development and implementation of major strategic initiatives related to animal research endeavors, including but not limited to programmatic, facility and infrastructure needs, and monitors progress toward
• Key collaborator in the development and refinement of research strategic plan(s) for the Division of Animal Resources.
• Supports the changing and unpredictable needs of our investigator base.

Program Administration:

• Is responsible for the operational program of all animal resources of Emory University (outside of Emory Primate Center) under the administration of the School of Medicine and the Emory Integrated Core Facilities (EICF) and other designated programs including:
  • animal purchase
  • animal husbandry
  • veterinary medical care and services
  • related budget management, finances, and operations of the DAR, in alignment with SOM leadership, SOM policies, and SOM budget processes.
• As the leader of an EICF core facility, is responsible for coordinating with units outside of SOM and for recovering costs of services provided within subsidy budgets.
• Provide administrative decision-making, leadership, operational, and budget planning involving the efficient and productive use of personnel, material, facilities and financial
• Work closely with Emory leadership to align DAR efforts with Emory’s strategic
• Foster collaboration with DAR leadership and Emory leadership to enable changes in research direction.
• Provide leadership and strategic development within SOM for the operation and performance of all DAR activities.
• Coordinate with Emory SOM on development, implementation, and maintenance of methodology for research cost recovery and other financial guidelines and
• Responsible for the fiscal management of the division including development and implementation of the budget in alignment with the SOM Dean’s office.
• Evaluate and manage facility, staff, equipment, and programs of the division to ensure adequate and efficient operation.
• Support the faculty through advice and assistance on the conduct of animal studies including support of safety programs where radioactive materials, toxic chemicals, and/or biohazards are used in animals.
• Provide for maintenance of proper records and support timely submission of required regulatory and internal reports.
• Review and evaluate grant and contract applications for compliance with appropriate laws, regulations, and standards.
• Assist in the planning, design, and/or renovation of existing or new animal care facilities.
• Provide for education and training of animal research and care personnel in the proper procedures of animal care and use.
• Serve as a member of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.
• Serve as a member of the Animal Resources Advisory Committee.
• Coordinate, develop and conduct postdoctoral programs in Laboratory Animal Medicine.
• Implement a training program, both internally and lab-directed
• Allocate resources in a manner consistent with the strategic goals of DAR as approved by SOM leadership.

Continuous Improvement:

• Responds to quantitative data and environmental changes and amends strategic and operational plans as
• Supports an environment that recognizes and rewards excellence: promote a positive culture of institutional excellence, achievement, and pride for all students, faculty, and staff.
• Ensures the quality of research through the development and documentation of a quality monitoring system and/or program evaluation reflected through key
• Develops and implements operational staffing models in accordance with volume metrics.
• Assumes a leadership role in quality improvement activities in the research programs across
• Maintains an executive presence in national activities and groups focusing on best practices.
• Identifies benchmark institutions as aspirational models and establishes enterprise-wide measures of institutional effectiveness in teaching and
• Ensures that an annual operational and financial plan, inclusive of objectives and resource allocations, is completed in accordance with the annual budget
• Provides leadership and strategic direction in animal research to the directors and department heads of the academic divisions. Makes recommendations that impact philosophy and
• Ensures that research programs are coordinated with other SOM departments/initiatives as well as with other research initiatives.

Professional Qualifications

Demonstrated Leadership

• Accomplished operational leader with administrative expertise to lead and manage challenging issues; minimally a collaborative scholar; accountable for implementation/idea execution and driving results
• Implements strategic plans for research with deep understanding of complex academic health centers.
• Result-driven leader with a demonstrated ability to propose and encourage new ideas and inspire action.
• Creative thinker and demonstrated problem solver.
• Sets example of moral character & commitment to advance the best interests of the SOM and Emory University.
• Functions as an active member of the SOM leadership team.
• Community engagement background a plus.

Academic

• DVM/VMD with laboratory experience and eligibility for licensure in the state of Georgia.
• ACLAM Diplomate preferred
• Associate Professor or above preferred
• Demonstrated success in working with funded researchers and leading/managing teams and programs.

Experience

• Minimum off the (10) years of leadership experience in laboratory
• Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated experience in a senior leader position in veterinary specialty in an academic healthcare
• Animal research administrative experience, both operational and fiscal to include prior P&L responsibilities and a broad understanding of complex academic health system issues and challenges in the field of graduate medical education in the current
• Demonstrated creative communications and business

Effort

Its is anticipated ths will be up to 1.0FTE administrative appointment with a faculty appointment as eligible. Note that a faculty appointment would have an additional reporting line to the department chair.

Emory University has retained Opus Partners to support the recruitment of this position. Craig Smith, Partner and Abigail Maynard, Senior Associate, are leading the search. Confidential inquiries, applications, and nominations should go to Abigail (abigail.maynard@opuspartners.net). The search process will unfold with the greatest possible attention to candidate confidentiality. Required application materials include a CV and cover letter. The cover letter should reflect how the candidate’s qualifications and experience match those described in this leadership profile.

Emory University is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, genetic information, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and veteran's status. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment on the basis of any factor stated above or prohibited under applicable law. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in University programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Executive Order 11246, as amended, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action. Emory University is committed to achieving a diverse workforce through application of its affirmative action, equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policy in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Inclusion, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322.

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