Director, Genetics & Reproduction

The Genetics & Reproduction Director oversees the organization's canine reproduction lifecycle, including genetic strategy, breeding decisions, reproductive management, whelping, and neonatal outcomes. This role ensures the ethical, evidence-based production of high-quality working dogs by integrating genetics, reproductive science, data analysis, and early-life care in alignment with animal welfare standards and organizational goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Genetic Strategy and Breeding Oversight Oversees all breeding colony candidates, evaluating DNA carrier status, family health history, temperament, and behavioral history to inform breeding decisions. Develops and implements a comprehensive, long-term strategy to maintain genetic diversity, quality, and sustainability within the breeding colony, including the acquisition of external breeders or genetic material as needed. Ensures breeding decisions align with program demand, health trends, and long-term working-dog outcomes. Reproductive Management Oversees reproductive management of the breeding colony, including estrous cycle tracking using vaginal cytology, progesterone assays, behavioral indicators, and related diagnostics. Supervises semen evaluation and quality assessment of breeding males. Partners with veterinarians to support artificial insemination (AI), transcervical insemination (TCI), and live breeding as appropriate, without assuming veterinary scope. Whelping and Neonatal Program Oversight Provides organizational authority and subject-matter leadership for all whelping and neonatal care programs within the Puppy Academy. Establishes, maintains, and continuously improves protocols related to pregnancy monitoring, whelping readiness, whelping management, neonatal monitoring, early intervention, lactation support, and post-partum dam care. Ensures continuity and alignment across breeding decisions, prenatal management, birth outcomes, and early neonatal development. Defines clinical decision thresholds and escalation pathways for whelping and neonatal cases in collaboration with Veterinary Services. Oversees analysis of whelping outcomes, neonatal health metrics, mortality trends, and early developmental indicators to inform genetic strategy and program improvement. Partners with the Puppy Academy Director to ensure staff are trained and supported in executing established protocols, while retaining accountability for clinical standards and outcome integrity. Data Management and Analysis Maintains accurate, comprehensive reproductive, genetic, whelping, and neonatal records for active and retired breeding animals. Analyzes trends related to conception rates, litter outcomes, neonatal health, and early development. Produces projections and reports on breeding outcomes, colony health trends, and program performance to inform leadership and strategic planning. Ethics, Welfare, and Compliance Ensures all genetics, breeding, whelping, and neonatal practices comply with organizational policy, animal welfare standards, and applicable regulations. Promotes a culture of humane, ethical, and responsible reproductive management across all related departments. Innovation and Research Identifies and implements innovative, evidence-based, and cost-effective approaches to canine genetics, reproduction, whelping, and neonatal care. Stays current on advancements in canine theriogenology and reproductive science through conferences, professional development, and collaborative research. Collaborates with veterinarians and internal stakeholders on studies related to pregnancy, whelping, lactation, and neonatal development. Interdepartmental Collaboration Collaborates closely with Veterinary Services, Puppy Academy, Puppy Raising, and related teams to ensure alignment, data sharing, and continuity of care. Participates in cross-departmental planning to support organizational canine development and placement objectives. Education and Mentorship Provides training, mentorship, and subject-matter guidance to staff on genetics, reproduction, whelping, and neonatal care standards. Ensures relevant teams remain informed of advancements and best practices in canine reproductive and neonatal science. Budget and Resource Management Manages budgets related to genetics, breeding, whelping, and neonatal programs. Oversees procurement of equipment, supplies, and resources necessary for reproductive and neonatal operations. Outreach and Representation Builds and maintains partnerships with external breeding programs, registries, and genetic research organizations, as applicable Represents the organization to donors, volunteers, and other stakeholders regarding genetics, reproduction, and early-life canine development.

Required:

Bachelor's degree in Animal Science or a related field. Minimum of five years of experience in canine genetics, reproduction, and breeding colony management. Strong background in statistical analysis and canine theriogenology.

Preferred:

Master's or Doctorate in Animal Science, Biology, Genetics, or a related field. Familiarity with the International Working Dog Registry (IWDR). Experience within ADI- or IGDF-accredited organizations.

Physical Demands:

Ability to stand and walk for portions of the workday while overseeing operations, observing procedures, or moving between work areas. Ability to sit for extended periods of time while performing administrative, analytical, and computer-based work. Frequent use of hands and fingers for tasks such as computer work, documentation, and handling materials or equipment as needed. Ability to occasionally lift and/or move items weighing up to 25 pounds . Ability to perform tasks requiring close vision, depth perception, and color vision. Periodic exposure to outdoor weather conditions when moving between buildings or overseeing on-site activities. Exposure to moderate noise levels typical of kennel, laboratory, and veterinary environments. Why Join Dogs Inc? At Dogs Inc, we don't just change lives—we transform them. When you join our pack, you'll get:

Comprehensive Benefits:

Full dental and vision insurance premiums covered, competitive medical coverage, and a $15,000 life insurance policy.

Retirement Match:

A discretionary retirement plan match for all benefit-eligible employees after one full year of employment.

Campus Perks:

Free access to our fitness center and chef-prepared lunches served on campus (Monday-Friday). Time to

Recharge:

Generous Paid Time Off policies (12-20 days/year based on tenure). Enjoy 14 paid holidays—including your birthday!

Reward-Based Programs:

Our Learn and Earn education program and Pawsitive Strides walking program offer many opportunities to earn additional Paid Time Off.

Dog-Friendly Workplace:

Bring your well-behaved, pre-screened dog to work and enjoy the ultimate companion-friendly environment.