Director, Gorilla Doctors (ACAD PRG MGT OFCR 4)

Job Summary

The Director of Gorilla Doctors (GD) is responsible for the overall management, leadership and directing of activities for Gorilla Doctors in its entirety, including strategic planning, budgeting, management, fundraising, Board relations, partner relations, human resources and research. The Director will manage a $2.5 – 3.0 M/year operating budget derived from grants, contracts and private sector support; supervise senior management staff; help establish research priorities and conduct research; draft and finalize organization-wide policy; develop and maintain partnerships and cooperative agreements; cultivate and steward donors; facilitate Board meetings and operations; evaluate staff performance and address shortfalls; and manage outside contracts. As well, the Director is expected to represent GD, the Karen C Drayer Wildlife Health Center (KCDWHC), the One Health Institute (OHI), and School of Veterinary Medicine at the state, federal, and international level.

Apply By Date July 31, 2025 at 11:59pm

Minimum Qualifications – For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Appropriate federal/California state veterinary and DEA license (or ability to acquire required licenses within 6 months of hire).
• BS degree in biological sciences (ecology, wildlife biology) and/or 15+ years of leadership experience in wildlife conservation.
• Experienced in non-profit organization structure, management and operations.
• Passionate about wildlife conservation and the organizational mission.
• Knowledgeable and appreciative of the role of veterinary medicine in wildlife conservation.
• Science-minded: inquisitive, analytical and able to work cross-culturally.
• Collaborative and team-oriented, outgoing and engaging, a “people person”; detail-oriented and able to set priorities and meet timelines; Capable of making decisions.
• Nimble/flexible: willing to pivot to address immediate/urgent needs.
• Visionary: able to forecast and envision the organization’s future. Willing to travel domestically and internationally, frequently/extensively and comfortable with flexible work hours.

Preferred Qualifications

• DVM/VMD/BVSc degree (from an accredited school of veterinary medicine); additional advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in a related field or in business; Board certification (e.g. ACZM or ACVPM).
• DVM/VMD/BVSc degree (from an accredited school of veterinary medicine); additional advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in a related field or in business; Board certification (e.g. ACZM or ACVPM).
• Energized by engaging in strategic visioning, thinking, planning and tracking; able to handle all aspects of human resource management, including recruitment, performance evaluation, and performance correction/mediation; willing and able to engage in all aspects of fundraising, including solicitation of donors and an excellent writer and editor.
• Highly committed to sound financial management, and able to build and track budgets, report on finances, and forecast revenue and expenditures.
• Willing to frequently conduct external engagements on behalf of the organization, including public-speaking and media interviews.

Key Responsibilities

• 80% – Program Management and Development
• 10% – Research & Teaching
• 10% – Service and Outreach

Department Overview

The GD is a university-NGO partnership that provides life-saving veterinary medicine and science using a One Health approach to endangered eastern gorillas in the wild in Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo. As a program within the Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center (WHC), GD focuses on the health and conservation of endangered African wildlife. As a Center of Excellence within the One Health Institute, the WHC implements the One Health approach, recognizing that the health of animals, people and the environments they share are inextricably linked. At UC Davis, the WHC/OHI is the organization under which faculty, staff, students, and other partners come together to address the complex issues surrounding conservation and health in a changing world. The WHC administers several high-profile wildlife health programs and is a global leader in wild great ape conservation.

The GD is a university-NGO partnership that provides life-saving veterinary medicine and science using a One Health approach to endangered eastern gorillas in the wild in Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo. As a program within the Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center (WHC), GD focuses on the health and conservation of endangered African wildlife. As a Center of Excellence within the One Health Institute, the WHC implements the One Health approach, recognizing that the health of animals, people and the environments they share are inextricably linked. At UC Davis, the WHC/OHI is the organization under which faculty, staff, students, and other partners come together to address the complex issues surrounding conservation and health in a changing world. The WHC administers several high-profile wildlife health programs and is a global leader in wild great ape conservation.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $99,400/yr. – $196,400/yr.
• Salary Frequency: Monthly
• Salary Grade: Grade 25
• UC Job Title: ACAD PRG MGT OFCR 4
• UC Job Code: 000378
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100% – Fixed
• Shift (Work Schedule): Mon – Fri from 8am – 5pm
• Location: Davis, CA.
• Union Representation: 99 – Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit’s employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family’s needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing – Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking – Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs – Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs – Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping – Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling – Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting – Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead – Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning – Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills – Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

• Subject to Medical Surveillance procedures and review in accordance with Federal and State Laws, Regulations and University policy (including vaccination policy for COVID-19 and influenza). • International travel for periods of time to engage with Gorilla Doctors staff and partners in Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo. • Work flexible hours in a variety of conditions, sometimes on short notice. • Work with a variety of people in both small and large teams. • Work in inclement weather, at times walking/hiking for long distances or long periods. • Wear personal protective equipment and protective clothing, including in hot, humid environments and/or while working long hours or while walking/hiking long distances, when necessary. • Work with or be in areas where hazardous materials and/or infectious diseases are present. • Work with potentially dangerous wildlife. • Work occasional overtime, holidays, and weekends. • UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) is strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property. • 10%: that international travel to east-central Africa a few times a year for 1-3 weeks/trip will be required.

Special Requirements – Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
• This is a position with direct access to or responsibility for controlled substances, high risk hazardous chemicals, biological or radioactive/nuclear materials
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn’t match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks

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