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About the Role

The Director of Genetics leads the strategic direction of Guiding Eyes' canine genetics and breeding program. This role is responsible for developing and implementing data-driven breeding strategies that improve guide dog success, health, temperament, and genetic diversity across the breeding colony. Working closely with veterinary, training, and development teams, as well as external researchers and industry partners, the Director ensures the breeding program meets current and future organizational needs while advancing knowledge and best practices within the guide dog industry. This role balances genetic improvement, colony sustainability, and operational needs to ensure a consistent supply of dogs with the characteristics necessary for guide dog work.

Responsibilities

Develop and lead the long-term genetic improvement strategy for the breeding colony.
Establish measurable breeding objectives and key performance indicators.
Monitor and evaluate breeding program outcomes and recommend adjustments.
Ensure sustainable genetic progress while maintaining genetic diversity and managing inbreeding.
Present breeding program results, recommendations, and strategic initiatives to organizational leadership.
Direct the selection and breeding processes of the Guiding Eyes breeding colony.
Evaluate and select dogs to replenish and maintain a breeding population.
Develop breeding recommendations that balance genetic improvement, health outcomes, operational needs, and long-term colony sustainability.
Ensure an appropriate number of dogs with desired characteristics are available to support training program requirements.
Develop, validate, and refine genetic evaluation models used in selection decisions.
Calculate and interpret estimated breeding values using phenotypic, pedigree, and genomic data.
Analyze health, behavioral, and performance data to inform breeding decisions.
Collaborate on software development and data management initiatives.
Translate complex genetic and performance data into actionable recommendations.
Partner closely with veterinary teams to collect and interpret phenotypic data.
Collaborate with the training department to understand changing program needs.
Work with organizational leadership to align breeding program priorities with strategic goals.
Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with universities, researchers, and industry partners.
Identify, initiate, and contribute to research opportunities that advance canine genetics.
Represent Guiding Eyes within the guide dog and scientific communities.
Partner with Development and Communications teams to identify grant opportunities and research funding sources.
Serve as a representative of the Genetics team during tours, donor visits, and organizational events.
Communicate the mission, impact, and value of the Genetics team's programs.
Lead or support special projects and organizational initiatives.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Master's degree or equivalent advanced education in Animal Breeding, Quantitative Genetics, Population Genetics, Animal Science, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience applying quantitative genetics principles and animal models to breeding program management.
Experience analyzing and interpreting complex genetic, health, and behavioral data.
Working knowledge of statistical programming, coding, database management, or query-building tools.
Strong communication skills with the ability to translate scientific concepts for a variety of audiences.
Strong judgment and critical thinking skills.
Experience establishing priorities, managing multiple projects, and balancing competing demands.
Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability.
Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and organizational skills.
Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Ability to analyze data, assess program performance, and make informed operational decisions.
Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment.
Strong relationship-building skills.
Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Experience partnering with cross-functional teams.
Ability to engage effectively with employees, volunteers, donors, and other community stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to lead with professionalism, empathy, integrity, and accountability.
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office programs.
Salesforce savvy a plus.
PhD, DVM, or equivalent advanced degree in Animal Breeding, Genetics, Population Genetics, Animal Science, or a related discipline.
Five (5) or more years of progressive experience in animal breeding, quantitative genetics, population genetics, or a related field.
Experience managing breeding populations while balancing genetic gain, health outcomes, and genetic diversity.
Background in canine, working dog, service dog, livestock, or companion animal breeding programs.
Experience developing long-term breeding strategies and performance metrics.
Strong analytical skills, including the use of data, metrics, and performance indicators.
Familiarity with R, Python, SQL, genomic prediction models, quantitative genetics software, or related analytical tools.
History of leading research collaborations, publishing scientific findings, securing grant funding, or managing research initiatives.
Previous people leadership, coaching, or team development experience.
Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Skills

Quantitative Genetics
Animal Breeding
Population Genetics
Animal Science
Genetic Evaluation Models
Phenotypic Data Analysis
Pedigree Data Analysis
Genomic Data Analysis
Statistical Programming
Coding
Database Management
Query Building
Communication
Critical Thinking
Project Management
Problem-Solving
Decision-Making
Organizational Skills
Data Analysis
Collaboration
Relationship Building
Interpersonal Communication
Microsoft Office
Salesforce
R
Python
SQL
Genomic Prediction Models
Quantitative Genetics Software

Location

On-site

Work Type

Full-time

Experience Level

5+ years preferred

Education Level

Master's degree or equivalent advanced education
PhD, DVM, or equivalent advanced degree preferred

Salary/Compensations

$145k - $170k

Benefits

Competitive and generous healthcare (Medical/Dental/Vision)
403(b)
Life Insurance
Paid Time Off and Holidays
Bring your dog to work

About the Company

At Guiding Eyes for the Blind, we are passionate about connecting exceptional dogs with individuals seeking greater independence.
We are dedicated to creating and supporting life-changing partnerships between people and dogs.
Our incredible dogs make our mission possible – and working with them will inspire you!
We put our clients first, striving to exceed their expectations by providing exceptional dogs trained to meet their unique needs and empower them to live the lives they choose.
At Guiding Eyes, you'll work alongside passionate, caring professionals who are united by a love of dogs and a shared commitment to our mission.
Together, we help provide each dog with the foundation needed to succeed while supporting the individuals whose lives will be changed by their partnership.
If you're looking for meaningful work in a collaborative and purpose-driven environment, we'd love to hear from you.

Equal Opportunity

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER M/F, D/V