Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University is seeking a talented, visionary leader for its flagship small animal referral specialty and emergency hospital, Henry and Lois Foster Hospital for Small Animals (FHSA). The FHSA is a full-service, academic hospital providing state-of-the-art, 24-hour, emergency, and multi-specialty care for small animals (cats, dogs, and zoological species) across New England. It is part of the Cummings School Veterinary Group (CSVG) comprised of 7 teaching hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic laboratories. The FHSA supports the teaching, research, and clinical care missions of the school. The annual caseload is approximately 35,000 cases per year, with revenue generation of over $40 million. Clinical care is provided by approximately 60 academic clinicians, 250 technical and support staff, 50 residents, 30 interns, and 120 veterinary students. We are entering the design phase of planning for a significant addition to the Foster Hospital for Small Animals and the Director would be expected to play a leading role in the process.
Reporting to the dean, the Hospital Director is a senior position providing leadership and oversight of the strategic vision, financial management, operations, medical care, human resources (faculty and staff), house officer clinical programs, and infrastructure of the FHSA. This includes a key role in the proposed expansion of the FHSA physical footprint to meet its clinical, education, and research missions. Supported by a six-member hospital management group, an advisory board composed of the clinical section heads, a hospital administrator, and the Cummings School Veterinary Group chief administrative officer, the Hospital Director is responsible for ensuring the success of the FHSA.
Depending on the qualifications and interests of the successful candidate, a faculty appointment in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences is available. Additional relevant responsibilities and leadership opportunities are available depending on the interests and qualifications of the successful candidate.
The FHSA Hospital Director is a member of the senior leadership team of Cummings School.
Qualifications
A DVM (or equivalent) with eligibility to hold a veterinary license in MA is required. Board certification in an American veterinary specialty college or equivalent is considered an asset. Ten or more years of experience in leadership roles in a small animal specialty and emergency referral hospital or a large, complex primary care or mixed function small animal hospital is required. Experience in leadership as part of an academic veterinary environment is considered an asset. The ability to lead a complex organization towards successful outcomes, using transparent, collaborative leadership with faculty and staff is required. An excellent oral and written communicator, the hospital director must be able to communicate a vision, motivate faculty and staff, and delegate effectively to create change. An understanding of the academic work environment, with an appreciation for teaching and research in an academic hospital, is required. Functional understanding of budget management and fiscal planning is expected. Experience in strategic planning and setting directions and expectations for an organization or unit is beneficial.
Application Instructions
Candidates should apply by January 5, 2026, to receive full consideration for the position. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled. Candidates should submit a curriculum vitae and a cover letter describing their interest in the position, their qualifications, their leadership experience, and their academic experience. The cover letter should address their strengths and experiences in creating an inclusive environment as it relates to teaching, research, and clinical activity. The names, addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of five references should be provided. References will not be contacted without permission of the candidate.
Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. For those interested in a faculty position, rank and faculty track will be determined based on experience and qualifications. The position start date is negotiable, but a date prior to July 2026 is preferred.
The salary range for this position is $200,000 to $300,000. The salary will include an administrative stipend. Tufts University is committed to providing competitive and equitable compensation that reflects each candidate’s experience, expertise, responsibilities, and performance. The pay offered within the posted range will be determined based on a variety of factors such as (but not limited to) the individual’s education and experience, discipline, rank, internal equity, and budgetary considerations.
Application materials should be submitted electronically through Interfolio (https://apply.interfolio.com/178569) Application review will continue until the position is filled. For questions about the application process or for any questions regarding the position, please contact Dr. Cheryl London at Cheryl.London@tufts.edu .
Cummings School is situated in Grafton, MA on a 600-acre pastoral campus, forty-five minutes west of Boston and next door to Worcester, the second largest city in Massachusetts. A virtual tour of the campus is available here. There is a regional rail service stop adjacent to campus and easy access to cultural and sporting events. The campus is a short drive from beautiful beaches, mountains, and other unique features of New England. The area is a hub of biotechnology and higher education. The K-12 education system is excellent. Housing is readily available close to campus or in any number of surrounding towns. Links to faculty policies and procedures and human resources benefits can be found here.
