Associate Director, Colony Operations

Associate Director, Colony OperationsPosition SummaryWe are seeking an experienced and collaborative Associate Director, Colony Operations to support the daily operations of a large-scale NHP colony program. This individual will play a key leadership role across husbandry operations, workforce management, compliance, training, and process improvement initiatives. This is an on-site role, relocation assistance can be provided.Reporting into senior leadership, this role requires a hands-on operational leader who can build strong relationships across teams, support regulatory excellence, and help drive operational efficiency and modernization efforts throughout the colony.Key ResponsibilitiesSupport daily colony and husbandry operations in partnership with leadership, veterinary, and operational teamsMaintain a strong field presence by engaging regularly with supervisors and frontline staffOversee workforce coordination, onboarding, training, staffing support, and employee development initiativesEnsure compliance with regulatory standards, SOPs, training documentation, and operational best practicesSupport audit readiness, inspections, accreditation activities, and continuous improvement effortsPartner cross-functionally to improve communication, operational consistency, and workflow efficiencyHelp drive digitization and process modernization initiatives to reduce manual administrative burdenServe as a mentor and resource to operational managers and supervisorsRequired QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Biology, Veterinary Technology, Operations Management, or related field (or equivalent experience)8+ years of experience within animal research, vivarium, agricultural production, livestock operations, or similarly regulated compliance-driven environmentsDemonstrated experience leading teams in fast-paced operational settingsStrong organizational, documentation, and problem-solving skillsFamiliarity with USDA, AAALAC, OLAW, or related regulatory frameworksPreferred Skills & ExperienceExperience supporting large-scale husbandry or colony operationsAALAS Certified, ILAM graduate and CMAR eligible Experience implementing operational process improvements or digitization initiativesExperience supporting large frontline workforcesBilingual Spanish/English strongly preferredIdeal Candidate ProfileThe ideal candidate is hands-on, approachable, and relationship-oriented, with the ability to balance field engagement and operational leadership with administrative and compliance responsibilities. They are someone who enjoys building systems, improving processes, developing teams, and fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.This role is ideal for someone looking to step into broader operational leadership and make a meaningful impact within a growing organization.If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please apply directly or send your resume to . We always welcome referrals and recommendations!