Development Director Jobs in Ridgefield, CT (NOW HIRING)

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.

At our facilities, we breed, raise, and train exceptional guide dogs – and match them with individuals ready to embrace a life of greater freedom, confidence, and possibility.  Together, they embark on incredible life adventures.  Are you ready to play a role in that journey?  Join us and help be a part of transforming lives.

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.

The Director of Canine Development Operations leads the Canine Development Center (CDC), providing strategic and operational oversight of breeding and whelping operations, kennel management, brood and stud dog programs, and canine care services.  This role is responsible for ensuring exceptional animal welfare, operational excellence, and a safe, enriching environment that helps ensure each dog has the best possible start on the path to becoming a guide dog.

The Director serves as a critical partner to teams across Guiding Eyes, ensuring CDC operations effectively support canine development goals while maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare and care.  Working collaboratively with veterinary, puppy development, training, volunteer, and foster program teams, the Director helps ensure a seamless continuum of care and supports organizational goals through effective partnership, planning, and execution.

Through strong leadership and a commitment to excellence, the Director plays a critical role in maintaining the foundation upon which successful canine development programs are built.

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.

The Role

Operational Leadership & Kennel Management

• Oversee breeding and whelping kennel operations, ensuring exceptional care for puppies and adult dogs.
• Establish and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for animal care, sanitation, safety, and operational efficiency.
• Ensure appropriate staffing plans, scheduling, and coverage to support continuous 24/7 operations and exceptional care for all dogs at the CDC.
• Monitor operational performance metrics, including health outcomes, puppy development milestones, and operational efficiency.
• Oversee facility maintenance, and vendor relationships to support a safe, effective, and welcoming kennel environment.

Canine Care & Program Oversight

• Oversee brood and stud dog programs, including placement, support, enrichment, and quality-of-life initiatives.
• Oversee whelping and neonatal care programs, ensuring alignment with animal welfare standards and organizational protocols.
• Oversee home litter care and foster programs, supporting positive outcomes for puppies, volunteers, and foster caregivers.
• Partner with canine development teams to understand and support puppy development and transition processes.
• Maintain a working knowledge of puppy development, socialization, enrichment, evaluation, and placement readiness programs to support continuity of care and effective cross-functional collaboration.
• Promote coordination across canine care programs to support organizational goals and successful canine outcomes.
• Support volunteer engagement within CDC operations while maintaining high standards of animal care and safety.

Animal Welfare & Quality Standards 

• Champion best-in-class animal welfare, husbandry, enrichment, and care practices.
• Partner with veterinary and training teams to align health, welfare, care, and developmental protocols.
• Monitor and evaluate canine health, behavior, and welfare outcomes to identify opportunities for enhancement.
• Ensure adherence to organizational policies, animal welfare standards, applicable regulations, and recognized industry best practices.
• Drive continuous improvement efforts that enhance canine welfare, operational efficiency, and program outcomes.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop managers and staff across CDC operations.
• Build and maintain a high-performing team through effective communication, accountability, and professional development.
• Support workforce planning, succession planning, and employee engagement initiatives.
• Foster a collaborative, mission-focused culture centered on excellence in canine care.

Strategic Planning & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Contribute to the strategic vision and long-term planning of canine development operations.
• Partner with training, veterinary, volunteer engagement, advancement, and other organizational teams to support organizational priorities.
• Identify and drive opportunities for innovation, process improvement, and operational excellence.
• Leverage data and performance metrics to inform decisions and measure program success.

Budget & Resource Management

• Develop and manage departmental budgets in alignment with organizational priorities.
• Ensure responsible stewardship of financial, human, and physical resources.
• Partner in capital planning and facility improvement projects that support current and future operational needs.

Stakeholder Engagement & Representation

• Serve as a representative of the Canine Development Center during tours, donor visits, and organizational events.
• Communicate the mission, impact, value, and contributions of the Canine Development Center's programs and operations to internal and external stakeholders.
• Partner with Development and Communications teams to support fundraising, awareness, and engagement initiatives.

Additional Responsibilities

• Lead or support special projects and organizational initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of Guiding Eyes.

Qualifications You Will Need

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Animal Science, Animal Behavior, Business Administration, Operations Management, Nonprofit Management, a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Seven (7) or more years of progressive leadership experience in animal care, canine operations, animal welfare, veterinary, nonprofit, or a related environment.
• Demonstrated success managing complex operations, leading teams, and driving organizational effectiveness.
• Experience managing budgets, resources, and operational priorities.

Professional Skills

• Strong knowledge of animal husbandry, canine welfare, enrichment, and care practices.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high-performing teams in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment.
• Strong judgment and critical thinking skills, with the ability to assess situations, prioritize needs, and make sound decisions in a timely manner.
• Experience establishing priorities, managing multiple projects, and balancing competing demands.
• Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability, with the ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.
• 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.

Communication & Collaboration

• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment.
• Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to find a common purpose, build consensus, and foster collaboration across teams.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience partnering with cross-functional teams to achieve organizational goals.
• Ability to engage effectively with employees, volunteers, donors, and other community stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to lead with professionalism, empathy, integrity, and accountability.

Technical & Physical Requirements

• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office programs; Salesforce savvy a plus.
• Ability to work in a kennel and canine care environment with regular exposure to animals, cleaning products, and noise.
• Ability to walk, stand, bend, kneel, reach, and perform other physical activities associated with canine care and facility operations.
• Ability to safely lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
• Availability to support a 24/7 operation, including occasional evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency situations as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with canine breeding, whelping, neonatal care, or reproductive programs.
• Experience working within a guide dog, service dog, animal welfare, veterinary, shelter, or nonprofit organization.
• Knowledge of puppy development, behavior, socialization, enrichment, and assessment practices.
• Experience working with volunteer, foster, or community-based programs.
• Experience using data, metrics, and performance indicators to evaluate operational effectiveness and program outcomes. 

Better Together: Why In-Person Matters at GEB

At Guiding Eyes, we believe our best work happens when we’re together.  In-person collaboration strengthens relationships, sparks meaningful conversations, and helps us achieve greater impact – bringing our core values to life every day.  Being on campus fosters a true sense of community and shared purpose, reminding us that we’re all part of something bigger as we work side by side toward our mission.

Annual Salary Range: $115k - $125k, commensurate with experience.  Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as internal equity, relevant experience, job-related knowledge, skills, and market considerations.

Please include a cover letter along with your resume telling us 'About You' and to share why you're excited about contributing to our mission.  As a Guiding Eyes employee, you will enjoy knowing that every day you make a difference in the lives of people with vision loss!

While we appreciate your interest and application, only candidates under consideration will be contacted.

Guiding Eyes for the Blind offers a comprehensive benefits package including the following:

• Competitive and generous healthcare (Medical/Dental/Vision)
• 403(b)
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off and Holidays
• You are invited to bring your well-behaved dog to work

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed in this role.  It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications.  Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as assigned in support of Guiding Eyes for the Blind's mission and operational needs. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER M/F, D/V