Orlando, The Florida Veterinary Medical Association is the preeminent state veterinary medical association in the country — a vocal advocate for Florida veterinary professionals, the health and well-being of animals, and the protection of public health. Our well-established and nationally respected organization is seeking a dynamic, growth-focused Executive Director to lead us into our next chapter.

As the voice of veterinary medicine in Florida, the FVMA is a recognized and trusted partner among state lawmakers and regulators. With about 5,300 members, we are the third largest state veterinary association in the country, operating from a budget exceeding $3 million. Our conferences deliver world-class continuing education for veterinarians and their teams while driving meaningful financial growth for the organization.

Founded in 1928, the FVMA has been a driving force in shaping veterinary medicine in Florida. Our leaders were instrumental in establishing the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 1980, and we continue to invest in the profession's future through scholarships, student programs, and philanthropic giving through the FVMA Foundation. The Florida Association of Equine Practitioners was incorporated as our equine-exclusive division in 2011, and affiliate memberships for veterinary team members were introduced in 2018.

Our recently completed rebrand reflects a modern, forward-looking identity while honoring the legacy and credibility the FVMA has built over nearly a century. Programs like the “Power of Ten” reflect our commitment to developing the next generation of veterinary leaders, as well as “Inspire” which promotes wellness and mental health awareness; expanding the impact of the FVMA Foundation beyond traditional giving. Innovation and mission-driven leadership continue to define who we are.

 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Executive Director of the FVMA will be a results-driven, dynamic leader who connects deeply with members and continuously creates greater value for the association. The Executive Director is expected to build upon the FVMA's strong foundation in legislative affairs, expand our widely recognized continuing education programs, and grow the reach and impact of the FVMA Foundation and its programs.

The Executive Director serves as the chief administrative officer of the association and is responsible for conducting the affairs of the association as directed by the Executive Board. In addition to the membership association, the Executive Director holds responsibility for the FVMA Foundation and FVMA Political Action Committee. Association policy, vision, and fiscal oversight reside with the 16-member elected Executive Board.

With direct supervision and management of association staff, the Executive Director holds primary responsibility for day-to-day operations. This leader drives innovative thinking around programs, continuing education, member benefits, and services, while initiating proactive and thoughtful advocacy on issues affecting the veterinary profession across Florida.

The Executive Director works in concert with the American Veterinary Medical Association and other aligned organizations, state lobbyists, and policymakers — advocating with integrity, political acumen, and an unwavering commitment to the membership's best interests. The Executive Director inspires greater member engagement through compelling communications, valuable tools, and relevant resources. This position also serves as executive editor of all association publications.

This is a unique opportunity to lead an exciting, financially strong, and nationally respected organization — guiding a dedicated community of veterinary professionals and shaping the future of the profession in Florida.

LEADERSHIP PROFILE

The ideal Executive Director is a transparent, ethically grounded, and member-centered leader who thrives at the intersection of people, mission, and strategy. They bring energy and optimism to the veterinary profession and are genuinely excited to serve a community they care about. They communicate with clarity and authenticity — with legislators, members, staff, and the public alike — and earn trust through consistent follow-through and sound judgment.

This leader is collaborative by nature, comfortable working alongside an engaged volunteer board, and skilled at translating strategic vision into day-to-day operational results. They build strong, high-performing teams and foster a culture of accountability, inclusion, and professional growth. They are proactive, not reactive — anticipating trends in the profession and bringing creative solutions to the Executive Board before challenges become crises.

EXPECTED FIRST YEAR OUTCOMES

Within the first 60 days: Meet with staff, Executive Board members, and key stakeholders; establish a regular cadence of communication and relationship-building.

Within the first 90 days: Develop a thorough understanding of the budget and finances, membership programs, and legislative and regulatory priorities; complete an initial review with the Board of Governors.

By the end of the first year: Be recognized as an integral and respected leader in the profession; have implemented a plan to grow membership and elevate the FVMA's visibility; be an effective and proactive advocate for veterinary professionals; and have developed a strategic vision to grow membership and continuing education programs, strengthen the FVMA Foundation, and expand the impact of programs like Inspire.

 

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Seven or more years of progressively responsible professional experience

Five or more years of proven leadership experience in health care, business, or the veterinary industry

Demonstrated experience managing a budget of at least $2 million and a team of at least 10

• Experience working with a membership or trade association

Familiarity with legislative and regulatory advocacy

• Experience reporting to or serving on a board of directors

Undergraduate degree required; MBA, JD, or DVM a plus

Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation preferred or in progress

 

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Proven success collaborating with boards of directors and volunteer committees

Track record of effectively managing and developing high-performing staff

Strong analytical and decision-making skills; ability to gather and assess information and act with sound judgment

Fiscal management experience, including budget development, financial reporting, and ensuring sound accounting practices

Strategic planning, brand stewardship, and program and services development experience

Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills; ability to build and sustain relationships with members, community partners, legislators, and stakeholders with diverse perspectives

Ability to anticipate trends and challenges that may affect the organization and the broader veterinary profession

Understanding of the roles of the legislature, regulatory bodies, and association stakeholders in advancing the interests of the membership

Willingness to relocate to the Orlando, Florida area; this is a primarily in-office position at FVMA headquarters, with hybrid flexibility considered following an initial onboarding period

Demonstrated ability to build and lead an inclusive organizational culture that values diverse perspectives among staff, members, and volunteers

Proficiency with association management systems (AMS), email marketing platforms, and standard productivity software; comfort with data and metrics to inform member strategy

Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and manage competing priorities in a dynamic, member-driven environment

Strong sense of personal accountability; models and fosters a culture of ownership, follow-through, and results-oriented leadership at all organizational levels

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

 

Organizational Leadership

Serve as the chief spokesperson for the FVMA, ensuring the association is consistently represented in a strong, credible, and positive manner

Lead strategic planning; develop annual and long-term plans for membership growth, program expansion, and public policy initiatives

Oversee all financial operations; develop and manage annual budgets, monitor cash flow, and provide timely, accurate financial reports to the Executive Board

Foster a collaborative, high-performing staff culture aligned with organizational goals and values

Develop and oversee programs, continuing education events, and member services that deliver meaningful value to Florida veterinary professionals

Drive membership retention and growth through effective communication, advocacy, and relevant programming

Champion the FVMA Foundation and its programs, including Inspire, to expand the association's philanthropic impact and investment in the next generation of veterinary leaders

Identify and develop non-dues revenue opportunities, including sponsorships, partnerships, and expanded conference programming, to diversify and strengthen the FVMA's financial base

Oversee and guide the FVMA's digital communications strategy, including social media channels, e-newsletters, and website content, ensuring consistent voice and brand alignment

Provide executive oversight and staff support to the FVMA Political Action Committee, including compliance, fundraising strategy, and coordination with legislative counsel

Actively engage with the Veterinary Medical Association Executives (VMAE) network to stay current on best practices in association management and peer benchmarking

 

Executive Board Support

Serve as the principal resource and advisor to the Executive Board and its committees in developing and executing effective strategies

Support the ongoing recruitment, orientation, and stewardship of board members

Collaborate closely with the Executive Board president to ensure productive meetings, timely information sharing, and compliance with bylaws and applicable nonprofit regulations

Provide leadership support for strategic planning and the development of organizational policy; staff key board committees as needed

Ensure Executive Board members are informed of and fulfill their fiscal responsibilities

 

COMPENSATION

The FVMA offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience (base salary ranging from $170,000-$200,000), including an annual performance bonus determined by the Board of Governors based on overall job performance and association outcomes. Comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance, as well as a 401(k) retirement plan. 

 

APPLICATION AND INTERVIEW PROCESS

 

Qualified candidates are invited to submit the following materials for confidential consideration: (1) a chronological resume, (2) a cover letter addressing your specific experience leading membership growth and advocacy in an association setting, and (3) your salary expectations. These materials help us assess written communication skills and organizational fit prior to any interviews. Please email your application to:

FVMA.ED@FVMA.org

Pre-screened candidates will be invited to initial video interviews with select members of the FVMA Search Committee. Second-round interviews will follow for finalists.