Training Director

Research Animal Resources
Training Director
Position Summary

The Training Director for RAR is responsible for overseeing and managing the comprehensive training program for research animal users, including RAR staff and external customers within the University of Minnesota (students, staff, and faculty). This role ensures that training aligns with IACUC policies, RAR standard operating procedures (SOPs), and Biosafety and Occupational Health requirements. The Director will foster a collaborative environment between the training team and users (RAR staff and researchers), ensuring training needs are met and communication is maintained.

This position reports to the RAR Executive Director and works with members of the RAR Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to provide strategic planning, organization, and direction within RAR. The Training Director identifies and develops broad operational goals and objectives, directs significant programs, and operates with a significant level of independence within a matrixed department. This role is responsible for developing, implementing, and enforcing policies, procedures, and standards as well as cooperative working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. The incumbent will be a member of the RAR Senior Leadership Team.

Essential Functions

Program Management and Senior Leadership (50%)
* Develop and implement a comprehensive training program for research animal users, ensuring alignment with IACUC policies, RAR SOPs, and Biosafety and Occupational Health requirements.
* Maintain and update training materials as needed to reflect current standards and practices.
* Provide multiple training modes, including online modules, in-person hands-on sessions, videos, and written resources, ensuring flexibility to accommodate different learning styles.
* Develop, publish and maintain a comprehensive list of training offerings and requirements.
* Implement assessment strategies that align with learning objectives, conduct ongoing evaluations to gauge progress, measure learning outcomes, and provide timely and constructive feedback to enhance learning.
* Offer species-specific electives and special needs training for all users within the IACUC-accredited unit, to include Duluth and Hormel.
* Ensure training for USDA species is documented, communicated, and offered to support USDA users as effectively as rodent users.
* Develop and implement projects that support departmental strategic priorities and key initiatives as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

Personnel Management (30%)
* Develop and oversee an organizational structure for the training team that is appropriately sized to meet the demands of the entire program.
* Ensure team structure is such that delivery times for training courses are not impacted by routine time away.
* Manage and support the training team, currently composed of 7 trainers and a .5 FTE administrative staff member.
* Foster a collaborative environment between the training team and all users (RAR staff and researchers).
* Ensure trainers receive ongoing professional development and certification.
* Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback to team members.
* Identify and address any training or development needs within the team.
* Promote a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the training team.

Communication, Feedback, and Customer Service (10%)
* Ensure regular communication with researchers, IACUC, and other stakeholders.
* Encourage and incorporate feedback from users to refine training offerings.
* Develop and maintain feedback mechanisms, such as suggestion forms and feedback forms.
* Ensure a customer-centric approach is embedded within the team, regardless of whether the customer is from within or outside of RAR.
* Facilitate regular user meetings to discuss training needs, updates, and gather feedback.
* Provide clear and timely responses to inquiries and requests from users.
* Implement a system for tracking and addressing user feedback and suggestions.
* Promote transparency by regularly updating users on changes and improvements to the training program.

Regulatory Compliance (10%)
* Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and standards.
* Provide documentation of training completion and maintain accurate records.
* Develop processes for updating training materials and communicating changes.
* Monitor changes in regulations and standards to ensure ongoing compliance.
* Conduct regular audits and reviews to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements.

Required Qualifications
* DVM or equivalent from ECVFC or PAVE with at least 6 years of experience
* Diplomate of the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine
* Experience in developing and leading research animal training courses.
* Working knowledge of federal laws, regulations, and procedures pertaining to the care and use of research animals, as well as the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals
* Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
* Ability to foster a collaborative environment and manage a diverse team.

Preferred Qualifications
* Documented success in developing and implementing training programs
* LATG and/or CMAR certification
* CPTM or other professional training certification

Research Animal Resources (RAR) strives to enhance the quality and integrity of scientific research by offering exceptional animal care, expert resources, and collaborative support that empowers researchers to conduct ethical and impactful studies for the advancement of knowledge and public health.

Pay Range: $155,000.00 to $175,000.00 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 75%-100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 100% appointment.)

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).