Manager, University Relations

Job Summary: The Manager, University Engagement supports the organization’s strategy and partnerships with veterinary colleges and universities across the United States and Canada in support of a network of more than 1,000 veterinary hospitals. This role is responsible for strengthening the organization’s presence within the academic veterinary community and building long-term university relationships.

The Manager partners closely with Talent Acquisition, the House Officer Program Manager, Medical Operations, and hospital leadership to create a cohesive university outreach. This role serves as a key liaison between the organization and veterinary students, faculty, interns, residents, and academic leaders to promote career opportunities, professional development, and the organization’s commitment to advancing veterinary medicine.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning & Program Development

• Aid in the development and implementation of a comprehensive university engagement strategy aligned with organizational growth and talent objectives.
• Identify emerging trends in veterinary education and workforce development to inform organizational strategy.

University & Academic Partnerships

• Aid in the development and management of strategic relationships with veterinary colleges and universities throughout the U.S. and Canada.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen the organization’s academic presence through partnerships, sponsorships, educational initiatives, and collaborative programs.
• Represent the organization at veterinary school events, conferences, career fairs, and industry meetings.

Student & Early Career Engagement

• Aid in the development and execution of strategies to engage veterinary students and early-career professionals throughout their academic journey.
• Create programs and initiatives that increase awareness of career opportunities within the organization’s hospital network.
• Support mentorship, externship, scholarship, and student representative programs.
• Build strong relationships with veterinary student organizations and specialty interest groups.

Collaboration with Talent Acquisition

• Partner closely with Talent Acquisition to support recruitment strategies for veterinarians, specialists, interns, residents, and early-career clinicians.
• Aid in the development of university recruitment plans aligned with workforce and hiring priorities.
• Support campus recruiting efforts, candidate engagement activities, and pipeline development initiatives.
• Analyze recruitment trends and recommend strategies to improve hiring outcomes and brand visibility within veterinary schools.

House Officer Program Partnership

• Collaborate with House Officer Program leadership to support internship and residency recruitment, engagement, and program visibility.
• Promote the organization’s internship and residency opportunities within veterinary colleges and academic networks.
• Assist in strengthening relationships between specialty hospitals, academic institutions, and house officer candidates.
• Support educational programming and professional development initiatives for interns and residents.

Key Deliverables/Outcomes:

• Strengthen the organization’s relationships with veterinary colleges and universities across North America.
• Increase student and early-career engagement with the organization’s hospitals and programs.
• Support recruitment goals through strategic university partnerships and campus engagement initiatives.
• Enhance visibility and participation in internship, residency, and house officer programs.
• Develop impactful educational presentations, university programming, and recruitment initiatives.
• Create sustainable talent pipelines that support long-term organizational growth and clinical excellence.

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in veterinary medicine, university relations, academic partnerships, or related field.
• Strong understanding of veterinary education, internship/residency programs, and clinical career pathways.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across departments and influence stakeholders at multiple levels.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Willingness to travel extensively to veterinary colleges, conferences, recruiting events, and hospital locations across the U.S. and Canada.

FLSA Status: Salaried, Exempt

Base Salary: $89,500-$134,500

Annual Incentive Plan: 10%

National Veterinary Associates is a leading global pet care organization united in the love of animals and the people who love them.

At NVA, we’re on a mission to improve the lives of pets and the people who love them. That starts by empowering our care teams. We nurture their growth with resources to practice medicine their way. Our network of 1,000 hospitals connects them to a community of professionals who share their passion so they can learn and grow together. Our national presence enables us to deliver technology and innovations that simplify work and expand care for all. At NVA, we're committed to your professional growth. We support your entire career journey, offering opportunities ranging from mentorship to ownership.

At National Veterinary Associates, we want to make sure your experience connecting with us is seamless and straightforward. Here’s what to expect when interacting with us:

- We’ll always reach out via verified LinkedIn profiles or emails ending in @nva.com

- We may also contact you via text message from an identified NVA representative for recruiting-related communication

- All job opportunities and applications are hosted on our official careers site: careers.nva.com

- There is no cost or confidential information required to apply or be considered for a position

If you have any doubts about a communication, feel free to visit our careers page to verify authenticity or email us at hiringhub@nva.com. Thank you for exploring opportunities at NVA!

NVA offers a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, a 401k with employer match, and paid time off (including sick time) for all eligible employees. The team can provide more information about compensation and benefits for your specific location during the process. For positions based in Colorado, NVA provides eligible employees with paid sick and safe leave and public health emergency leave in accordance with the requirements of Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.