Director of Genetics

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. As the Director of Genetics, you will play a part in making that happen! 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 Genetics leads the strategic direction of Guiding Eyes' canine genetics and breeding program. This role is responsible for developing and implementing data-driven breeding strategies that improve guide dog success, health, temperament, and genetic diversity across the breeding colony.
Working closely with veterinary, training, and development teams, as well as external researchers and industry partners, the Director ensures the breeding program meets current and future organizational needs while advancing knowledge and best practices within the guide dog industry.
This role balances genetic improvement, colony sustainability, and operational needs to ensure a consistent supply of dogs with the characteristics necessary for guide dog work.
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
Breeding Program Strategy & Leadership
Develop and lead the long-term genetic improvement strategy for the breeding colony in alignment with organizational goals and guide dog program needs.
Establish measurable breeding objectives and key performance indicators related to health, temperament, trainability, guide dog success, and genetic diversity.
Monitor and evaluate breeding program outcomes and recommend adjustments to optimize results.
Ensure sustainable genetic progress while maintaining appropriate levels of genetic diversity and managing inbreeding within the colony.
Present breeding program results, recommendations, and strategic initiatives to organizational leadership as needed.
Colony Management
Direct the selection and breeding processes of the Guiding Eyes breeding colony.
Evaluate and select dogs to replenish and maintain an appropriate and sustainable breeding population.
Develop breeding recommendations that balance genetic improvement, health outcomes, operational needs, and long-term colony sustainability.
Ensure an appropriate number of dogs with desired health, behavioral, and working characteristics are available to support training program requirements.
Genetics, Data & Analysis
Develop, validate, and refine genetic evaluation models used in selection decisions.
Calculate and interpret estimated breeding values using phenotypic, pedigree, and genomic data.
Analyze health, behavioral, and performance data to inform breeding decisions and improve breeding outcomes.
Collaborate on software development and data management initiatives to ensure data integrity and maximize the effectiveness of breeding program analytics.
Translate complex genetic and performance data into actionable recommendations for stakeholders across the organization.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner closely with veterinary teams to collect and interpret accurate, complete phenotypic data for health and performance traits.
Collaborate with the training department to understand changing program needs and continuously improve guide dog suitability.
Work with organizational leadership to align breeding program priorities with strategic goals.
Research & Industry Leadership
Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with universities, researchers, specialists, geneticists, and other guide dog organizations.
Identify, initiate, and contribute to research opportunities that advance canine genetics, reproductive health, and guide dog success.
Represent Guiding Eyes within the guide dog and scientific communities through collaboration, presentations, publications, and knowledge sharing where appropriate.