Director, SHIC

The National Pork Board (NPB) is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and experienced Director / Senior Director, Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) to lead critical initiatives that protect and advance the health of the U.S. swine herd.

This position will play a key role in integrating SHIC programs and priorities into the National Pork Board's Swine Health and Production team while advancing the National Swine Health Strategy.

The ideal candidate brings strong technical expertise in swine health, a passion for advancing animal health, and the ability to lead complex initiatives through collaboration and influence. This highly visible role works with producers, veterinarians, researchers, government agencies, and industry partners to strengthen disease preparedness, advance research, and deliver meaningful results for the pork industry.

What You'll Do

Lead Strategy and Program Integration

• Lead the integration of SHIC programs, projects, and stakeholder relationships into the National Pork Board while ensuring continuity of critical work.
• Align SHIC initiatives, research investments, and program priorities with the National Swine Health Strategy and evolving industry needs.
• Provide strategic leadership for cross-functional initiatives, working groups, and collaborative industry programs.

Advance Swine Health Research and Preparedness

• Guide research priorities and coordinate Pork Checkoff-funded research initiatives, including proposal development, technical review, project oversight, and communication of results.
• Support disease monitoring, surveillance, emerging disease intelligence, and preparedness efforts.
• Translate scientific research and technical findings into actionable tools and resources for producers, veterinarians, and industry stakeholders.
• Collaborate on initiatives related to biosecurity, diagnostics, disease prevention, outbreak preparedness, and response.

Build Partnerships and Drive Industry Collaboration

• Develop and maintain trusted relationships with producers, swine veterinarians, researchers, diagnostic laboratories, government agencies, and industry organizations.
• Facilitate advisory committees, technical working groups, and collaborative efforts that address critical swine health challenges.
• Represent NPB and SHIC at scientific, veterinary, producer, and industry meetings.
• Partner with internal teams to deliver effective communications, educational resources, and coordinated programs.

Provide Leadership and Direction

• Lead complex projects and cross-functional initiatives to achieve departmental and organizational objectives.
• Influence outcomes, build consensus, and drive accountability across internal and external teams.
• Depending on organizational needs and structure, this position may also assume direct supervisory responsibilities, including employee coaching, performance management, and professional development.

• An advanced degree (D.V.M., Ph.D., M.S., M.P.H., or equivalent) in veterinary medicine, animal science, epidemiology, public health, infectious disease, or a related field.
• Significant professional experience in swine health, veterinary medicine, animal health research, disease surveillance, epidemiology, diagnostics, or pork industry program leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex programs involving multiple stakeholders, technical experts, and partner organizations.
• Experience coordinating research projects, grants, technical reviews, scientific deliverables, or related programs.
• Strong understanding of swine health challenges, infectious disease, biosecurity, diagnostics, or disease monitoring.
• Ability to translate complex scientific information into clear, practical recommendations for diverse audiences.
• Exceptional relationship-building, communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• A strategic mindset with the ability to lead through influence, navigate competing priorities, and deliver results.

Preferred Qualifications

• D.V.M. with experience in swine practice, production systems, diagnostics, regulatory affairs, academia, or industry.
• Experience with emerging or foreign animal diseases, outbreak investigations, disease surveillance, biosecurity, or animal health preparedness.
• Established relationships within the pork industry, veterinary community, research institutions, or animal health organizations.
• Experience managing research portfolios, grants, budgets, advisory committees, or industry-funded programs.
• Familiarity with the National Pork Board, Pork Checkoff, SHIC, National Swine Health Strategy, Secure Pork Supply, U.S. SHIP, or related initiatives.
• Experience leading organizational integration, managing change, or communicating complex animal health issues to diverse audiences.

Travel and Location

• Up to 40% travel is expected for producer, veterinary, research, partner, and industry meetings.
• Valid U.S. driver's license required; U.S. passport or ability to obtain one required.
• The National Pork Board's home office is located in Clive, Iowa. Preference will be given to candidates that are in Des Moines or can relocate there. Remote candidates MAY be considered.

Why Join the National Pork Board? At the National Pork Board, our work makes a meaningful difference for U.S. pork producers and the future of the pork industry. Through Pork Checkoff-funded research, promotion, and education, we work to strengthen the industry, address emerging challenges, and deliver value to producers.

This position offers a unique opportunity to:

• Make an industry-wide impact by advancing initiatives that protect the health of the U.S. swine herd.
• Shape the future of swine health through research, disease preparedness, and strategic collaboration.
• Work alongside respected experts in veterinary medicine, animal health, research, and pork production.
• Lead meaningful initiatives that connect science, strategy, and practical solutions for producers.

Application deadline is November 16, 2026.  The starting salary range for this role is $150K-180K, but based on experience and skills. We may speak to qualified candidates prior to the close date.

The National Pork Board has responsibility for Checkoff-funded research, promotion and consumer information projects and for communicating with pork producers and the public. The Pork Checkoff funds national and state programs in advertising, consumer information, retail and foodservice marketing, export market promotion, production improvement, technology, swine health, pork safety and environmental management.   Applicants should be able to support the mission of the organization with enthusiasm to serve U.S. pork producers.