Day Shelter Manager

Women's Lunch Place•Boston, MA

just now•Onsite

About The Position

The Day Shelter Manager is the operational and logistical backbone of daily shelter operations, sustaining the staffing, physical, procedural, and environmental stability required for effective service delivery. This role provides day-to-day leadership that strengthens safety, order, and accountability, ensuring a consistent and dignified environment for guests and staff. The Day Shelter Manager leads the Safety & Security Committee, proactively identifying risks, implementing safety protocols, and coordinating cross-departmental responses to maintain a secure, well-run shelter. This position is responsible for overseeing Direct Care staff and daily Welcome Center volunteers implementing established procedures, maintaining safe and functional spaces, coordinating logistics, and ensuring staff's consistent execution of daily operations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Human Services, or a related fields; Master’s degree preferred
Minimum of 3 years of experience working with vulnerable populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, or housing instability
Fluent in Cantonese, Mandarin, or Spanish highly preferred
Experience in shelter operations, crisis response, or trauma-exposed environments in a supervisory role
Demonstrated experience managing day-to-day building operations, including maintenance coordination, vendor management, and oversight of repairs and preventative maintenance
Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing situations effectively
Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to balance operational needs with client-centered care
Strong understanding of resources for women in crisis
Trauma-informed orientation and commitment to dignity, safety, and staff sustainability
Proficient in crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and supportive counseling
Strong skills in de-escalation, boundary-setting, and staff guidance
Demonstrated ability to lead calmly and decisively under pressure
Excellent leadership and team-building skills, with a focus on creating a collaborative, respectful work environment
Ability to collaborate across disciplines while maintaining clear role boundaries
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with staff, residents/guests, and external vendors
Commitment to Women’s Lunch Place’s mission and values, and a compassionate approach to supporting women facing hardship
Ability to work flexible hours as needed, including occasional evenings or weekends for emergencies or community meetings
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for off-site client advocacy and community engagements

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred
Fluent in Cantonese, Mandarin, or Spanish highly preferred

Responsibilities

Foster a warm, welcoming, and inclusive community for all women experiencing homelessness or poverty
Oversee and develop agenda for monthly Community Meeting and Guest Advisory Council
Ensure all Direct Care staff and volunteer interactions in the Day Shelter are guest-centered, strength-based, and trauma-informed
Promote high morale and staff engagement by providing consistent support, coaching, and guidance to staff and volunteers
Manage staff assignments and schedules in a fair, timely, and equitable manner to support effective service delivery
Monitor and maintain direct service data, statistical tracking, and organizational systems related to program operations
Maintain the Direct Care Manual and communicate updates, expectations, and procedural changes to staff
Support the development and implementation of internal and external programs aligned with the WLP Service Model
Oversee all “gifting” programs (including holidays, Mother’s Day, and birthdays) and lead celebrations for holidays, birthdays, and special events
Coordinate and track in-kind donations and oversee the equitable distribution of large donations; Maintain communication with External Relations Coordinator for gift acknowledgement
Schedule and maintain safe appropriate staffing at all times
In collaboration with Senior Director of HR and Director of Day Shelter, interview and make hiring recommendations for direct reports
Train and supervise support shelter staff, non- clinical interns, volunteers, and security
Provide individual supervision weekly with all direct reports
Oversee the performance evaluation process for direct reports, providing biannual written feedback and additional feedback as needed
Assist and support all direct reports in the development and implementation of their work plans including achieving goals and addressing challenges
Work with Senior Director of HR and Director of Day Shelter to review and coordinate ongoing training and development opportunities to enhance staff skills and identify gaps
Lead daily huddles to clarify priorities, roles, and expected pressure points for the day
Maintain clear structure during transitions, busy times, and any planned reset or closure periods
Coordinate in real time with Meals, Advocacy, and Direct Care so activities run on time and do not conflict
Responsible for daily readiness of shelter spaces and continuous organization, cleanliness, safety, and functionality
Oversee prompt response to safety, annual plan or environmental issues (e.g., sanitation, equipment, hazards, lights)
Oversee facilities operations, coordinate maintenance requests, and manage vendor communications and follow-up
Ensure guest-facing amenities (e.g., showers, laundry, hygiene supplies, lockers/storage where applicable) are stocked, functioning, and available according to shelter hours
Manage inventory systems, ordering, and documentation of supplies
Maintain organized storage and work areas
Anticipate operational needs to prevent shortages or disruptions
Oversee ordering and organization of guest essentials (toiletries, winter gear, undergarments, menstrual products, basic clothing) in collaboration with program and philanthropy staff
Coordinate incoming in-kind donations and deliveries related to shelter operations (e.g., supplies, seasonal items), ensuring they are logged, stored, and deployed efficiently
Responsible to complete the Direct Care annual plan
Support completion and tracking of operational records, incidents, and compliance documentation
Ensure accurate and timely reports of all direct service data to Director of Day Shelter
Streamline administrative processes
Coordinate the daily rhythm of the shelter, including transitions, room usage, and overall logistical flow
Provide a consistent, stabilizing leadership presence during shelter hours to support staff and guests
Identify and resolve real-time operational barriers that impact staff effectiveness or guest experience
Participate in daily huddles with the Director of Day Shelter to align logistics with program priorities and emerging needs
Coordinate closely with Meal Program and Clinical staff to align room setups, traffic flow, cleaning turnaround, and scheduling with daily programming and meals
Oversee the day-to-day operations of shelter activity programming in Bates Hall, ensuring space use and flow support program goals
Partner with volunteers and the Volunteer Coordinator to clarify operational expectations (e.g., setup, breakdown, stocking, basic facilities support) and ensure volunteer capacity is used effectively
Maintain accurate daily logs and ensure all significant shelter events are documented in organizational systems
Monitor for and respond to physical safety risks within the environment, coordinating with Director of Day Shelter as needed
Chair the Safety & Security Committee and lead, document, and follow up on regular safety and facility inspections
Maintain documentation and follow-up for facility-related incidents to support continuous improvement of safety practices
Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director of Day Shelter or other Senior Leaders