Director of Operations

CESC Inc. - The Kearney Center • Tallahassee, FL

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Kearney Center exists to provide emergency shelter, housing solutions, and supportive services to individuals experiencing homelessness in our community. Every day, our team works to restore hope, create stability, and help people move toward lasting independence. We’re looking for a mission-driven leader who thrives in fast-paced environments, enjoys building strong teams, and is passionate about creating operational excellence that allows others to succeed.

The Director of Operations provides leadership for the day-to-day operations of The Kearney Center, ensuring departments work together to deliver safe, efficient, and high-quality services for clients.
This position oversees multiple operational departments and leaders while driving accountability, improving systems, solving problems, and creating a culture of excellence across the organization. The Director of Operations partners closely with the COO to translate organizational priorities into effective daily execution.

Requirements

• Proven experience leading multiple teams or departments.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
• Exceptional organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Experience managing operations, projects, or complex workflows.
• A commitment to accountability, continuous improvement, and servant leadership.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, Public Administration, Human Services, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive leadership experience overseeing multiple teams or departments.
• Experience managing operations in a nonprofit, social services, healthcare, hospitality, corrections, emergency services, or similarly complex environment preferred.
• Experience leading managers and supervisors, with a proven ability to build high-performing teams.
• Experience developing and improving operational systems, processes, and organizational workflows.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to build positive working relationships with employees, community partners, and stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn organizational software systems, including HMIS.
• Working knowledge of budgeting, staffing, scheduling, and operational planning.
• Commitment to trauma-informed care and servant leadership principles.
• Valid Florida Driver License with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to successfully pass all required background screenings and drug screening.
• Ability to maintain CPR/First Aid certification (or obtain within a specified timeframe).
• Commitment to supporting the mission, values, and culture of The Kearney Center.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in nonprofit, social services, healthcare, hospitality, public safety, or a related operational environment is preferred.
• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness or other vulnerable populations.
• Experience with HMIS or similar case management and reporting systems.
• Knowledge of grant-funded programs and regulatory compliance.
• Experience with emergency shelter or residential operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support department managers and supervisors across shelter operations.
• Ensure daily operations run safely, efficiently, and consistently.
• Build accountability and develop leaders through coaching and regular communication.
• Improve operational systems, workflows, and processes that enhance the client experience.
• Oversee staffing, scheduling, safety, facilities, and operational readiness.
• Monitor documentation, compliance, and organizational standards.
• Respond to operational challenges, emergencies, and complex situations with professionalism and sound judgment.
• Collaborate with leadership and community partners to strengthen services and organizational impact.

Benefits

• At The Kearney Center, you’ll have the opportunity to make a lasting impact—not only on the lives of our clients, but on the staff and systems that make our mission possible. We believe great operations create great client experiences, and we’re looking for a leader who shares that belief.
• If you’re passionate about developing people, strengthening organizations, and serving the community with excellence, we’d love to hear from you.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director