Director of Operations

Cherokee Federal • New York, NY

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Operations is responsible for building management, compliance, safety, and operational effectiveness at a 24-hour shelter program. The role ensures compliance with DHS, OTDA, contractual, regulatory, and agency requirements while overseeing facility operations, security, staffing, incident management, emergency preparedness, inspections, building audits, and quality assurance. The Director collaborates with the Site Director and department leaders to maintain a safe, compliant, resident-centered, and high-performing shelter environment.

The position provides leadership for day-to-day shelter operations, oversees staffing coverage across three shifts, and supervises the Operations Manager, RA Shift Supervisors, and other assigned operational staff. It also serves as the primary operational liaison during external monitoring visits, audits, inspections, and shelter operations reviews.

Requirements

• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in shelter operations, homeless services, residential services, human services, or a related field.
• At least three years of management experience overseeing multi-shift or 24-hour operations.
• Knowledge of OTDA, DHS, OSHA, FDNY, and applicable shelter regulations and standards.
• Ability to interpret regulations, contractual requirements, policies, and procedures and implement operational controls.
• Strong understanding of access control procedures, security operations, emergency preparedness, and crisis management.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, 24-hour environment.
• F-80 Certificate of Fitness, or ability to obtain it within the required timeframe.
• Food Handler Certification, or ability to obtain it within the required timeframe.
• Naloxone Championship training, or ability to obtain it within the required timeframe.
• Must pass Cherokee Federal pre-employment qualifications.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of DHS CARES, incident management requirements, and regulatory reporting standards.
• Bachelor’s degree in human services, Public Administration, Business Administration, Social Work, Criminal Justice, or a related field; experience may be accepted in lieu of the degree.
• Experience working within DHS, OTDA, supportive housing, emergency shelter, or similarly regulated environments.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily site operations and partner with the Site Director’s Office to support program delivery.
• Lead and oversee operations for a 24/7 shelter.
• Ensure compliance with DHS, OTDA, contractual, regulatory, and agency requirements.
• Oversee facility operations, environmental health and safety standards, maintenance coordination, and inspection readiness.
• Direct security operations, access control, visitor management, contraband prevention, and facility safety protocols.
• Ensure timely reporting, investigation, review, and follow-up of incidents, enhanced incidents, grievances, complaints, and corrective action plans.
• Oversee CARES documentation, incident reporting, bed management, client roster management, operational records, and regulatory submissions.
• Monitor operational performance metrics and key performance indicators and implement improvement strategies.
• Conduct quality assurance reviews, facility inspections, environmental rounds, and compliance audits.
• Lead emergency preparedness planning, evacuation procedures, and incident-command response during emergencies.
• Develop, implement, and monitor corrective action plans arising from inspections, audits, monitoring visits, incident trends, or regulatory findings.
• Oversee workforce scheduling and staffing coverage for safe and effective 24-hour operations across three shifts.
• Conduct supervision meetings, performance evaluations, coaching sessions, and disciplinary actions for shelter operations staff.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and develop operational staff.
• Prepare operational reports and recommend actions to site leadership regarding program performance and operational risks.
• Collaborate with social services, housing, security, facilities, and administrative teams to support program outcomes.
• Maintain critical files, inspection binders, emergency preparedness documentation, and operational records.
• Serve as the primary operational liaison during DHS and OTDA monitoring visits, audits, inspections, and external shelter operations reviews.
• Directly supervise the Operations Manager, RA Shift Supervisors, and other assigned operational staff.
• Manage hiring, onboarding, scheduling, performance management, employee development, and corrective action processes for shelter operations staff.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Up to a 6% 401(k) company match.
• Paid time off.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus prescription drug coverage.
• Basic life and AD&D insurance, with supplemental life options.
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Paid holidays.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) options.
• Professional development, training, and certification support.
• Voluntary accident, critical illness, and identity theft protection benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed