Cherokee Nation Businesses

Director of Shelter Operations

Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred; relevant experience may suffice.
  • 5+ years in shelter or human services operations.
  • 3+ years managing multi-shift or 24-hour environments.
  • Preference for experience within DHS, OTDA, or similar regulatory bodies.
  • F-80 Certificate of Fitness and other certifications required within a set timeframe.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee daily operations of the shelter.
  • Collaborate with the Site Director to enhance program delivery.
  • Lead operations in maintaining a compliant and safe shelter environment.
  • Ensure adherence to all relevant regulations and standards.
  • Direct security operations and enforce safety protocols across the facility.
  • Handle incident reporting and develop corrective action plans.
  • Monitor performance metrics and implement improvements.

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, Vision coverage.
  • 401K plan with 6% company match.
  • Potential for additional benefits as specified.
  • Flexible support for work-life balance.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Director of Shelter Operations

Onsite - Manhattan, NY

SUMMARY

Responsible for the overall building management, compliance, safety, and operational effectiveness of a 24-hour shelter program. The Director of Operations 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 activities. Works collaboratively with the Site Director and department leaders to ensure a safe, compliant, resident-centered, and high-performing shelter environment.

Compensation & Benefits:
  • Estimated Starting Salary: $85k
  • Full time benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K with 6% match and other possible benefits as provided. Benefits are subject to change with or without notice.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Includes the following:
  • Oversees daily site operations.
  • Works in partnership with the Site Director Office effectively support program delivery.
  • Provide leadership and oversight for the operations aspect of a 24/7 shelter.
  • Ensure compliance with DHS, OTDA (city and state) contractual, and agency requirements.
  • Oversee facility operations, environmental health and safety standards, maintenance coordination, and inspection readiness.
  • Direct oversight of security operations, access control procedures, visitor management, contraband prevention efforts, 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 required regulatory submissions.
  • Monitor operational performance metrics and key performance indicators and implement improvement strategies.
  • Conduct routine 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 resulting from inspections, audits, monitoring visits, incident trends, or regulatory findings.
  • Oversee workforce scheduling and staffing coverage to ensure safe and effective 24-hour operations throughout three shifts.
  • Conduct regular supervision meetings, performance evaluations, coaching sessions, and disciplinary actions for shelter operations staff.
  • Recruit, train, mentor, and develop operational staff.
  • Prepare operational reports and provide recommendations to site leadership leadership regarding program performance and operational risks.
  • Collaborate with social services, housing, security, facilities, and administrative teams to support successful program outcomes.
  • Maintain critical files, inspection binders, emergency preparedness documentation, and operational records.
  • Serve as primary operational liaison during DHS, OTDA, monitoring visits, audits, inspections, and external shelter operations reviews.
  • Performs other job-related duties as assigned.


SUPERVISORY/MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY
  • Directly supervise Operations Manager, RA Shift Supervisors, and other assigned operational staff.
  • Responsible for hiring, onboarding, scheduling, performance management, employee development, and corrective action processes for shelter operations staff.


EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
  • Bachelor's degree in human services, Public Administration, Business Administration, Social Work, Criminal Justice, or related field preferred. (Experience may be accepted in lieu of the degree).
  • Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in shelter operations, homeless services, residential services, human services, or a related field.
  • Minimum three (3) years of management experience overseeing multi-shift or 24-hour operations.
  • Experience working within DHS, OTDA, supportive housing, emergency shelter, or similarly regulated environments strongly preferred.


KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
  • Knowledge of DHS CARES, incident management requirements, and regulatory reporting standards preferred.
  • Knowledge of OTDA, DHS, OSHA, FDNY, and applicable shelter regulations and standards.
  • Strong understanding of access control procedures, security operations, emergency preparedness, and crisis management.
  • Experience preparing for audits, inspections, monitoring visits, and regulatory reviews.
  • Ability to interpret regulations, contractual requirements, policies, and procedures and implement operational controls.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced 24-hour environment.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Paycom, CARES, and other operational systems.
  • F-80 Certificate of Fitness required or ability to obtain within required timeframe.
  • Food Handler Certification required or ability to obtain within required timeframe.
  • Naloxone Championship training required or ability to obtain within required timeframe.


Disclosure: This position is still pending DHS approval.

About Cherokee Nation Businesses

Cherokee Nation Businesses is a diversified holding company that manages a range of businesses and investments in various sectors, including gaming, hospitality, aerospace, real estate, technology, healthcare, natural resources, and more. The company is owned by the Cherokee Nation, the largest Native American tribe in the United States. Cherokee Nation Businesses is committed to creating economic opportunities and improving the quality of life for Cherokee citizens and the surrounding communities.
Learn more about Cherokee Nation Businesses
Size
7,000 employees
Industry

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