Director

Jobtailor; Fort Belvoir (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Shelter House seeks an Executive Shelter Operations Leader to oversee Kennedy Emergency Shelter and related programs. You will provide strategic direction, ensure compliance, and drive service delivery across shelter operations, hypothermia, outreach, and kitchen services.

The role requires strong leadership, program management, and collaboration with community partners to advance homelessness prevention efforts and crisis intervention while modeling iC.A.R.E. values.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services or related field, or equivalent education/experience.
• Four+ years of progressive leadership, program management, and staff supervision.
• Strong customer service, communication, and leadership abilities.
• Ability to manage competing priorities with sound judgment.
• Trauma-informed, flexible approach to service delivery.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to work evenings/weekends.
• Annual TB test required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the Kennedy Emergency Shelter serving up to 50 households.
• Oversee Hypothermia Shelter, Drop-In, Outreach, Kitchen Operations, and Facility Maintenance.
• Develop and implement strategies supporting organizational and program goals.
• Ensure best practices across program areas.
• Collaborate with Fairfax County and community partners.
• Provide leadership and oversight for shelter, hypothermia, drop-in, and outreach programs.
• Participate in Continuum of Care meetings and support Ten-Year Plan.
• Supervise leadership and internship staff as needed.
• Support case management practices and crisis intervention.
• Ensure HMIS client documentation compliance.
• Maintain safe, housing-focused environment; oversee maintenance.
• Coordinate staffing during weather events and emergencies.
• Develop internal policies, procedures, and workflows.
• Oversee surveys and incorporate participant feedback.
• Deliver presentations and represent Shelter House at events.
• On-call rotation to support crises and staffing shortages.
• Model Shelter House's iC.A.R.E. core values.

Skills

Leadership

Customer Service

Communication

Team Building

Organizational Skills

Time Management

Judgment

Crisis Intervention

Trauma-informed

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Services

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of Kennedy Emergency Shelter, serving up to 50 single-adult households
• Oversee Hypothermia Shelter, Drop-In Services, Outreach Services, Kitchen Operations, and Facility Maintenance
• Develop and implement strategies supporting organizational and program goals
• Ensure best practices are implemented across program areas
• Collaborate with Fairfax County's Office to Prevent and End Homelessness and community partners
• Provide leadership, direction, and oversight for shelter, hypothermia, drop-in, and outreach programs
• Participate in Continuum of Care meetings and support Fairfax County's Ten-Year Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness
• Supervise the Assistant Director of Programs, Assistant Director of Shelter Operations, Kitchen Manager, Custodian, and interns as needed
• Support case management practices, complex cases, and crisis intervention
• Ensure compliance with Fairfax County HMIS requirements and monitor client documentation
• Maintain a safe, housing-focused residential environment and oversee facility and vehicle maintenance
• Coordinate staffing and operational needs during weather events, emergencies, and critical incidents
• Ensure compliance with agency philosophy, evidence-based practices, grants, contracts, and applicable regulations
• Develop and maintain internal policies, procedures, and workflows
• Oversee customer satisfaction surveys and incorporate participant feedback into program improvements
• Facilitate client appeals related to extensions, discharges, and other program decisions
• Partner with Data Program staff on reporting compliance, file audits, and quality assurance reports
• Collaborate with Finance to manage program budgets and resources
• Deliver presentations and represent Shelter House at community events and meetings
• Partner with the Community Coordinator on program needs, in‑kind donations, community relationships, and donor engagement
• Participate in an on‑call rotation and support staff during crises, emergencies, and staffing shortages
• Model Shelter House's iC.A.R.E. core values
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Four or more years of progressive leadership, program management, and staff supervision experience
• Demonstrated excellence in customer service, communication, team building, and leadership
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities
• Ability to manage competing priorities and exercise sound judgment
• Trauma-informed, flexible, and creative approach to service delivery
• Valid driver's license
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed
• Annual TB test required
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods
• Ability to lift and carry items weighing 10–20 pounds
• Preferred: Master's degree in Human Services or a related field
• Preferred: Experience leading programs serving individuals or families experiencing homelessness
• Preferred: Experience managing residential or emergency shelter programs

Core Competencies

Demonstrates strong leadership and program management capabilities, with a focus on compliance, customer service, and community collaboration. Proficient in developing strategies to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency in emergency shelter and outreach programs.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Program Management
• Leadership Experience
• Customer Service Excellence
• Crisis Intervention
• Compliance Monitoring

ATS Optimization Keywords

Hard Skills

• Program Development
• Staff Supervision
• Policy DevelopmentData Reporting
• Budget Management

Soft Skills

• Communication Skills
• Team Building
• Organizational Skills
• Time Management
• Judgment

Certifications & Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Services
• Valid Driver's License
• Annual TB Test

Industry Keywords

• Emergency Shelter
• Homelessness Prevention
• Crisis Management
• Client Documentation
• Community Partnerships