Director of Operations

Cherokee Federal; New York (NY); On-site; USD 77,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 6% 401(k) company match

Paid time off

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Life and AD&D insurance

Short-term and long-term disability

Paid holidays

EAP

FSA and HSA options

Professional development and training

Job summary

Cherokee Federal is seeking a Director of Operations in New York, NY to oversee a 24/7 shelter, ensuring safety, compliance, and high-performing operations.

You will supervise staff, coordinate with DHS/OTDA and other agencies, manage incident response, inspections, and quality assurance, and lead continuous improvement to deliver resident-centered services.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Knowledge of OTDA, DHS, OSHA, FDNY, and applicable shelter regulations and standards.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in human services, Public Administration, Business Administration, Social Work, Criminal Justice, or related field preferred

Job description

Director of Operations

New York, NY, United States (On-site)

Position 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:

Starting Salary Range for Director of Operations: $85,000

Pay commensurate with experience.

Benefits That Set Us Apart

When considering your next opportunity, compensation is only part of the picture. We offer a benefits package designed to invest in your future and support your life outside of work.

Highlights include:

• Up to a 6% 401(k) company match to help you build long-term financial security
• Paid time off as part of our comprehensive benefits package, so you have the flexibility to rest, recharge, and enjoy what matters most
• 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 benefits including accident, critical illness, and identity theft protection

Because taking care of our employees isn’t just a promise, it’s part of who we are.

Benefits are subject to change and eligibility requirements apply.

Essential Functions, Duties & 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.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervisory and management responsibilities

• 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.

Basic Qualifications:

Operations & Logistics:

• 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.

Compliance & Quality Support:

• 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.

Additional Responsibilities:

• 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 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.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer; may occasionally require standing or moving about the office for extended periods.
• Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of DHS CARES, incident management requirements, and regulatory reporting standards preferred.
• 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).
• Experience working within DHS, OTDA, supportive housing, emergency shelter, or similarly regulated environments strongly preferred.

Work Environment:

Work is performed primarily in a climate-controlled environment.

Company Information:

Behind every government mission stands skilled, mission-driven talent: people whose expertise and dedication turn complex challenges into successful outcomes. Cherokee Nation Government Solutions, part of Cherokee Federal, the federal contracting division of Cherokee Nation Businesses, is that team. We modernize aging systems, deliver care where it’s needed most, and keep missions supplied, staffed, and moving across defense, intelligence, and civilian agencies. For more than 60 federal clients, we take on the work others won’t, and deliver where it counts. If that’s the kind of work you’re looking for, you’ve found your team. Learn more at cherokee-federal.com.

#CherokeeFederal #LI-AS1

Cherokee Federal is a military friendly employer. Veterans and active military transitioning to civilian status are encouraged to apply.

Legal Disclaimer:All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Many of our job openings require access to government buildings or military installations. Candidates must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

In compliance with the New York Pay Transparency Law, the estimated annual salary range for this position is available upon request. Final compensation is determined by a candidate’s qualifications and experience.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

Cherokee Federal is a federal contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA). As required by VEVRAA, we take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans. Protected veterans are encouraged to self-identify during the application process.

Cherokee Federal takes affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to self-identify during the application process.

Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities or those with sincerely held religious beliefs. To request an accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail].