Executive Director - Hope Operations

Blackwell HR; Dover (DE); Hybrid; USD 105,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Paid time off

Professional development support

Job summary

Hope Operations, Inc. / Delaware State Housing Authority in Dover, DE is hiring an Executive Director (Full-Time, Hybrid).

The role provides strategic oversight and administration of shelter facilities operated by Hope Operations, a nonprofit arm of DSHA, across Kent and Sussex Counties. You will lead program delivery, operations, workplace management, and financial oversight for multiple shelter locations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, community development, social work, nonprofit management, or a related field required.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• 7–10 years of progressive shelter operations experience with 3–5 years in a senior leadership role.

Responsibilities

• Oversee shelter site managers and teams across Kent and Sussex Counties to ensure effective operations.
• Lead recruitment, hiring, and day-to-day staff management with focus on safety and service delivery.
• Ensure compliance with federal/state/local regulations and manage reporting and budgeting.

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Hope Operations, Inc. / Delaware State Housing Authority is Now Hiring:

Executive Director (Full-Time, Hybrid, Dover, DE)

Summary

The Delaware State Housing Authority has established a subsidiary non‑profit entity, Hope Operations Inc., which will be responsible for managing the day‑to‑day operation of Hope Center locations in Kent and Sussex Counties as both emergency housing facilities and as community resource hubs.

The Executive Director is responsible for the strategic oversight and administration of shelter facilities operated by Hope Operations, a non‑profit arm of the Delaware State Housing Authority, which operates as Housing Delaware. This position provides executive-level leadership in program delivery, operations, workplace management, and financial oversight for multiple shelter locations in Kent and Sussex Counties. The Executive Director reports to the Hope Operations Board of Directors, with day‑by‑day reporting through the Chief Production Officer of DSHA and works collaboratively with internal departments at DSHA and external partners to ensure shelters are adequately resourced and effectively managed.

All activities must support the Delaware State Housing Authority’s (DSHA) mission, strategic goals, and objectives. https://www.destatehousing.com/

Key Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The position duties and responsibilities listed below describe the general nature and scope of work. Other responsibilities, duties, and skills may be required and assigned, as needed.

• Oversee shelter site managers and teams related operations of the Hope Centers in Kent and Sussex Counties, ensuring programs are delivered effectively and efficiently.
• Lead recruitment and hiring of shelter-level staff and oversee day‑to‑day operations of staff across multiple locations, ensuring facilities are appropriately staffed at all times to provide a safe space for clients and staff.
• Support onboarding and orientation of team members related to organizational culture, policies, rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Lead the development and execution of program guidelines, policies, and procedures aligned with best practices for shelter safety, community services, and case management.
• Ensure programs maintain compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations related to funding requirements and shelter operations (e.g. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development).
• Prepare clear reports, maintain accurate records, and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Identify problems and emerging trends, evaluate program impacts, and recommend effective solutions, policies, and financing structures.
• Demonstrate strong leadership and team management to foster a workplace culture among a diverse staff that is productive, inclusive, and mission driven.
• Serve as the key liaison between shelter programs and DSHA executive leadership, providing regular updates and recommendations.
• Represent Hope Operations to the public and manage relationships with implementation partners and other external stakeholders (e.g. architects/contractors, other non‑profits, other community advocates, and health/medical providers).
• Identify and pursue funding resources (grants, federal resources, state resources) that may be used to support ongoing shelter operations.

• Provide oversight and concurrence for financial planning, expenditure monitoring, reporting, and accountability mechanisms.
• Collaborate with internal leadership to align shelter operations with the broader goals and mission of DSHA.
• On call as needed for emergencies.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Behavioral Competencies

This position requires the incumbent to exhibit the following behavioral skills:

Accountability and Dependability: Follows through on commitments and takes responsibility for actions. Meets deadlines and delivers consistent performance. Complies with agency standards and policies.

Adaptability and Flexibility: Adjusts to changes in policy, procedures, and organizational goals. Remains open to new approaches, technology, or work methods. Maintains composure during change or stress.

Communication Skills: Communicates clearly, both verbally and in writing. Listens actively and respectfully to others. Explains policies and procedures in a way that is accessible and easy to understand.

Customer -Centered Service: Demonstrates a commitment to understanding and meeting the needs of customers and program applicants. Treats everyone with respect, empathy, and equity. Responds promptly and effectively to resident/tenant inquiries and issues.

Ethical Conduct and Integrity: Adheres to laws, regulations, and policies governing public and affordable housing programs. Maintains confidentiality and uses discretion with sensitive information. Demonstrates transparency, honesty, and fairness in all actions.

Initiative and Continuous Improvement: Takes proactive steps to improve processes or solve issues before they escalated. Seeks out professional development or opportunities to enhance skills. Brings forward new ideas to improve services or efficiencies.

Job Knowledge: Exhibits requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the position effectively.

Leadership: Establishes clear direction by effectively setting goals and expectations for the department and staff. Oversees performance by delivering consistent feedback and recognition. Supports employee development through coaching, guidance, and encouragement for continuous growth.

Problem Solving and Judgement: Identifies problems early and takes appropriate action to resolve them. Applies sound judgment in high‑pressure or uncertain situations. Escalates issues when necessary while maintaining service focus.

Public Service Motivation: Demonstrates a genuine interest in helping others and contributing to community wellbeing. Shows dedication to the mission of providing safe, affordable housing. Takes pride in serving the public with professionalism and care.

Teamwork and Collaboration: Works collaboratively with internal departments and external partners (i.e., state and city agencies, non‑profits, other community and mission‑based organizations). Supports a positive team environment and a willingness to assist others. Shares information and resources to achieve common goals.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, community development, social work, nonprofit management, or a related field required. Master’s degree preferred.

Experience

or

• 7–10 years of progressive experience in shelter operations, housing, or social services for the homeless or other vulnerable populations, with 3–5 years in a senior management or leadership role;

• 7-10 years of experience in senior management/leadership at a mission-driven organization. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Demonstrated experience managing contracts/grants and annual budgets of at least $4m.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

This is a full‑time, exempt position based in the Dover, Delaware area. The Executive Director role must be able to commute to Kent and Sussex Counties on a regular basis for in‑office work, but may work in a hybrid capacity, to be mutually decided. This position must also have the ability to attend in‑person events in Kent and Sussex Counties as needed.

To perform this job successfully, the employee should have strong information technology skills (e.g. MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and the ability to learn and use new software programs as required by assigned tasks.

To perform this job successfully, the employee is frequently required to remain in a stationary position. Daily movements include sitting; standing; reaching and grasping; operating computers and other office equipment; moving throughout the office; and attending onsite and offsite meetings. The employee must be able to exchange information in person, in writing, and via telephone. The employee must occasionally transport up to 25 pounds.

Compensation and Benefits

The expected salary range for this position is $105,000-$120,000, based on experience and qualifications of the selected candidate.

As a newly established organization, the Executive Director will play a key role in shaping the employee benefit program for Hope Operations. This is a unique opportunity to help design a benefits package that reflects the organization’s values and supports its future staff. We are committed to developing competitive offerings, which may include health insurance, retirement contributions, paid time off, and professional development support, as the organization’s resources and infrastructure develop.

Hope Operations does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibility, personal appearance, genetic information, matriculation, political affiliation, or any other status protected under law.