Operations Assistant

JOURNEYS | The Road Home; Palatine (IL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off (PTO)

401(k) plan

Job summary

JOURNEYS | The Road Home in Palatine, IL is seeking a full-time Operations Assistant who thrives on variety, loves organization, and wants their work to have a real impact. You'll coordinate facility repairs, track inventories, manage vendor communications, process purchasing requests, and support volunteer onboarding, transportation, and records—all to help our nonprofit fulfill its mission.

This role offers a collaborative team, growth opportunities, and a chance to contribute to housing and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2+ years of experience in operations, administration, office management, nonprofit services, human services, or related field.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and/or Google Workspace.
• Ability to learn new databases, systems, and software programs.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Familiarity with communities within JOURNEYS' service area.
• Alignment with our values of respect, teamwork, commitment, and mission-driven service.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate facility repairs, track inventories, and keep spaces welcoming and functional.
• Handle vendor communications, process purchasing requests, update records, and organize deliveries.
• Support volunteer onboarding and scheduling, assist with transportation logistics, and coordinate meal-planning support.
• Help maintain compliance documentation and collaborate with leadership on projects and initiatives.
• Contribute to process improvements and create a positive experience for staff, volunteers, and clients.

Skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Communication skills

MS Office / Google Workspace

Confidentiality & judgment

Independent & collaborative work

Community familiarity

Mission-driven values

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Database familiarity

Job description

What if your next role allowed you to keep an entire nonprofit operation running smoothly while helping individuals build brighter futures? At JOURNEYS | The Road Home in Palatine, IL, we're seeking a full-time Operations Assistant who thrives on variety, loves keeping things organized, and wants their work to have a genuine impact. If you're ready to put your administrative and operational talents to work for a mission that matters.

More Than a Job. A Chance to Make a Difference.

In addition to an annual salary of $37,000, we offer health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, paid time off (PTO), and a 401(k) plan. You'll work alongside a dedicated and supportive team that values collaboration, innovation, respect, and continuous improvement. Every day brings new opportunities to problem-solve, learn, and contribute in ways that directly support our mission. If you're searching for a career where your hard work is recognized and your contributions truly matter, we'd love to hear from you.

THE TYPE OF CANDIDATE WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 2+ years of experience in operations, administration, office management, nonprofit services, human services, or a related field
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Strong attention to detail
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and/or Google Workspace
• Ability to learn new databases, systems, and software programs
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Familiarity with communities within JOURNEYS' service area
• Alignment with our values of respect, teamwork, commitment, and mission-driven service

Preferred qualifications:

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, Human Services, or a related field
• Experience with nonprofit organizations, volunteer coordination, facilities management, purchasing, homelessness services, housing programs, grant-funded initiatives, database management, and community partnerships

If you can meet the requirements above, keep reading to find out what your day entails!

YOUR DAY-TO-DAY AS OPERATIONS ASSISTANT

When you join our team, you'll serve as one of the essential people keeping JOURNEYS operating efficiently behind the scenes. Your day may begin by coordinating facility repairs, tracking inventories, and ensuring our spaces remain welcoming and functional before shifting to vendor communications, processing purchasing requests, updating records, and organizing deliveries. Throughout the day, you'll support volunteer onboarding and scheduling, assist with transportation logistics, coordinate meal-planning support, help maintain compliance documentation, and collaborate with leadership on projects and operational initiatives. Whether you're assisting with special projects, helping improve processes, or creating a positive experience for staff, volunteers, and clients, your work will play a critical role in helping our organization fulfill its mission.

WHY PROFESSIONALS CHOOSE JOURNEYS | THE ROAD HOME

At JOURNEYS | The Road Home, our non-profit agency is dedicated to providing individuals experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity with essential shelter, social services, and housing support. We were founded in response to the increasing complexities of homelessness, a problem that continues to grow and impact people across a broader range of demographics. Our team is fueled by the belief that everyone deserves a safe place to call home, and we've built a highly inclusive and compassionate work culture where people of all identities are welcome. If you're committed to social justice, driven by community service, and ready to make a tangible difference for the people around you, we encourage you to reach out and join us!

WHAT ARE THE HOURS?

This is a full-time administrative position is based in Palatine, IL. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required to support special events, organizational activities, training opportunities, or operational needs. You can expect to work one of the following schedules, Monday through Friday:

• 6:30 am - 2:30 pm
• 12 pm - 8pm

START BUILDING A CAREER THAT MATTERS

If you're looking for an opportunity where your organizational skills, initiative, and passion for helping others can make a real difference, we want to meet you.

Must have the ability to pass a background check