Shelter Manager

Kids for the Future; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 52,000 - 104,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Training and development opportunities

On-site shelter operations

Job summary

Anovaeon LLC is seeking a Shelter Operations Lead in Lexington, KY for a 5-month contract. You will oversee mass care shelter operations, coordinate with emergency services, and manage PM/operations leaders to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.

The role requires strong leadership, data management in HMIS, and vendor coordination, with on-site responsibilities and 24/7 availability. 50/hour base pay with a potential extension depending on performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's preferred.
• Experience in shelter operations, emergency services, or mass care.
• Strong data management and reporting capabilities.
• Proven vendor coordination and contract oversight.

Responsibilities

• Serve as City of Lexington's primary point of contact for mass care shelter operations.
• Coordinate response to incidents with Emergency Services and partner with vendors.
• Oversee shelter operations teams and on-call staffing to ensure 24/7 coverage.
• Maintain data accuracy in HMIS and prepare daily operational reports.
• Ensure safety, compliance, and adherence to City directives across all shelter activities.

Skills

Emergency shelter operations

Mass care principles

HMIS data management

Leadership & crisis management

Vendor management

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work, public administration, nonprofit management, or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

HMIS platforms

Data reporting tools

Job description

• Base Pay $50.00 - $50.00 / Hour
• Employee Type Project FT Non-Exempt

Description

Anovaeon LLC serves as a dedicated strategic partner to government and other customers. We provide a range of professional services, including specialized facilities, customized logistics support, and direct care services.

We hire individuals who share our commitment to excellence and exceeding customer expectations. Anovaeon offers competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and training and development opportunities.

Please note : At this time, this is a 5-month contract from 11/01/2026 to 04/01/2027 with no benefits. There may be an opportunity for contract extension after the 5-month period ends.

Requirements

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

• Serve as the City of Lexington's primary point of contact for all mass care shelter operations
• Act as the principal liaison to Emergency Services, coordinating response to incidents and operational needs
• Maintain relationships with third-party service providers including medical, behavioral health, case management, and programming partners
• Represent Anovaeon Staffing in City meetings, briefings, and strategic planning sessions
• Ensure alignment between shelter operations and City directives, policies, and expectations
• Provide leadership during crisis situations and make critical decisions affecting shelter operations
• Hold ultimate responsibility for all aspects of shelter operations including safety, compliance, and service delivery
• Oversee Facility Manager, Security Manager, Food Services Manager, Custodial Manager, and Shelter Operations Supervisors
• Ensure 24/7 leadership presence by managing Shelter Operations Supervisor schedules and on-call coverage
• Coordinate between multiple vendor teams to ensure integrated, seamless service delivery
• Monitor operational performance across all functional areas and address deficiencies immediately
• Establish and enforce operational standards, protocols, and best practices

Primary Liaison & Strategic Leadership

• Maintain real-time knowledge of current shelter census, bed occupancy, and guest demographics
• Track guest length of stay, intake dates, and discharge information for all residents
• Monitor daily arrivals, departures, and population trends
• Ensure accurate guest accounting at all times for safety and emergency response purposes
• Oversee bed assignment processes and capacity management
• Coordinate with City on guest eligibility verification and roster management

Data Management & Reporting

• Ensure accurate, timely data entry in HMIS (Homeless Management Information System)
• Prepare and submit daily operational reports to the City including census, incidents, and service metrics
• Analyze data trends to inform operational decisions and resource allocation
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of all shelter activities, incidents, and outcomes
• Ensure data quality and integrity across all reporting systems
• Coordinate with Data & Reporting Analysts to meet City reporting requirements
• Hold ultimate accountability for intake processes that accurately capture guest information and eligibility
• Oversee discharge procedures ensuring proper documentation and successful transitions
• Ensure intake and discharge protocols comply with City requirements and best practices
• Monitor for data accuracy in guest records from entry through exit
• Coordinate with case management team to support successful guest outcomes
• Track and report on discharge destinations and housing outcomes

Site Safety & Compliance

• Maintain ultimate responsibility for shelter safety, security, and regulatory compliance
• Ensure adherence to local, state, and federal codes including ADA, fire safety, and health regulations
• Conduct regular facility inspections and address safety hazards immediately
• Coordinate with Security Manager to maintain safe environment and respond to incidents
• Oversee emergency preparedness plans and conduct regular drills
• Ensure all staff are trained on safety protocols and trauma-informed care practices
• Maintain compliance with City health and safety directives
• Coordinate daily operations with Facility Manager to address maintenance needs and facility issues
• Work with Security Manager to ensure appropriate coverage and effective incident response
• Collaborate with Food Services Manager to adjust meal service based on census and dietary requirements
• Partner with Custodial Manager to maintain sanitation standards and cleanliness
• Serve as escalation point for vendor performance issues or service gaps
• Ensure all vendor activities align with shelter policies and City requirements
• Provide leadership, guidance, and support to Shelter Operations Supervisors and management team
• Conduct regular leadership meetings to align operations and address emerging issues
• Support staff development and ensure adequate training across all teams
• Address personnel issues and ensure appropriate staffing levels at all times
• Foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and trauma-informed care
• Ensure clear communication and coordination across all shifts and functional areas

Partner & Community Coordination

• Facilitate access for nonprofit partners providing medical, behavioral health, and programming services
• Coordinate with community organizations to support guest services and successful outcomes
• Maintain professional relationships with local service providers and resource networks
• Support integration of external services into daily shelter operations
• Ensure guests can access case management appointments and community resources

Crisis Management & Problem Solving

• Available for urgent consultations and critical decision-making 24/7
• Respond to operational emergencies, facility failures, or critical incidents
• Make rapid decisions during crisis situations affecting guest or staff safety
• Coordinate with City Emergency Services during shelter-wide emergencies
• Implement contingency plans and adapt operations to changing circumstances

Required Knowledge & Skills

• Expert knowledge of emergency shelter operations, homeless services, and mass care principles
• Advanced understanding of HMIS systems and data management requirements
• Strong leadership and executive management capabilities
• Excellent crisis management and strategic decision-making skills
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, HMIS platforms, and data reporting tools
• Deep understanding of trauma-informed care and evidence-based shelter practices
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations governing shelter operations
• Strong vendor management and contract oversight experience
• Exceptional communication skills with ability to interface with government officials, community partners, and diverse stakeholders
• Cultural competency and commitment to equity in service delivery
• Ability to manage complex operations with multiple moving parts simultaneously

Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in social work, public administration, nonprofit management, or related field required; Master's degree preferred
• Minimum 5-7 years of progressive leadership experience in shelter operations, emergency services, social services, or related field
• Demonstrated experience managing large-scale operations with multiple vendor relationships
• Proven track record of HMIS data management and government reporting
• Experience serving as primary liaison to government agencies and elected officials
• Strong background in staff supervision, vendor coordination, and operational compliance
• Previous experience managing emergency shelter or mass care facility strongly preferred
• Must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident for at least the past five (5) years to comply with federal regulations
• Must be available for 24/7 on-call responsibilities and flexible scheduling to meet operational demands

Other Duties & Information

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job.

• Travel Requirements: None
• Location: Lexington, KY
• Work Environment: On-Site Shelter
• Work Schedule: 40 hours per week, may include night, weekends & holidays

Conditions of Employment:

• Complete a rigorous culture and competency testing process.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• A valid US Driver’s license.
• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of the following screening:
  • Credit check (if applicable and where permitted by law)
  • Motor vehicle record check
  • Drug test
  • Occupational health physical
  • Criminal and government background checks
  • Signed arbitration agreement and a confidentiality agreement (required of all new hires)
• Must be able to speak, read, and write in English
• Must possess reliable transportation and valid driver's license
• Must maintain availability for emergency response and critical communications 24/7
• Anovaeon operates 24 hours/365 days and requires the flexibility to work additional hours, nights, weekends, and holidays as operational needs dictate

Security Clearance/Background Check Requirements:

• Must show proof of eligibility to work in the U.S.
• Internal background check to the satisfaction of contract requirements.
• Complete a Drug Test.
• Child Abuse/ Neglect Report (CAN) or child protective services check with no adverse findings.

Physical Requirements:

• Standing/Walking/Mobility: Must have mobility to attend meetings with other managers and employees.
• Climbing/Stooping/Kneeling: 10% of the time.
• Lifting/Pulling/Pushing: 10% of the time.
• Fingering/Grasping/Feeling: Must be able to write, type and use a telephone system 100% of the time.
• Sitting: Sitting for prolonged and extended periods of time
• Ability to conduct facility walk-throughs and inspections throughout the site
• Capability to respond to on-site emergencies and incidents
• Ability to work in varied environmental conditions during facility oversight

Anovaeon LLC is a solutions-driven company providing end-to-end expertise in humanitarian response. We don’t staff projects—we bring the right teams with the right tools, guided by innovative leadership, that together deliver operational success. From disaster response and recovery to migration and emergency preparedness, we integrate strategic leadership with hands‑on execution. Our team combines deep industry experience with data‑driven solutions, ensuring our partners are well equipped to mitigate crises effectively and deliver real impact and mission success.

Anovaeon LLC is an Equal Opportunity and Aff ...

This policy applies to all terms of employment including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment during employment.

If you need any accommodations to complete the application, participate in an interview, take part in pre-employment testing, or engage in any part of the selection process, please contact us at [e-mail]