Shelter Operations Manager

Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky, Inc
Covington, KY

Position Title: Operations Manager

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer

Employment Status: Full-Time, Exempt


The Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky (ESNKY) provides Life Saving, Life Changing low barrier shelter and services to adults experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Our vision is to provide community-based shelter as a personal pathway to hope, change, and autonomy. We are committed to providing holistic best-practice programs in a trauma-informed, harm-reduction environment. We trust, value and respect everyone who walks through our doors, always giving our guests a voice and choice in how, when and where they access services.


Position Summary

The Operations Manager is a key member of ESNKY’s leadership team and plays a central role in advancing the organization’s Strategic Plan. This position oversees daily shelter operations—including facility maintenance, inventory, vendor coordination, staff supervision, data compliance, IT systems support, and operational budgeting. The role also leads organization-wide staff training, monitors compliance with policies and procedures, and supports safety, security, and risk-management practices. This position does not provide direct services to guests and is not involved in programming or case management as the focus is on internal operations, infrastructure, and team leadership. The Operations Manager provides backup coverage to the Program Manager as needed.


Key Responsibilities


Facility, Inventory & Property Oversight (45%) -

· Oversee the cleanliness, safety, and maintenance of the facility to ensure a secure and welcoming environment for staff, guests, and visitors.

· Assist with compliance and renewal of all operational permits and licenses (e.g., Health Department, shelter permit).

Coordinate and supervise external vendors and contractors for repairs, and maintenance

· Maintain and monitor facility, maintenance, kitchen, and first shift staff.

· Manage facility inventory and coordinate with the Development team for donation support.

· Lead procurement and purchasing of supplies for shelter operations.


Staff Leadership, Training & Compliance (25%)

· Provide direct supervision, hiring, scheduling, coaching, performance evaluation, and disciplinary support for first shift positions including Shelter Advocates, Data Specialist, Janitor and Facility Advocate.

· Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of all staff training initiatives across the organization.

· Ensure training documentation is current and aligned with strategic goals, compliance needs, and staff development benchmarks.

· Monitor compliance with all operational and service-related policies and procedures.


Strategic Plan, Data Management & Systems Oversight (20%)

· Oversee implementation of operational components of the Strategic Plan, including infrastructure improvements, process enhancements, and staffing-related goals.

· Track progress on strategic priorities in coordination with the CEO and other leadership staff.

· Ensure accurate and timely data entry into HMIS and compliance with federal, state, and agency reporting standards.

· Collaborate with the CEO and Data Specialist to generate monthly reports, analyze program outcomes, and benchmark performance.

· Serve as primary liaison to the agency’s IT support provider, ensuring systems (e.g., email, Wi-Fi, phones, database, and security cameras) remain functional.


Safety, Security, & Risk Management (10%)

· Develop, implement, and monitor safety and security protocols, including emergency preparedness and incident response.

· Review and respond to incident reports; identify trends and collaborate with leadership on risk mitigation strategies.

· Ensure ongoing compliance with building safety standards and participate in annual inspections or audits.


Skills & Qualifications

· Associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent work experience.

· Minimum 2 years of experience managing a team of 5 or more in an operations, facilities, or program leadership role.

· Demonstrated ability to lead staff, delegate tasks, and uphold performance accountability.

· Familiarity with building systems, vendor coordination, and safety protocols.

· Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.

· High proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and general tech systems; Clarity/HMIS experience a plus.

· Effective verbal and written communication skills.

· Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.

· Availability for nights, weekends, or emergency on-call responsibilities.


Physical Requirements

· Must be able to lift 40+ lbs.

· Walking, bending, and twisting: 60%

· Sitting: 40%

· Computer use for extended periods.


Compensation & Benefits

Salary range is: $65,000- $70,000 annually, commensurate with experience. Benefits, available after the 90-day Introductory Period, include paid time off for vacation and illness, $3,000 Wellness stipend, employer-paid Accident & Illness, Short-Term Disability, Long Term Disability and Life Insurance policy for the employee, and cell phone reimbursement. Employees may choose to purchase additional Aflac coverage for family members.


I understand employment is contingent upon passing all applicable background checks to which I have consented to be obtained.