Director of Program Operations - Hudson Bay

Classification: Full-time, Exempt
Reports to: Vice President of Shelter Operations
Location: Bronx, NY
Status & Hours: Full-time, Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Hours may vary and may include evenings and on-call responsibilities. Lantern staff may be asked to adjust schedules based on the operational needs of the site and the agency.

Who We Are: Lantern Community Services helps New Yorkers impacted by homelessness move from surviving to thriving by pairing safe, supportive housing with wraparound services that build lasting stability and independence. If you believe a steady home can be the start of everything else, you’ll fit right in with our mission-first team. Lantern was also recognized as a Top 2025 Workplace by City & State New York - a great place to do meaningful work with people who care.

Where You Will Work: Hudson Bay is a brand-new, all-female shelter in the Bronx housing 200 women aged 55 and older.

About the Role: The Director of Program Operations (DPO) oversees the day-to-day operations of the shelter and supervises a team of Shift Supervisors, Residential Aides, and drivers. This role works in close coordination with the Program Director, Social Services, Maintenance, and Security teams. The DPO is responsible for implementing operational policies and procedures, training and supporting staff, managing schedules, conducting performance reviews, and ensuring compliance with all DHS shelter regulations. The Director also plays a critical role in maintaining a safe and effective work environment.
 

Essential Functions: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Oversee daily shelter operations, including access control, bed sign-in procedures, supply distribution, meal rosters, property storage, dorm inspections, logbooks, and incident reporting.
• Ensure full compliance with the Callahan Consent Decree and all DHS shelter operational requirements.
• Supervise and support Shift Supervisors, Residential Aides, and drivers to ensure safe, client-centered service delivery.
• Maintain appropriate staffing coverage at all times, including emergencies, severe weather, and disaster situations.
• Conduct regular supervision, performance evaluations, coaching, and disciplinary actions as needed.
• Ensure staff receive required certifications and ongoing training, including Safe Crisis Management techniques.
• Oversee contracted service providers (maintenance, security, food service, laundry, property management) and track vendor activity.
• Manage ordering, inventory, and monthly audits of operational, building, and client supplies.
• Ensure clients have timely access to meals, laundry, toiletries, and that food service meets NYC food safety standards.
• Complete and monitor required DHS reporting, including BCS food service reports and CARES vacancy reporting.
• Review and document incident reports, grievances, operational complaints, and follow-up actions.
• Maintain compliance documentation, including fire safety records and the site’s critical binder.
• Conduct building inspections with the Building Superintendent; track repairs, violations, and remediation.
• Oversee fleet operations, including vehicle scheduling, inspections, maintenance, and documentation.
• Build strong relationships with internal teams, security staff, and external partners to support smooth shelter operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education & Experience:

• High school diploma required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of eight years of DHS shelter operations experience, including at least two years in a supervisory capacity.
• Strong leadership, collaboration, and delegation skills with the ability to manage teams effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to work well under pressure, including during crisis or emergency situations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong organizational abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including strong Excel skills, and comfort working with databases such as CARES.
• Ability to utilize data and reporting tools to support compliance, track outcomes, and inform program decision-making.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills preferred.

Work Environment: This position operates within a homeless shelter serving individuals who may experience mental illness, substance use, disability, HIV/AIDS, and other chronic health conditions.

Physical Demands: The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, climb stairs, stoop, or kneel, and must use hands for typing and handling materials. Occasional lifting of up to 10 pounds may be required.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Lantern Community Services provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. Lantern values the diversity of our clients, staff, Board of Directors, and partners. By bringing diverse individuals and viewpoints together, we create more vibrant, healthy, and just communities.