Director of Operations

Director of Operations

About The Kearney Center

The Kearney Center exists to provide emergency shelter, housing solutions, and supportive services to individuals experiencing homelessness in our community. Every day, our team works to restore hope, create stability, and help people move toward lasting independence.

We’re looking for a mission-driven leader who thrives in fast-paced environments, enjoys building strong teams, and is passionate about creating operational excellence that allows others to succeed.

Position Summary

The Director of Operations provides leadership for the day-to-day operations of The Kearney Center, ensuring departments work together to deliver safe, efficient, and high-quality services for clients.

This position oversees multiple operational departments and leaders while driving accountability, improving systems, solving problems, and creating a culture of excellence across the organization. The Director of Operations partners closely with the COO to translate organizational priorities into effective daily execution.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and support department managers and supervisors across shelter operations.
• Ensure daily operations run safely, efficiently, and consistently.
• Build accountability and develop leaders through coaching and regular communication.
• Improve operational systems, workflows, and processes that enhance the client experience.
• Oversee staffing, scheduling, safety, facilities, and operational readiness.
• Monitor documentation, compliance, and organizational standards.
• Respond to operational challenges, emergencies, and complex situations with professionalism and sound judgment.
• Collaborate with leadership and community partners to strengthen services and organizational impact.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience leading multiple teams or departments.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
• Exceptional organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Experience managing operations, projects, or complex workflows.
• A commitment to accountability, continuous improvement, and servant leadership.
• Experience in nonprofit, social services, healthcare, hospitality, public safety, or a related operational environment is preferred.

Why Join Our Team?

At The Kearney Center, you’ll have the opportunity to make a lasting impact—not only on the lives of our clients, but on the staff and systems that make our mission possible. We believe great operations create great client experiences, and we’re looking for a leader who shares that belief.

If you’re passionate about developing people, strengthening organizations, and serving the community with excellence, we’d love to hear from you.

The Kearney Center is a 24-hour comprehensive emergency service center that serves as a point of entry into assistance by coordinating services and responding to immediate needs of individuals until appropriate permanent housing can be arranged. We opened in April 2015 as a one-stop-shop for individuals experiencing homelessness or economic hardship in the North Florida region. The Kearney Center provides overnight shelter and daytime services that connect clients with social service providers, case management, and housing-focused programs. The most basic needs (such as a warm shower, hot meal, and clean clothes) are provided alongside information and referrals to a variety of social service agencies in our community.

The Kearney Center provides space for state/federal/local governmental agencies, non-profits, and faith-based organizations to co-locate and provide wrap-around services to clients. It is our policy to help any individual regardless of race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, religious