Director of Operations

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary
Pathways Community Center is a Christian, faith-based ministry guided by Matthew 25. We bring service providers together to connect neighbors experiencing poverty with resources that support self-sufficiency, serving people of all backgrounds with dignity and respect.

The Director of Operations (DOO) partners with the Executive Director to manage and direct daily campus operations. This position oversees the 40,000-square-foot facility, directly supervises Pathways-employed security personnel, coordinates campus use, and leads the volunteer chaplaincy program. The DOO supports a safe, welcoming, and mission-focused environment for guests, staff, volunteers, and partner agencies.

Strong organization and logistics skills are essential to coordinating people, schedules, space, and resources. As a member of Pathways' leadership team, the DOO anticipates needs, provides support and accountability for assigned personnel, and follows projects through to completion.

Leadership and Operational Coordination

• Translate organizational priorities into practical work plans, assign responsibilities, and track deadlines and follow-up. Resolve routine campus operational issues within approved policies.
• Maintain coordinated schedules and task lists for campus activities, staffing, maintenance, and vendor visits. Anticipate logistical needs, confirm arrangements, and communicate changes to those affected.
• Directly supervise security employees and other assigned Pathways personnel. Coordinate the work of the campus handyman and outside contractors, and provide leadership and support to volunteer chaplains.
• Prepare operating budget recommendations, monitor spending, and authorize purchases within approved budgets and limits established by the Executive Director. Obtain approval for commitments beyond those limits.
• Serve as the primary contact for shared campus operational concerns. Coordinate with partner leaders on access, safety, scheduling, and facility use while respecting each agency's authority over its staff and programs.
• Maintain operational records and provide regular updates on maintenance needs, security incidents, spending, and project progress. Escalate serious incidents, significant personnel matters, and major operational risks to the Executive Director.
• Coordinate with internal (ED, BOD) and external entities (funders, contractors, etc.) to ensure that financial and operational documents are prepared, reconciled and submitted in adherence to all policies and procedures.

Campus Events and Facility Use

• Plan and coordinate event logistics, including timelines, room assignments, facility access, equipment, setup, cleanup, and staffing for approved campus activities and evening or weekend events.
• Communicate facility-use policies to organizers, arrange appropriate staffing and security coverage, and ensure shared spaces are restored and secured after use.
• Work with partner agencies, volunteers, and outside groups to resolve scheduling conflicts and support responsible use of campus resources. 
• Facilities and Capital Improvements
• Oversee the maintenance and upkeep of the facility and grounds. Conduct routine inspections, prioritize work, and maintain schedules for preventive maintenance and required inspections.
• Coordinate routine maintenance with the campus handyman and oversee qualified vendors for HVAC, plumbing, electrical, fire protection, and other specialized work. Assist with basic troubleshooting as appropriate.
• Develop repair and capital project recommendations with the Executive Director and Facility Committee. Coordinate approved projects, obtain proposals, monitor schedules and costs, and verify completion.
• Maintain service records and vendor relationships, monitor contractor performance, and communicate anticipated disruptions to affected campus partners.
• Security and Emergency Preparedness. 
• Lead the in-house security team and directly supervise Pathways-employed security personnel, including scheduling, duty assignments, attendance, performance feedback, and corrective action.
• Participate in recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, and evaluating security employees. Make staffing and personnel recommendations to the Executive Director.
• Develop staffing schedules and a relief coverage plan for absences, leave, and approved events. Arrange coverage through qualified personnel and promptly address gaps.
• Orient security employees to campus procedures, guest interactions, de-escalation, access screening, incident documentation, emergency response, and consistent enforcement of campus rules.
• Coordinate role-appropriate training with qualified providers and maintain training and certification records. Review employee readiness and reinforce expectations through regular coaching.
• Maintain procedures for keys and access credentials, opening and closing, campus access restrictions, security equipment, and incident reporting. Coordinate maintenance of cameras and access systems.
• Maintain emergency response plans, designated response roles, and backup contacts. Coordinate emergency preparedness activities with campus partners and emergency responders.
• Review incidents, document follow-up, and implement corrective actions. Respond to significant incidents, coordinate with law enforcement and emergency services when necessary, and promptly notify the Executive Director.
• Ensure security personnel treat each person with dignity, use sound judgment, protect confidential information, and support a safe and welcoming campus.

Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care

• Lead and strengthen Pathways' volunteer chaplaincy program in collaboration with chaplain team leaders and the Executive Director.
• Coordinate chaplain recruitment, orientation, scheduling, training, and ongoing support. Clarify volunteer responsibilities and encourage dependable participation.
• Work with chaplains and partner agencies to coordinate guest spiritual care, campus ministry activities, and appropriate referrals while respecting individual choice and the responsibilities of each agency.
• Demonstrate servant leadership consistent with Pathways' mission and the Matthew 25 emphasis on caring for neighbors. Promote respectful care for people of all backgrounds and maintain appropriate boundaries and confidentiality.

Qualifications
Required

• Strong organizational and logistics skills, including the ability to coordinate schedules, staffing, vendors, space, equipment, and deadlines while managing competing priorities and maintaining attention to detail.
• Ability to support Pathways' mission and carry out the responsibilities of the position effectively and respectfully within a Christian, faith-based ministry, treating every person with dignity and respect.
• Demonstrated experience leading people and managing operations in a church, nonprofit, community facility, or comparable organization.
• Ability to set expectations, supervise employees, address performance concerns, resolve conflict, and support volunteer leaders.
• Experience coordinating vendors, managing budgets and purchases, organizing competing priorities, and completing projects.
• Practical understanding of facility maintenance, safety, and emergency preparedness, including the judgment to engage qualified specialists.
• Calm, sound judgment in emergencies and challenging interactions, with the ability to balance compassion, safety, and consistent accountability.
• Ability to provide encouragement and work effectively with chaplains, ministry leaders, and people from varied backgrounds.
• Strong communication and recordkeeping skills; proficiency with email, scheduling tools, spreadsheets, and routine office software.

Preferred

• Experience supervising security personnel, arranging continuous security coverage, and coordinating training.
• Experience managing a large building, shared campus, or property serving multiple organizations, including capital improvement projects.
• Pastoral training or ministry leadership experience, volunteer chaplaincy oversight, or experience serving people affected by poverty or homelessness.

Work Schedule and Conditions
This on-site position generally follows a regular weekday schedule, with occasional evening and weekend responsibilities and availability during designated on-call periods. The Director coordinates an after-hours response plan with the Executive Director that identifies coverage assignments, backup contacts, and escalation procedures. Security coverage is arranged through employee schedules and qualified relief personnel. Event support is coordinated with staff and volunteers.
The position involves inspecting conditions throughout the facility and grounds and overseeing campus activities. Work includes responding to urgent operational needs and interacting with people experiencing stressful circumstances. Essential duties may be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Pathways Community Center is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on job-related qualifications and comply with applicable federal and South Carolina law. Qualified applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations are provided as required by law.