Program Director

Program Director

The Program Director oversees the daily operations of Kennedy Emergency Shelter, serving up to 50 single-adult households. Additional program oversight includes:

• Hypothermia Shelter
• Drop-In Services
• Outreach Services
• Kitchen Operations
• Facility Maintenance

As a member of Shelter House's Leadership Team, the Program Director develops and implements strategies that support organizational and program goals in alignment with the agency's mission, philosophy, and core values. The Director ensures best practices are implemented across all program areas and collaborates with Fairfax County's Office to Prevent and End Homelessness and community partners to advance the county's Ten-Year Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing leadership, direction, and oversight for Emergency Shelter, Hypothermia, Drop-In, and Outreach programs.
• Actively participating in Continuum of Care (CoC) meetings to strengthen community partnerships and support Fairfax County's Ten-Year Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness.
• Supervising the Assistant Director of Programs (ADP), Assistant Director of Shelter Operations (ADSO), Kitchen Manager, and Custodian, ensuring continuity of operations during vacancies or staff absences. Supervising interns as needed.
• Supporting the ADP in implementing strengths-based, trauma-informed, and solution-focused case management practices while assisting with complex cases and crisis intervention.
• Ensuring compliance with Fairfax County HMIS requirements and monitoring the quality, accuracy, and completion of client documentation.
• Supporting the ADSO in maintaining a safe, housing-focused residential environment and overseeing facility and vehicle maintenance.
• Coordinating staffing and operational needs during weather events, emergencies, and other critical incidents.
• Ensuring all services comply with agency philosophy, evidence-based practices, grant requirements, contracts, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Developing and maintaining internal policies, procedures, and workflows aligned with Shelter House standards and funder expectations.
• Overseeing customer satisfaction surveys and incorporating participant feedback into program improvements.
• Facilitating client appeals related to extensions, discharges, and other program decisions.
• Partnering with Data Program staff to ensure compliance with reporting requirements, conduct file audits, and prepare reports for quality assurance and contractual obligations.
• Collaborating with the Finance Department to manage program budgets and ensure effective use of resources.
• Delivering presentations and representing Shelter House at community events and meetings as requested by the Development or Executive Teams.
• Partnering with the Community Coordinator to communicate program needs, track in-kind donations, and strengthen community relationships and donor engagement.
• Participating in an on-call rotation and supporting staff during crises, emergencies, and staffing shortages.
• Modeling Shelter House core values of Inclusivity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Empowerment (iC.A.R.E.).
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Required qualifications include:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Four or more years of progressive leadership, program management, and staff supervision experience.
• Demonstrated excellence in customer service, communication, team building, and leadership.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and exercise sound judgment.
• Trauma-informed, flexible, and creative approach to service delivery.
• Valid driver's license.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Master's degree in Human Services or a related field.
• Experience leading programs serving individuals or families experiencing homelessness.
• Experience managing residential or emergency shelter programs.

Physical requirements include:

• Annual TB test required.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry items weighing 1020 pounds.

Benefits include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with a 4% employer match.
• 13 paid holidays plus 2 floating holidays.
• The opportunity to take your birthday off.
• Two semi-annual team-building events.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Shelter House is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age (40 and over), sex, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability unrelated to an individual's ability to perform the essential functions of the position, or any other legally protected status.

Shelter House provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, pregnant employees, and employees requesting accommodations for sincerely held religious beliefs, in accordance with applicable law. Applicants and employees requiring accommodations should contact the Human Resources Department.

Drug-Free Workplace:

Shelter House is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace. Employment is contingent upon compliance with our Drug-Free Workplace Policy, which prohibits the unlawful manufacture, sale, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of controlled substances or marijuana in the workplace.

All applicable subcontracts and purchase orders exceeding $10,000 must also include provisions supporting a drug-free workplace.