Director, Operations

Job Description

Job Description

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

Sunshine Gospel Ministries (SGM) is a faith-based community organization on the South Side of Chicago. SGM’s mission is to seek the renewal of the City of Chicago through ministries of discipleship, mercy and justice. SGM’s vision is to empower youth and families to thrive and lead prosperous, healthy lives through connectedness, opportunity, and economic sustainability. Our culture is open, warm, inviting and family oriented, and we seek individuals who share a genuine passion for advocacy and impact.

POSITION SUMMARY

The SGM Director of Operations is responsible for ensuring the effective functioning of all organizational operations, properties, and support systems. This position provides oversight and direction for business operations, IT infrastructure, and partnership relations. The Director of Operations ensures that SGM operates efficiently and sustainably and in alignment with SGM’s mission, clear accountability, and a people-centered culture.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / FUNCTIONS

Organizational Operations and Infrastructure 

• Oversees daily operations across all SGM facilities and administrative functions, ensuring alignment with strategic, programmatic, and ministry goals. 
• Develops, implements, and continuously refines operational systems, policies, and processes that improve efficiency, communication, and accountability. 
• Manages procurement and purchasing processes, ensures cost-effectiveness, transparency, and alignment with organizational values. 
• Develops and maintains organizational dashboards, metrics, and reporting tools to track operational performance, compliance, and resource utilization. 
• Manages and maintains all liability and property insurance (including commercial, rental property, and vehicles) for SGM. 
• Partners with the Executive Director and Finance team to manage operational and facilities budgets, cash flow, and capital planning. 
• Collaborates with the Finance team to ensure compliance with grant funding requirements related to all SGM operations and facilities.
• Supports procurement, coordination, and operational needs within the restaurant and incubator spaces.

Property and Security Management

• Provides oversight of all SGM-owned or managed properties, ensuring they are safe, compliant, well-maintained, and mission-aligned. 
• Manages keys, access control, security systems, alarms, and key fob platforms across all facilities. 
• Oversees maintenance, capital improvements, vendor performance, and long-term facilities planning. 
• Ensures compliance with local, state, and federal regulations related to facilities, housing, and property use.

Technology, Data and Systems

• Oversees and provides support for organizational telephone and communication services. 
• Oversees, manages, and implements organization-wide technology tools and platforms, including VPN, cybersecurity, property management systems, digital infrastructure, security systems, and access platforms. 
• Ensures technology systems support collaboration, data integrity, operational efficiency, and the tracking of outcomes and impact data. 
• Partners with vendors and internal stakeholders to ensure systems are secure, scalable, and aligned with organizational needs. 
• Procures and distributes office equipment, and coordinates repairs and replacements for staff.

Vendors, Contracts, Leases, and Partnership Management 

• Manages relationships with leaseholders and partners, including the restaurant, incubator/workspace, collegiate housing, and multi-unit buildings. 
• Serves as the primary point of contact with Wheaton in Chicago regarding apartment and space usage matters. 
• Manages vendor relationships, contracts, leases, and service agreements for operational, facilities, and technology needs. 
• Supports contracts and monitors quality and performance standards, service delivery, and cost efficiency. 
• Supports the development and stewardship of partnerships that enhance organizational capacity, sustainability, and community impact. 
• Oversees and ensures financial accountability for contracts, MOUs, and collaborative partnerships related to external partners. Leadership, Strategy & Cross-Functional Collaboration 
• Contributes to the development and execution of SGM’s strategic goals. 
• Provides operational leadership that translates vision into action through systems, timelines, and accountability. 
• Leads cross-functional projects and ensure effective coordination between programs, finance, operations, and external partners. 
• Provides data-driven insights, analysis, and recommendations to strengthen organizational effectiveness and long-term sustainability.

RELATED DUTIES

Performs other related duties and responsibilities as required or assigned.

EDUCATION, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

To perform this job successfully, an individual must have the following education, licensure and/or experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Nonprofit Management, Facilities/Operations, or related field (Master’s preferred). 
• Minimum 5 years of progressive leadership in operations, facilities, or nonprofit administration. 
• Proven success managing multi-site facilities, enterprise activities, and organizational systems. 
• Experience overseeing budgets, contracts, and vendor relationships. 
• Strong understanding of nonprofit compliance and financial management practices. Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. 
• Proven ability to solve problems creatively 
• Strong interpersonal skills and extremely resourceful 
• Strong leadership skills 
• Proven self-management, team and project management skills 
• Excellent client-facing and verbal and written communications skills 
• Capability to make good decisions under pressure 
• Solid organizational skills including attention to detail and multitasking skills 
• Mission-driven and values-based leadership
• Strategic and operational thinking 
• Property and facilities oversight 
• Relationship and partnership management 
• Clear communication and accountability 
• Financial and operational stewardship 
• Demonstrates a belief of community related to SGM’s core values (Gospel, Radical Hospitality, Celebrating Beauty, Restorative Justice, Collaboration, Reconciliation, Fostering Effectiveness) 
• Ability to work well in a collaborative environment as part of a team, as well as self-motivated and able to work independently 
• Ability to work with and have an appreciation for diverse groups of people 
• Cultural sensitivity to the African American community 
• Able to use discretion and judgment when dealing with confidential information

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS  

Physical demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to walk and/or sit; use hands to fingers or feel objects, tools or controls, reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; talk or hear. The employee must be able to bend, stoop, pull, push, lift, as well as have overhead extension of arms. Must be able to stand for long periods of time; be able to lift, carry or move at least 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Work environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will work in a public building and/or outdoors and thus will be exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.This role may require occasional evenings or weekends to address property or operational needs. On-site presence at SGM properties is required.

DIRECT REPORTS  

General Contractor-Property Management

BENEFITS

Health Reimbursement Account

SIMPLE IRA

Employee Assistance Program

Paid time off (including 16 company holidays)
Career advancement opportunities