Shelter Operations Manager

Company: Shelter Association of Washtenaw County
Location: Ann Arbor
Posted on: February 14, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. About Us: Eight million Americans are one paycheck away from becoming homeless. In Washtenaw County, 5000 people are experiencing homelessness. The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County (SAWC) was established in 1982 and is the primary provider of services and emergency shelter for Washtenaw County individuals. SAWC is housed at the Robert J. Delonis Center in downtown Ann Arbor. SAWC works with a diverse range of people struggling with homelessness, including first-time homelessness, veterans, domestic violence survivors, and people battling substance abuse and/or mental health issues. Services are offered through our core programs: Residential Emergency Shelter, Non-Residential, Shelter Diversion, Recuperative Care, and Winter Shelter. The SAWC serves almost 1500 people annually. Mission: Ending homelessness, one person at a time. Position Profile: The Operations Manager is responsible for the daily operations of the Shelter and supervision of the operations staff. They are responsible for maintaining an environment of safety and service for clients and staff alike, consistent with our overall mission and vision. They will supply the staff with the technical support necessary for them to perform their duties. They are expected to set the highest possible example of responsible and ethical work practice and to operate in accordance with agency values. This role is expected to focus on continuous quality improvement of operations. The Shelter operates 24/7 and does not close. The schedule for this role includes weekends and overnight shifts. This role may require occasional flexibility, serving as the designated manager on call at intervals. During these periods, managers may be contacted to provide guidance or support on staff?related issues when a manager is not on site. We are seeking a candidate who can work the following schedule or combination thereof: Wednesday through Sunday, 12:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Salary range $55,000-$62,000. The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County offers a strong benefits package that includes: medical, dental, and vision insurance with very low deductibles and health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) paying half of the total deductible; Simple IRA retirement matching; flexible spending accounts, generous paid time off, disability & life insurance, employee assistance program, and bonus opportunities. We are dynamic work environment that works to inspire hope in those we serve. Duties & Responsibilities: Adhere to National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics. Model and act according to low barrier shelter principles. Work diligently to aid clients in removing barriers to service provision. Manage daily operations by monitoring the quality of care provided to the individuals served by checking in with staff and clients, at on and off-site locations. Directly assist all staff in crisis situations. Help empower agency team members to handle crisis situations and directly engage in crisis situations as needed. Administrative duties as required, which includes but is not limited to timesheets and regular scheduling (i.e fill vacant shifts with other staff or self when necessary). Manage Warming Shelter operations during the winter months including winter rotating shelter and offsite shelter locations. Hire and orient new Operations Staff in accordance with recruitment and selection plan. Train, supervise, and provide ongoing professional development to operations staff. Assist the management team in developing and implementing methods to improve agency service delivery. Carry out overall operations duties as assigned. Oversee completion of real-time data entry in HMIS system to ensure that case record is complete, accurate, and up-to-date as needed. Participate in staff meetings to review advocacy and other service issues as needed. Act as point of contact for Operations Staff. Share on-call responsibilities with agency program leadership staff. (Participate in Monthly Manager on Call). Assist in ensuring highest quality of stewardship of volunteer base as necessary for role including within the rotating shelter program. Assist Development Team in maximizing efforts to support, recruit and maintain volunteers. Assist in ensuring clients are connected to other agencies in the community to support their work toward housing. Assist Programs Team in maximizing efforts to support partnerships with community stakeholders, including funders or grantors. Supervise building repairs, maintenance, cleaning, and supply orders. Manage vendor relationships to ensure high-quality, cost-effective services. Support implementation of safety planning, emergency preparedness planning to ensure agency is prepared for potential emergencies Other duties as assigned to ensure safe and effective operations of the Shelter Association Other duties as assigned to ensure safe and effective operations of the Shelter Association Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in human services, social work, or related field. Please note the SAWC will consider alternative, comparable experience to a degree. 2 years of experience in management at a not-for-profit agency, or 3 years of continuous or progressive work experience at one not-for-profit agency. Demonstrated understanding of the issues of homelessness and housing. Has strong basic computer skills Works well with teams and is adept at team building and performance measuring. Excels at operating in a fast pace, community environment. Demonstrated leadership and vision in managing staff groups and major projects or initiatives. Demonstrated strong critical thinking skills. Has a positive attitude, is open to change, and eager to be a part of achieving greater mission of ending homelessness. Valid Michigan Driver’s License and reliable transportation. Additionally, the person that fills this position must be: Able to work as a team member Utilize good judgment and clear thinking in crisis situations Both assertive and empathetic in approach to clients Culturally competent, including working with those who are living with mental health challenges, actively using substances or living with a substance use disorder, criminal justice impacted individuals ,or those who have varying gender identifications or sexual preferences. Able to be mindful of personal boundaries, ethical obligations and the primacy of client needs. Commitment to economic justice, civil and human rights issues. Mature in nature and professional in action. Application Process: Please go to annarborshelter.org/employment and submit your resume and cover letter or do so directly on any job site posting like indeed.

Keywords: Shelter Association of Washtenaw County, Saint Clair Shores , Shelter Operations Manager, Social Services , Ann Arbor, Michigan