Senior Shelter Program Manager

AGENCY SUMMARY

At Building Futures, we believe everyone deserves a safe place to call home. The agency is an Alameda County leader providing a safety net of services to help individuals and families rebuild safe and stable lives free from homelessness and family violence. We operate four emergency shelters; a full spectrum of domestic violence outreach services; street outreach and drop-in center; supportive housing site; and permanent and rapid re-housing programs. As a Housing First agency, all of Building Futures' programs and services prioritize linking our clients with housing.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Shelter Program Manager leads the daily operations of the agency's two emergency shelters serving women and children experiencing homelessness. Reporting to the Director of Emergency Services, the Senior Shelter Program Manager makes sure services are high-quality, client-centered and trauma-informed. The role also supervises a team and keeps both sites in compliance with county, state and funder requirements. This role oversees shelter operations, services, compliance, safety, and community partnerships.

SUPERVISORY

This role supervises Case Managers, Site Coordinators and shelter staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Shelter Operations and Safety (about 30%)

• Direct daily operations at both shelters, keeping each site safe, secure, clean, and welcoming.
• Protect the safety of shelter locations and enforce site security protocols.
• Oversee facility upkeep, inspections, health and safety standards, and vendor relationships.
• Assist in developing and maintaining emergency and disaster preparedness plans for both sites.
• Respond to critical incidents, write incident reports, and take part and oversee the rotating on-call schedule.

Staff Leadership and Supervision (about 30%)

• Recruit, hire, onboard, train, supervise, coach, and evaluate shelter staff and volunteers.
• Provide regular one-on-one supervision and reflective support, with attention to secondary trauma and staff wellbeing.
• Manage staffing schedules and make sure every shift is covered at both sites.
• Lead team meetings, case conferences, and staff development activities.
• Train staff on, and ensure compliance with, Alameda County Shelter Standards, agency policies, and funder requirements.

Resident Services (about 20%)

• Oversee resident intake, assessments, safety planning, referrals, and housing navigation.
• Make sure services for children and families meet residents' developmental and trauma-related needs.
• Lead resident house meetings and resolve resident concerns and grievances fairly and consistently.
• Uphold resident confidentiality, rights, dignity, and self-determination.
• Serve as a mandated reporter and make sure staff meet their child abuse reporting obligations under California law (CANRA).

Compliance, Data, and Fiscal Oversight (about 10%)

• Monitor program outcomes, contract compliance, audits, and grant deliverables for funders.
• Keep program records and data accurate and confidential.
• Prepare reports and outcome measures for internal leadership and funders.
• Participate in tracking program spending against budget and help prepare grant budgets and reports. Approve purchases within authorized limits.
• Develop and update housing first, trauma-informed policies, procedures, and protocols.

Community Partnerships and Program Development (about 10%)

• Represent the organization at community partnerships, coalitions, and collaborative meetings.
• Build relationships with housing providers, law enforcement, legal services, health providers, and other community partners.
• Support strategic planning, program development, and continuous quality improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the agency's mission.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, Human Services, Psychology, Public Administration, or a related field. We will also consider an equivalent combination of education, professional experience, and lived experience.
• At least four years of experience in, homelessness, housing, domestic violence or related human services. At least two of those years must include supervising or managing staff.
• Show clear understanding of domestic violence dynamics and trauma-informed care.
• Complete the 40-hour California Domestic Violence Counselor training within 90 days of hire. The agency provides this training if needed.
• Successfully complete a background check (LiveScan), in line with the California Fair Chance Act.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working in a residential shelter setting. Experience leading and supervising teams of staff. Experience managing grant-funded programs, including funder reporting and budget tracking. Bilingual in English and [Spanish/other language] a plus. Experience with comparable databases or client data systems.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of homelessness, housing first, domestic violence dynamics, trauma-informed care, and client-centered practice.
• Strong skills in leadership, supervision, communication, and conflict resolution.
• Ability to stay calm, make sound decisions, and de-escalate during crises.
• Ability to manage several priorities across two sites in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and client data management systems.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive services.

Core Competencies

• Trauma-Informed Leadership: Puts safety, choice, collaboration, and empowerment at the center of decisions for both residents and staff.
• Staff Development and Supervision: Gives regular, constructive feedback. Builds staff skills and supports staff wellbeing and retention.
• Crisis Management: Responds to emergencies calmly and decisively, following protocol and documenting accurately.
• Communication and Collaboration: Communicates clearly with residents, staff, leadership, and partners. Build trust across differences.
• Ethical Practice and Confidentiality: Protects survivor privacy and acts with integrity and professional boundaries.
• Program Administration and Compliance: Keeps records accurate, meets deadlines, and keeps programs audit ready.

Licenses and Certifications

• Required: Completion of the 40-hour California Domestic Violence Counselor training within 90 days of hire. The agency provides this training.
• Required if driving for work: Valid California driver's license, a clean driving record, and proof of auto insurance. You will travel regularly between the Midway and San Leandro sites and to community meetings.
• Preferred: CPR/First Aid certification.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Work takes place in residential shelter settings and an office setting.
• Requires regular travel between two shelter sites and to community locations.
• Requires sitting, standing, and walking for long periods, and occasionally lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds (for example, supplies and donations).
• Requires responding to emergencies, sometimes outside normal business hours, including while on call.
• Involves exposure to emotionally intense situations and trauma-related content. The agency provides support resources and reflective supervision.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Building Futures is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We will consider qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act and applicable local ordinances.