Operations Manager

Organization: Community Day Center of Waltham

Reports to: Executive Director

Hours: fulltime (35 hrs/week)

About the Organization:

The Community Day Center of Waltham is a drop-in day shelter that provides a core range of services to people facing homelessness in Metrowest.

Our services include but are not limited to: case management that supports our guests with finding, securing, and maintaining housing, a seasonal overnight program, meal services, mail services, support for substance abuse recovery, shower and laundry facilities, and essential hygiene and clothing distributions.

Most of the guests we serve are experiencing chronic homelessness, meaning they have been unhoused for one year or more. Almost one hundred percent of those we work with have a PTSD diagnosis. We also see disproportionately high rates of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, substance use disorder, and other mental health challenges. The Operations Manager needs to be prepared and excited to work with some of our most marginalized and vulnerable neighbors.

Please also note that the Community Day Center is not a traditional office setting! We are a drop-in center, meaning a typical day looks like 30-40 people mulling about in your workspace. Be prepared that plans often go awry, it will always be noisy, and the unexpected will happen!

If environments like this excite you, and you seek to make a difference in the lives of deeply underserved populations, we want to hear from you!

About the Role:

The Operations Manager will work closely with the Executive Director to oversee programming, run our drop-in space, and supervise volunteers. This position is fast-paced and client-facing; the successful candidate must be comfortable working directly with people experiencing mental illness, substance use disorders, and domestic violence.

After thorough training, the Operations Manager can expect to provide daily operational leadership. They will be the first point-of-contact for guests entering our drop-in space, as well as for volunteers who run our programming.

Duties:

Operations Management

• Oversee daily operations of the drop-in center, ensuring a safe, respectful, and efficient environment.
• Manage incoming phone calls, donation drop-offs, and distribution of goods and supplies to our guests.
• Provide on-the-ground support, including de-escalation and conflict resolution as needed.
• Coordinate daily setup, including coffee and condiment stations.
• Oversee the CDCW “free store” including organization and accessibility of items.
• Develop and manage schedules for volunteers and interns.

Facilities Management

• Coordinate facility repairs and maintenance needs.
• Ensure compliance with inspections and safety requirements.
• Manage inventory and oversee supply procurement and organization.

Volunteer & Intern Coordination

• Recruit, onboard, and train volunteers and interns.
• Provide day-to-day supervision and support.
• Foster a positive and engaging experience to support retention.
• Develop and implement recognition strategies to acknowledge volunteers.

Qualifications:

We’re looking for someone who:

• Holds a degree in psychology, public health, or social work (however, we value experience, especially lived experience. If you don’t have a degree but feel you are a strong candidate, please apply anyway!)
• Previous experience working in a drop-in center – is flexible and adaptable—every day is different here and we never know who will walk through our doors!
• Previous experience managing volunteers.
• Previous experience and training in boundaries/safeguarding in social service environments.
• Has a proven ability to build trust and rapport, especially when working with marginalized communities.
• Speaks a second language fluently—Spanish is especially valuable (a plus, but not required).
• Has worked in recovery-oriented environments, such as recovery coaching or facilitating recovery meetings.
• Has basic computer skills, including familiarity with Google Workspace (Gmail, Docs, Sheets, excel, etc.).
• Has access to a car and a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and deeply value lived experience. If you don’t meet every qualification listed but believe you’re a strong fit for this role, we encourage you to apply!

Salary & Benefits

• $52,500 USD/year
• Reimbursed health and dental insurance up to $340/month
• 3 weeks paid vacation per year and 3 paid personal days

• Reimbursed health and dental insurance up to $340/month
• 3 weeks paid vacation per year and 3 paid personal days

English, Fluent

Spanish, Fluent (preferred but not required)