Senior Director of Programs

ABOUT CARPENTER’S SHELTER:

Since 1988, Carpenter’s Shelter has met the immediate needs of people experiencing homelessness in the City of Alexandria. Through the operation of emergency shelter, day shelter, and winter shelter as well as rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing programs, Carpenter’s Shelter identifies housing solutions and supports sustainable independence for approximately 1,000 people each year.

Title: Senior Director of Programs

Reports to: Deputy Director

LOCATIONS: Carpenter’s Shelter Emergency Shelter (930 North Henry Street, Alexandria, VA 22314)

Alexandria Community Shelter (2355-B, Mill Rd, Alexandria, VA 22314)

General Description:

The Senior Director of Programs has full operational responsibility for the safe, efficient, and effective operation of Carpenter’s Shelter’s programs, including Carpenter’s Shelter’s year-round 64-bed Emergency Shelter, Rapid Re-housing, David’s Place, Permanent Supportive Housing, and Medical Clinic as well as the 64-bed Alexandria Community Shelter and the seasonal Winter Shelter, both of which are operated by Carpenter’s Shelter in partnership with the City of Alexandria. The Senior Director of Programs supports the Director at Carpenter’s Shelter’s Emergency Shelter, the Director at the Alexandria Community Shelter, Director of Therapeutic Services as well as a part-time Kitchen coordinator and part-time Data Analyst to accomplish program goals in accordance with the agency’s SEED Values. The Senior Director of Programs supports the utilization of a Housing First approach and ensures the provision of services is conducted with a client-centered and trauma-informed lens. The Senior Director of Programs serves as a member of the agency’s senior leadership, collaborates with the agency’s Directors and Managers Team, as well as with representatives from local government, other non-profit agencies, and the faith community.

As a member of the senior leadership team, the Senior Director of Programs drives program development, evaluation, policy creation, and strategic initiatives. The person also serves as a relief for the Deputy Director and leads cross-agency projects, special committees, and collaborative workgroups. This role requires 24/7 on call availability to respond to crises and operational needs.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Directly lead a team, to include the Director at Carpenter’s Shelter’s Emergency Shelter as well as the Director at the Alexandria Community Shelter, a part-time Data Analyst, and part-time Kitchen Coordinator in the daily operation of services
• Develop and coach direct team members through regularly scheduled one-on-one meetings and evaluations: support team members’ professional development
• In collaboration with direct team members, ensure staff implement a Housing First approach across all programs, conducting services with a client-centered and trauma-informed lens
• Provide support in navigating cases with complex barriers; support the practice of housing-focused problem-solving conversations; hear and address client grievances and appeals in accordance with agency policies
• Develop, implement, and monitor systems and internal policies and procedures, in partnership with direct team members, to ensure consistent, high-quality outcomes
• Conduct ongoing program evaluation, needs assessments, and client satisfaction activities
• Ensure programs operate in compliance with the City of Alexandria’s Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) requirements; ensure agency HMIS users are trained and supported; ensure quality assurance activities are completed; ensure statistical and other reports are prepared and submitted
• Ensure compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations
• Oversee programmatic budget and spending, in collaboration with the Deputy Director and finance staff, to ensure funding, including government grant sources, are utilized as planned in the annual budget cycle
• Develop and maintain relationships with community resources and partners, in collaboration with the Development Team, to increase donor engagement and strategic partnerships to meet client needs
• As a member of the senior leadership team, support and cultivate a culture of collaboration across departments
• Serve as a staff liaison to the Board of Director’s Program Committee, providing support to carry out the Programmatic Strategic Plan Objectives
• Serve as a representative to various committees and workgroups in the City of Alexandria Continuum of Care
• Ensure the safety and security of the facilities. This includes complete knowledge and function of alarm system, emergency exit procedures, appropriate action during emergency situations, weather emergencies, etc
• Verify and approve staff time sheets and leave requests
• Serve as a back-up to staff on-call to help address and resolve crisis issues
• Adhere to the Carpenter’s Shelter Code of Ethics and SEED Values
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Telework is eligible up to one day per week after successfully completing the probationary period

Required:

• Master’s degree in human services or related field
• Minimum of 5 years supervising housing initiatives or related homeless services
• Proven experience in program leadership, staff supervision and housing-focused services
• Strong skills in organizational management, problem solving, and strategic thinking
• Ability to communicate financial and programmatic goals effectively to staff, funders, and partners
• Ability to develop strong working relationships with diverse groups of people
• Ability to maintain documentation
• Strong time management and organizational skills; dependable and self-motivated
• Proficient skill level in Microsoft Office 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, Power Point, Teams, SharePoint)
• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass a background check
• Flexibility to work outside of normal business hours with 24/7 on-call responsibility

Preferred:

• Experience in non profit program administration, especially in residential settings
• Experience in leading policy development, grant compliance, and cross-sector collaboration
• Experience operating programs serving people experiencing homelessness
• Direct personal connection to homelessness

ADA Statement: Carpenter's Shelter will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: Carpenter's Shelter is an Equal Opportunity Employer and agrees not to discriminate against any employee or job applicant because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, age, gender, physical or mental disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Successful candidates must be committed to working with a culturally diverse population.