Job Details

Shelter Director Position

The Shelter Director provides leadership and oversight of two key shelter programs: A 60-person congregate shelter in Tigard, Oregon, serving single adults through a housing-first, trauma-informed, and relationship-centered approach. A 50-unit hotel-based family shelter in Gresham, Oregon, providing short-term stabilization, case management, and housing navigation for families. The Shelter Director ensures consistent, high-quality program operations aligned with agency standards, funding requirements, and best practices in homeless services. This position emphasizes housing outcomes, staff development, and strong partnerships with community providers, local governments, and Coordinated Entry systems.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Program Leadership and Oversight
• Oversee daily operations of both shelters, ensuring safety, cleanliness, and welcoming environments for all participants.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures that support a low-barrier, housing-first, and trauma-informed service model.

• Staff Supervision and Development
• Supervise Shelter Managers, Supervisors and key program staff; provide ongoing coaching, performance evaluations, and professional development opportunities.
• Foster a culture of empathy, accountability, and teamwork among staff.
• Collaborate with HR on hiring, onboarding, and training initiatives that promote retention and alignment with Just Compassion's mission.

• Community and Systems Collaboration
• Serve as the primary liaison with local partners, funders, and Coordinated Entry systems (e.g., Washington County and Multnomah County).
• Participate in community coalitions, local Continuum of Care (CoC) committees, and county-level coordination efforts.

• Compliance and Reporting
• Ensure compliance with all contractual, regulatory, and safety requirements for both shelters.
• Maintain accurate program records and oversee data entry into HMIS or equivalent systems.
• Track budgets, monitor expenditures, and collaborate with finance staff on program fiscal oversight.

• Housing-Focused Case Management Integration
• Support the integration of housing navigation and stabilization services within both shelters.
• Promote individualized service planning centered on participant goals and strengths.
• Work collaboratively with case management teams to ensure coordinated, participant-driven housing pathways.

Qualifications Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Public Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in homeless services, human services, or shelter management.
• 3+ years of supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of housing-first, harm reduction, and trauma-informed principles.
• Excellent leadership, crisis management, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple sites and programs simultaneously.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Preferred:

• Master's degree in Social Work, Public Policy, Nonprofit Management, or a related field.
• Experience with HMIS, Medicaid-aligned housing programs, and Coordinated Entry systems.
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities (Spanish, Russian, or other).