Senior Director of Facilites and Operations

GENERAL SUMMARY 

The Senior Director of Facilities and Operations provides executive leadership and strategic oversight for all physical, technological, and operational infrastructure at Covenant House New Orleans (CHNO). This role ensures that facilities, capital projects, food service, technology systems, and security operations function safely, efficiently, and in full alignment with CHNO Mission, Principles, and Core Value to provide safety, consistency, growth, and opportunity to youth experiencing homelessness. 

 The Sr. Director of Facilities and Operations manages operations through professional subordinate managers and collaborates closely with Finance during the CHNO transition from Lawson to Oracle. The Director leads the CHNO capital project portfolio, establishes strong vendor and contractor relationships, and oversees resource stewardship across all operational domains in keeping with CHNO guiding values. This leader will demonstrate operational excellence through systems and structures, visible leadership, ethical stewardship, trauma informed decision making, and collaborative partnership across departments with emphasis on dignity, respect, staff and resident wellbeing, and shared accountability. 

DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Culture, Values, and Leadership Presence :

• Model accountability by setting clear expectations, maintaining commitments, and ensuring operational decisions protect the physical and emotional safety of youth and staff. 

• Apply data using accurate operational, financial, and safety data to inform decisions, promote transparency, and honor the lived experiences of residents and staff. 

• Lead with presence through visible engagement on campus, calm leadership during crises, and respectful communication at all levels of the organization. 

• Promote a culture of dignity and respect, ensuring all interactions uphold the inherent worth of each individual. 

• Collaborate cross departmentally to align operations with programmatic goals and resident experience. 

 Facilities and Campus Operations: 

• Provide executive direction for campus facilities, grounds, building systems, maintenance and custodial operations. 

• Partner with the Facilities Manager to maintain preventive maintenance cycles, safety inspections, and compliance documentation. 

• Ensure response coverage for building emergencies and safety incidents 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. 

• Lead planning and oversight for renovations and capital improvements. 

Capital Project Management: 

• Oversee all capital projects from concept, budget, RFP, vendor selection, through construction, close out, and post occupancy review. 

• Develop budgets, track spending and schedules, and report monthly to the Chief Operating and Program Officer (COPO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO). 

• Coordinate architects, engineers, and contractors; ensure timely, compliant delivery.   

 Procurement and Financial Controls: 

• Work integrally with the Finance Team and Operations Assistant to manage the full procurement , inventory,  utilization cycle. 

• Approve purchasing thresholds and verify procurement aligns with organizational policy and Oracle workflows. 

• Ensure goods received are recorded and inventoried accurately by the Purchasing Coordinator, while the Facilities and Kitchen Managers verify condition and usage in the field. 

• Provide quarterly reconciliation between financial and physical inventories. 

 Vendor and Contract Management: 

• Identify and onboard vendors for construction, maintenance, custodial, IT, and food services. 

• Conduct RFPs, negotiate contracts, and ensure service quality through scheduled evaluations. 

• Maintain transparent relationships built on CHNO ethical and mission standards. 

Information Technology and Telecommunications: 

• Supervise the IT Specialist and the external Managed Service Provider. 

• Oversee technology lifecycle, cybersecurity, and hardware and software purchasing. 

• Manage telecommunications infrastructure (VOIP, mobile, network) in coordination with Operations. 

Collaboration and Accountability: 

• Actively contribute to departmental, cross departmental, leadership team, and all staff meetings, ensuring clear communication, shared understanding, and follow through on operational priorities. 

• Collaborate closely with all CHNO teams to align operational systems. 

• Prepare and deliver clear, data informed presentations on facilities, capital projects, safety, and operational performance. 

• Engage constructively with community partners, including vendors, contractors, public agencies, and neighborhood stakeholders, to support coordination, transparency, and shared responsibility. 

• Promote a culture of mutual respect and teamwork among staff. 

Kitchen and Food Service Operations: 

• Supervise the Food Services leader responsible for day to day meal service, safety compliance, and team oversight. 

• Uphold food safety standards and ensure the facility maintains certification requirements. 

• Monitor food budgets, menu planning, and inventory; promote nutrition and resident satisfaction. 

• Uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability in all documentation practices. 

 Security and Safety Management: 

• Supervise Security Specialists and coordinate staff training on safety protocols. 

• Conduct quarterly safety audits and participate in organizational emergency preparedness activities. 

• Lead or support CHNO safety presentations and trainings for staff and contracted staff, incorporating emergency preparedness, facility related risk mitigation policies, procedures, practices, and behaviors, trauma informed practices, and clear emergency response protocols.   

Budget and Resource Stewardship: 

• Develop and manage operations and capital budgets across all functional areas. 

• Identify efficiencies in utilities, procurement, and vendor contracts. 

• Prepare quarterly fiscal and operational performance reports for the executive team. 

Leadership and People Development: 

• Mentor and evaluate direct reports using clear goals, metrics, and accountability frameworks. 

• Foster a culture of teamwork, respect, and accountability. 

• Partner cross departmentally to ensure operational practices strengthen the resident experience and staff effectiveness. 

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and EXPERIENCE: 

Required 

• Bachelors degree in Facilities Management, Construction Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or related field required, Masters degree preferred. 

• Minimum seven (7) years of progressive leadership in operations or facilities management, including capital projects over $150 K required. 

• Minimum three (3) years of supervisory experience, including but not limited to capital project oversight required. 

• Demonstrated experience with RFP development, vendor vetting, and contract oversight. 

• Budget planning and financial management proficiency; Oracle or comparable ERP experience strongly preferred. 

• Strong leadership, communication, and change management skills. 

• Availability for afterhours emergencies and occasional on call rotations. 

• Strong organizational and documentation skills, with proficiency in electronic data systems and Microsoft Office Suite required. 

• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks in a fast paced environment. 

• Ability to work in a flexible and supportive team environment, maintaining a positive attitude and approach to difficult situations. 

• Demonstrated technology proficiency, including operational systems, reporting tools, and presentation software. 

•  Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills with the ability to communicate complex information clearly.  

•  Ability to collaborate effectively across departments and lead with accountability and care. 

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively. 

• Valid Louisiana drivers license with a clean driving record.   

Preferred Qualifications 

• APPA or IFMA Certification (CEFP, CFM). 

• Food Safety Manager Certification (or obtainable within 90 days). 

• Experience in a residential or nonprofit setting serving vulnerable populations. 

Core Competencies 

• Strategic Planning  

• Capital Project Execution   

• Compliance Governance  

• Process Optimization 

• Trauma informed Supervision  

• Cross department Collaboration 

• Fiscal Accountability  

• Ethical Stewardship