About COTS
For 40 years, COTS (www.cotsdetroit.org) has been committed to serving the most
vulnerable members of the Detroit community by providing emergency shelter, supportive
housing, and wraparound services for more adults and children daily. COTS supports more
than 1,000 heartbeats daily and is on a mission to create opportunities for families
overcoming poverty to collaborate, thrive, and succeed in building strong and stable
households, neighborhoods, and communities.
The Director of Emergency Shelter position has supervisory responsibilities.
Essential Functions
- Ensure alignment of shelter services with the organization’s strategic plan and
funder requirements
- Oversee daily shelter operations to ensure compliance with safety standards,
licensing, and regulatory requirements
- Proactively lead continuous improvement efforts by monitoring facility operations,
analyzing reports, implementing best practices, and anticipating facility needs
- Lead proactive solutions that strengthen the shelter’s role as a community anchor
- Collaborate with leadership and staff to ensure trauma-informed care practices are embedded in all service delivery
- Develop and manage program budgets, ensuring effective use of resources
- Builds a supportive, positive, collaborative, and accountable work culture that prioritizes staff well-being and teamwork
- Builds and strengthen partnerships with community organizations, government agencies, and funders to enhance service delivery and expand resources
- Represent the shelter in community forums, advocacy efforts, and collaborative nitiatives
- Ensure accurate and timely reporting for grants, contracts, and funders
- Maintain compliance with HUD, HMIS, and other regulatory requirements
- Develop policies and procedures that support safety, effectiveness, and best practices
- Coordinate building maintenance, repairs, and improvements, working closely with vendors and contractors
- Negotiate contracts in partnership with the Procurement manager and oversee compliance with service agreements
- Maintain records and documentation related to shelter operations, facilities, and compliance requirements
- Work with internal teams to highlight the shelter’s role in advancing the mission and supporting families
- Effectively utilize organizational systems, tools, and processes to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and compliance
Essential Competencies
1. Applies trauma-informed principles in decision-making, staff supervision, and guest interactions
2. Responds effectively to emergencies, ensuring safety and continuity of services
3. Fosters a collaborative, respectful, and supportive team environment
4. Communicates clearly and compassionately with staff, families, and external partners
5. Commitment to transparency, accurate documentation, and organizational integrity
6. Develops and implements long-term goals aligned with the organization’s mission and vision
7. Comprehensive knowledge of regulatory requirements, safety standards, and reporting obligations related to housing and shelter programs
8. Builds relationships with community partners, and stakeholders
9. Establishes and updates policies to improve service delivery, and operational efficiency
10. Skilled in overseeing budgets, compliance, and facility management with a focus on sustainability and impact
11. Proficiency in utilizing organizational systems, tools, and processes to ensure efficiency and accuracy
12. Proactively evaluates options, and implement practical, mission-aligned solutions
13. Openness to continuous learning and implementation of best practices
14. Skilled in strategic, forward-thinking leadership that leverages shelter operations
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Public Administration, Facilities
- Management, Human Services, or related field
- 7+ years of experience in operations, compliance, or community-focused
- leadership (nonprofit or human services background strongly preferred)
- Strong knowledge of compliance standards and operational best practices
- Working knowledge of facilities management and operational oversight
- Understanding of CACFP rules and regulations preferred
- Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and relationship building skills
- Ability to work in a team-oriented, fast-paced environment
- Experience in cultivating strategic partnerships that enhance programs and resources
- and community impact
- Ability to manage budgets effectively and steward resources responsibly
Work Environment
This job operates in a customer service labor-oriented environment. This role is performed onsite at COTS shelter location.
Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time position. Must be available and willing to work flexible hours including some weekends as needed.