The Executive Director is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and daily operations of Stillwater Senior Living, including assisted living and memory care. This position ensures the delivery of high-quality resident care, regulatory compliance, financial stability, operational efficiency, and a positive environment for residents, families, and employees.

The Executive Director provides leadership and direction to all department managers and staff, promotes teamwork and accountability, and ensures the community operates in accordance with company policies, applicable regulations, and established standards of care.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

1. Community Operations & Leadership

• Oversee the overall daily operations of the assisted living and memory care community.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and direction to department managers and employees.
• Ensure departments operate efficiently and work collaboratively toward community goals.
• Establish clear expectations and hold department leaders accountable for performance.
• Maintain a visible and active presence throughout the community.
• Address operational concerns, staffing challenges, and emergencies as they arise.
• Ensure consistent communication between departments and leadership.

2. Resident Care & Satisfaction

• Promote a resident-centered environment that prioritizes dignity, safety, respect, and quality of life.
• Monitor resident satisfaction and address concerns from residents and families.
• Ensure appropriate care standards and services are maintained.
• Work collaboratively with nursing leadership to support resident care needs.
• Oversee memory care operations and ensure appropriate dementia-care practices are followed.
• Maintain positive relationships with residents, families, and responsible parties.

3. Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure compliance with applicable state and federal regulations, licensing requirements, and company policies.
• Maintain readiness for regulatory surveys, inspections, and audits.
• Oversee the development and implementation of corrective action plans when necessary.
• Ensure policies, procedures, and safety standards are consistently followed.
• Monitor quality assurance initiatives and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Ensure required documentation, records, and reports are maintained.

4. Human Resources & Staff Development

• Work collaboratively with Human Resources and department managers on recruitment, hiring, retention, and employee relations.
• Promote a positive workplace culture built on teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels and operational coverage.
• Address employee performance concerns and ensure appropriate follow-up.
• Support employee orientation, training, development, and ongoing education.
• Encourage employee engagement and recognize staff contributions.
• Ensure company policies and employment practices are consistently enforced.

5. Financial & Business Management

• Oversee community budgets, expenses, and financial performance.
• Monitor labor costs, overtime, staffing efficiency, and departmental spending.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and financial stability.
• Monitor census, occupancy, and revenue performance.
• Participate in marketing, referral development, and community outreach efforts.
• Work toward maintaining and increasing community occupancy.

6. Safety & Risk Management

• Ensure the community maintains a safe environment for residents, employees, and visitors.
• Oversee emergency preparedness and response procedures.
• Ensure required safety inspections, maintenance schedules, and life-safety requirements are completed.
• Address incidents, complaints, and potential risks promptly.
• Ensure appropriate reporting, investigation, and follow-up occur.

7. Communication & Professional Relationships

• Maintain open communication with ownership, corporate leadership, department managers, employees, residents, and families.
• Lead leadership meetings and participate in staff meetings as needed.
• Communicate important operational updates and organizational expectations.
• Represent the community professionally with outside organizations, healthcare providers, vendors, and regulatory agencies.

General Expectations

• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, sound judgment, and compassion.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding residents, employees, and company matters.
• Lead by example and demonstrate a commitment to the mission and values of the community.
• Be available to address operational needs outside of traditional business

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in assisted living, memory care, senior living, or a related healthcare setting.
• Previous leadership or management experience in healthcare or senior living.
• Demonstrated ability to oversee daily operations, manage employees, and lead multiple departments.
• Knowledge of assisted living operations, resident rights, resident safety, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Understanding of Illinois assisted living regulations and applicable state and federal compliance standards.
• Strong organizational, communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience managing staffing, scheduling, employee relations, and operational needs.
• Ability to manage budgets, expenses, labor costs, and financial performance.
• Ability to handle confidential information and sensitive situations with professionalism.
• Demonstrated commitment to resident-centered care, employee development, and quality service.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule and respond to the needs of a 24-hour operation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience as an Executive Director, Administrator, Assistant Administrator, or senior-level manager in an assisted living or memory care community.
• Experience directly overseeing both assisted living and memory care operations.
• Experience with regulatory surveys, inspections, audits, and corrective action plans.
• Experience with census development, occupancy growth, marketing, and community outreach.
• Experience with budgeting, financial reporting, and operational planning.
• Experience leading department managers and multidisciplinary teams.
• Knowledge of dementia care practices and memory care programming.

Education & Training

• Bachelor's degree in Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Gerontology, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent education and relevant senior living leadership experience may be considered.
• Must meet applicable Illinois licensing, training, and qualification requirements for the position and community.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong leadership and employee management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong conflict resolution and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to make independent decisions and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to build positive relationships with residents, families, employees, and community partners.
• Ability to lead through change while maintaining accountability and professionalism.