Executive Director

About the role

The Executive Director will serve as the senior operational leader for Walter Lawson Children’s Home, overseeing all aspects of the Home’s daily functioning and long-term performance. Reporting to HutsonWood’s Regional Director of Operations, this leader will be responsible for ensuring high-quality care, regulatory compliance, staff engagement, and fiscal stability within a dynamic residential care environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations of Walter Lawson Children’s Home, coordinating staffing, budgeting, resident services, and resource management with department leaders.
• Maintain consistent communication with the leadership team to ensure effective problem-solving and smooth community operations.
• Address family inquiries, resident needs, regulatory matters, and personnel issues with timely and professional responses.
• Oversee all licensing reviews, audits, and state or federal surveys, ensuring preparedness, accurate documentation, and completion of corrective action plans.
• Direct continuous quality improvement efforts, including performance rounds, data analysis, and presenting recommendations that strengthen care and operations.
• Enforce safety and compliance standards, including infection control, OSHA requirements, emergency preparedness, and incident reporting; provide leadership during emergencies.
• Ensure documentation such as incident reports, meeting records, and training logs is accurate, complete, and compliant with regulatory expectations.
• Review and update community policies to reflect current professional standards and regulatory requirements.
• Supervise and develop department directors, overseeing hiring, evaluations, coaching, conflict resolution, and professional development.
• Cultivate a collaborative, accountable, and compassionate workplace culture.
• Manage financial performance and census-related strategies with department leaders, ensuring responsible resource allocation and operational sustainability.
• Analyze financial and operational reports to guide informed, data-driven decision-making.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration or a related field is preferred.
• At least five years of leadership experience in a healthcare, residential, or similar regulated environment required. Experience working with medically complex and developmentally disabled is preferred.
• A valid Nursing Home Administrator or Residential Care Administrator license is required.
• Experience working in a MC/DD facility is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to understand and interpret financial reports, regulatory materials, legal documents, and clinical or technical information.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with residents, families, staff, regulatory bodies, and external partners.
• Prominent record of building effective teams, leading organizational change, and cultivating a positive workplace culture.
• Solid judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced care environment.

Physical Requirements

The Executive Director must be able to move throughout the community and perform tasks that involve walking, standing, bending, lifting items of 25 pounds or more, and navigating resident-care environments. The role requires the ability to communicate clearly, operate standard office and communication equipment, and work safely around clinical equipment and individuals who may have complex medical or behavioral needs.

Compensation and Benefits

In addition to a base salary of $120,000 - 140,000, HutsonWood offers a comprehensive benefits package. Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance options and paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays.

Application and Nominations

HutsonWood has retained the services of Scion Executive Search, a national executive search firm specializing in nonprofit recruitment, to assist in conducting this important search. For immediate consideration, please apply with your resume and cover letter, formatted in Microsoft Word, via: https://scionexecutivesearch.com/job/13795.

Please Address Applications to:

Chelsea Zimmer, CDR, CASR
Senior Executive Search Principal
Scion Executive Search
(888) 487-8850 x 154

Review of applications, nominations, and expressions of interest will begin immediately and continue on a confidential basis until an appointment is made.