Executive Director Independent Living

About the role

The Executive Director of Independent Living is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic management, and day-to-day operations of an independent living community. This position ensures the delivery of an exceptional resident experience by fostering a vibrant, engaging, and service-oriented environment where residents can thrive with autonomy and dignity.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for all aspects of the independent living community, creating and sustaining a culture of excellence, respect, and resident-centered service.
• Oversee daily operations of all departments including resident services, dining, housekeeping, maintenance, activities and programming, transportation, marketing, and administrative functions.
• Drive census growth and community occupancy through collaboration with the sales and marketing team, participation in outreach efforts, and maintaining strong relationships with referral sources and community partners.
• Develop, implement, and manage the annual operating budget; monitor financial performance including revenue, expense management, and variance analysis, reporting results to regional leadership.
• Ensure the community meets or exceeds all applicable federal, state, and local regulatory requirements; maintain current licensure and all required permits for independent living operations.
• Recruit, hire, onboard, and retain a high-performing team of team members; foster a positive, inclusive workplace culture aligned with company values.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations, provide ongoing coaching and development, and manage disciplinary processes in accordance with company policy and applicable employment law.
• Maintain accurate training records; oversee the development and execution of a robust resident activities and lifestyle programming calendar that promotes socialization, wellness, intellectual engagement, and community involvement.
• Build and maintain strong, trusting relationships with residents and their families; serve as an accessible and responsive point of contact for concerns, feedback, and community updates.
• Facilitate resident council meetings, family communications, and community events to foster transparency, engagement, and a strong sense of community.
• Respond promptly and professionally to resident and family concerns or complaints, ensuring timely resolution and follow-through.
• Oversee the move-in and move-out processes to ensure seamless transitions and a welcoming experience for incoming residents and families.
• Collaborate with the maintenance team to ensure the physical plant is well-maintained, safe, and aesthetically appealing; oversee capital improvement projects and vendor relationships.
• Ensure dining services meet high standards of quality, variety, nutrition, and hospitality; participate in menu reviews and resident dining satisfaction initiatives.
• Implement and maintain emergency preparedness plans, safety protocols, and disaster response procedures; conduct regular drills and ensure all team members are trained accordingly.
• Monitor resident satisfaction through surveys, rounding, and direct engagement; develop and execute action plans to continuously improve the resident experience.
• Ensure proper handling and protection of resident personal and financial information in compliance with all applicable privacy laws and company policy.
• Maintain open and effective communication with regional leadership, providing regular reports on operational performance, census, staffing, and community initiatives.
• Represent the community positively in the local marketplace through networking, civic engagement, and participation in senior living and business associations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, Hospitality Management, Gerontology, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of senior living management experience, with at least two (2) years in an Executive Director, Administrator, or equivalent leadership role.
• Prior experience in independent living, active adult communities, or hospitality-focused senior living environments strongly preferred.
• Current applicable state licensure or administrator certification as required by state regulations for independent living community leadership.
• Demonstrated experience managing operational budgets, P&L responsibility, and financial reporting.
• Proven track record of census growth, occupancy management, and sales collaboration.
• Must successfully pass a background check, drug screening, and any state-mandated health clearances per company policy and applicable regulations.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.
• CPR/First Aid certification required or must be obtained within 30 days of hire.

Skills

• Demonstrated commitment and adherence to the company’s Mission, Vision, and Values.
• Strong knowledge of independent living operations, senior lifestyle programming, hospitality standards, and resident-centered service models.
• Understanding of applicable federal and state regulations governing independent living and senior housing communities.
• Exceptional leadership presence with the ability to inspire, motivate, and develop a diverse team at all levels.
• Strong financial acumen including budget development, P&L management, expense control, and variance analysis.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills with residents, families, team members, vendors, and community partners.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills; ability to present information clearly and professionally to varied audiences.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and community management or EHR software systems.
• Able to prioritize competing demands, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills with the ability to remain calm and decisive under pressure.
• Knowledge of Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and other applicable employment laws and regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to foster an inclusive, positive workplace culture with low turnover and high team member engagement.
• Commitment to resident rights, dignity, autonomy, and the highest standards of ethical conduct.
• Flexibility to respond to community needs outside of standard business hours, including evenings, weekends, and on-call situations as required.
• Demonstrated ability to learn and adapt to changing regulatory requirements, company initiatives, and operational best practices.