Executive Director (Senior Living)

LakeHouse Senior Living operates care and lifestyle-focused Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care communities across five states, serving thousands of residents and families. Guided by our Pillars of Excellence, LakeHouse fosters a culture of connection, authenticity, and purpose where residents feel at home and Team Members feel inspired to learn, grow, and lead.

About the role

As the Executive Director, you’ll provide strategic and operational leadership to ensure exceptional service, financial performance, and a vibrant community culture. You will represent the community externally, foster collaboration internally, and lead by example through clear communication, accountability, and compassionate leadership.

Status: Full-time. Schedule includes a traditional leadership workweek with flexibility required for business and operational needs, including Manager on Duty hours and on-call for emergency situations. Location: Altoona, WI. Travel is limited to regional meetings or training.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations across all departments to ensure efficiency, compliance, and alignment with budgeted goals.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, as well as organizational and ownership standards.
• Maintain full responsibility for community financials, budgets, and operational performance metrics.
• Drive achievement of NOI, occupancy, and resident engagement targets.
• Monitor and manage operating costs, labor, and collections in alignment with financial expectations.
• Champion a resident-centered model of care that prioritizes service, dignity, and engagement.
• Foster a supportive environment for residents, families, and team members.
• Support all program areas—clinical, memory care, dining, and life enrichment—with functional oversight.
• Hold regular Town Hall and/or Resident Council meetings, and ensure consistent family communications and care plan reviews.
• Provide visible leadership to department heads and community team members.
• Hire, train, develop, and coach staff to achieve high performance and job satisfaction.
• Implement policies and procedures that promote compliance, accountability, and professional growth.
• Support an inclusive, collaborative, and performance-driven work culture.
• Partner with the sales team to drive occupancy and maximize top-line revenue.
• Contribute to pricing strategy and evaluate local market trends to maintain competitive positioning.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships within the community to support lead generation and referrals.
• Lead external business development strategy with clear accountabilities and measurable outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with state AL/MC regulations, policies, and resident documentation.
• Lead monthly “at-risk” meetings and family engagement efforts.
• Oversee specialized programming (e.g., SHINE® Memory Care) to ensure effectiveness.
• Ensure wellness and care plans are properly implemented and tracked.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, Hospitality, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of management experience, with at least 2 years as an Executive Director in senior living required.
• State-specific Administrator License/Certification as required by state (RCAC & CBRF’s in Wisconsin).
• Proven success in census growth, operational leadership, and financial management.
• Strong team leadership skills with experience in hiring, performance management, and coaching.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Experience with Medicaid (a plus, depending on state).
• Participation in rotating on-call schedule and Manager on Duty (MOD) coverage required.

About the community

Oak Gardens Place offers Assisted Living in Altoona, WI, with a small, home-like feel and an easy rhythm that fits the Chippewa Valley. Residents can enjoy outdoor spaces, relax in the lounge with neighbors, or settle in for a movie night. Choose from suite and one-bedroom apartments, all designed with kitchenettes and practical storage. With supportive help nearby and a welcoming community, it’s a place where routines stay familiar and days feel comfortable.

Pay

$85,000–$90,000 base salary plus a 20% annual performance target bonus.

Benefits

• Competitive pay.
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Paid training and career growth opportunities.
• Wellness-related benefits.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Culture & Values

At Discovery Senior Living, our culture is unified by core values known as the “Pillars of Excellence”: Teamwork, Integrity, Performance, Accountability, Compassion, Hard Work, and Creativity. These values guide our actions, foster innovation, and help us build a meaningful and rewarding work environment.