Executive Director (Senior Living)

About the role

LakeHouse Senior Living operates care and lifestyle-focused Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care communities across five states, serving approximately 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. As part of one of the largest senior living families in the United States, LakeHouse communities have earned Great Place to Work® certifications from 2022–2027.

As Executive Director, you’ll play an essential role in enriching the lives of seniors, creating meaningful connections, and making a difference every single day. Your role includes providing 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.

Position Highlights: Full Time. Traditional leadership workweek with flexibility required based on business and operational needs that includes Manager on Duty hours as well as on call for emergency situations. Location: Cedarburg, WI. Rate of Pay: $100,000-105,000 + 20% Annual Performance Target Bonus. Travel: Limited for a regional meeting or training.

Welcome to LakeHouse Cedarburg, offering Assisted Living in Cedarburg, WI, where a private courtyard, walking paths, and a close-to-town setting make it easy to enjoy the day. Step outside for fresh air, spend a little time gardening or visiting with neighbors, then head in for a meal and conversation in a welcoming dining space. Private apartments include kitchenettes and livable touches like window treatments, carpeting, and generous closet space, creating a familiar place to settle in. With daily meals, help available when you need it, and inviting spaces like the theater and library for movie time or a quiet read, the day naturally balances connection and comfort.

Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• 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

Customer-Focused Culture

• Champion a resident-centered model of care that prioritizes service, dignity, and engagement
• Foster a supportive environment for residents, families, and team members alike
• 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 family communications and care plan reviews are consistent

Team & Talent Development

• 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

Business Development & Sales Strategy

• 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

Assisted Living / Memory Care

• 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

Qualifications

• 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 the state of Wisconsin)
• Proven success in census growth, operational leadership,