Executive Director

Job Description

Job Description

$187,000.00 to $281,000.00 Annually (Based on years of experience) 

Lake Forest Place | Full Time | Administration Department | 8am-4pm| M-F Onsite

Are you looking for a team where you can bring your passion, strengths, and best self as a  Executive Director ?

At Lake Forest Place, you’ll join a mission‑driven community where employees work together to deliver a truly personalized experience for our residents. Our team values collaboration, compassion, and shared expertise, and we’re searching for individuals who lead with heart and help create a positive, uplifting environment.

If you’re someone who enjoys making a difference, building meaningful connections, and contributing to a workplace centered on wellness, independence, joy, and security, you’ll feel right at home here.

Why YOU Will Love Working With Us

Comprehensive Benefits That Care for You

• Health & Wellness:  Medical, dental, vision, Wellhub, and onsite fitness
• Financial Security:  PTO rollover/sellback, 403(b) with match, commuter benefits, financial counseling
• Peace of Mind:  Life insurance, disability coverage, EAP support
• Growth & Development:  Tuition reimbursement, scholarships, mentorship, and career pathways
• Community & Connection:  Engagement events and 24/7 chaplain counseling for emotional/spiritual support

Position Overview

The Executive Director provides visible, mission-driven leadership for Presbyterian Living' Community and is accountable for delivering exceptional resident experiences while ensuring operational excellence, financial sustainability, regulatory compliance, and leadership accountability. The Executive Director fosters a culture of ownership, collaboration, and continuous improvement and is responsible for translating organizational strategies into measurable results.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership and Planning
  • Work collaboratively with the Corporate Leadership to implement the mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities of Presbyterian Living.
  • Develop and execute community annual goals and objectives in partnership with the Chief Operating Officer.
  • Lead strategic initiatives that support growth, resident satisfaction, operational excellence, and financial sustainability.
• Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness
  • Build and sustain a high-performing leadership team through clear expectations, coaching, accountability, and succession planning.
  • Foster a culture characterized by ownership, transparency, collaboration, and timely follow-through.
  • Address performance concerns proactively and consistently.
• Financial Management
  • Develop operating and capital budgets in partnership with the COO and VP of Finance.
  • Maintain accountability for achieving revenue and expense targets.
  • Ensure department leaders understand and are accountable for their budgets and key performance indicators.
• Census and Marketing
  • Achieve annual census goals across all levels of care.
  • Monitor trends and proactively respond to changing occupancy conditions.
  • Partner with Sales and Marketing leaders to maximize occupancy and strengthen market position.
• Operations Management
  • Maintain systems, policies, and procedures that ensure regulatory compliance, resident safety, and employee wellbeing.
  • Promote operational consistency and standardization aligned with Presbyterian Living policies and service standards.
  • Establish clear operational expectations and monitor performance through rounding, audits, and management reviews.
• Clinical Oversight
  • Partner closely with the Medical Director, Health Care Administrator, VP of Clinical Services, and COO to ensure a culture of clinical excellence.
  • Support development of comprehensive clinical and wellness programs consistent with organizational philosophy.
  • Promote patient safety, quality outcomes, and regulatory compliance.
• Hospitality and Resident Experience
  • Foster a culture of hospitality and service excellence that delivers exceptional experiences for residents, families, guests, and employees.
  • Lead resident satisfaction initiatives and service recovery efforts to ensure concerns are addressed promptly and effectively.
  • Partner with enterprise Resident Experience and Culinary leaders to implement Presbyterian Living hospitality standards while preserving the unique identity and culture of Lake Forest Place.
• Facilities Operations
  • Partner with Facilities leadership to ensure buildings, grounds, and infrastructure are maintained to Presbyterian Living standards.
  • Ensure preventive maintenance programs are effectively executed.
  • Monitor responsiveness to resident maintenance requests and environmental concerns.
• Community Relations and Foundation Support
  • Represent Lake Forest Place and Presbyterian Living in the broader community.
  • Support philanthropic efforts and work collaboratively with Foundation leadership.
  • Build strong relationships with residents, families, community organizations, and strategic partners.
• Risk Management
  • Manage community risk management programs in cooperation with Corporate Risk Management.
  • Promote a culture of safety and high reliability throughout the organization.
  • Ensure risk mitigation practices support organizational goals and resident wellbeing.
  • Support continuous learning and systems thinking to reduce risk exposure.
• Other duties assigned

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor's degree required. Master's degree in Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• Licensed Nursing Home Administrator in Illinois or licensure eligible.
• Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible leadership experience in senior living, healthcare, hospitality, or related industries.
• Demonstrated success leading large, complex organizations with multiple service lines.
• Proven ability to develop high-performing teams and drive measurable operational improvements.
• Experience managing operating and capital budgets.

About Presbyterian Living

Presbyterian Living is an independent, not‑for‑profit senior living organization offering a full continuum of care—including independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care. Since 1904, we’ve welcomed people from all backgrounds across our communities in Evanston (Westminster Place & Ten Twenty Grove), Lake Forest (Lake Forest Place), and Arlington Heights (The Moorings).

What sets us apart is our commitment to people - residents, families, and employees alike. We’re a compassionate, mission‑driven organization where team members feel supported, valued, and inspired to make a meaningful difference each day.