Executive Director

Job Location: New Haven, CT 06513

Annual Salary: $225,000 - $250,000

Founded in 1866, Mary Wade is a mission-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of older adults through compassionate care, innovative services, and community engagement. Mary Wade provides skilled nursing care, assisted living, memory care, adult day services, affordable senior housing, home and community-based services, and other supportive programs that enable older adults to thrive in the setting most appropriate to their needs. The organization employs approximately 338 people (about 237 FTEs) dedicated to supporting seniors with dignity, independence and compassion.

Executive Director

The Executive Director will report directly to the Board of Trustees and be responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, operational performance, financial sustainability, quality outcomes, community engagement, and mission fulfillment of Mary Wade. This individual will be charged with identifying opportunities to streamline processes, optimize operating expenses and enhance collaboration among departments while preserving the high standards of care that define the organization.

In addition, the Executive Director will drive revenue growth initiatives with a particular emphasis on increasing and stabilizing occupancy levels, and expanding community awareness of the organization’s services. This successful candidate will leverage strong community relationships, fundraising capabilities and stakeholder engagement skills to advance Mary Wade’s mission and long-term strategic objectives. This individual will work closely with state and regulatory agencies, oversee matters related to financing and bonding and ensure the organization remains well positioned to meet the evolving needs of the communities it serves.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a strategic plan to better integrate the skilled nursing and assisted living operations while enhancing organizational effectiveness.
• Drive occupancy growth and revenue enhancement initiatives across all service lines.
• Partner with the Board of Trustees to establish and execute long-term strategic objectives.
• Provide leadership and oversight for all operational, financial and clinical functions of the organization.
• Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and strengthen relationships with residents, families, donors, community organizations and other key stakeholders.
• Lead fundraising initiatives and support continued growth of philanthropic resources.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state and local regulatory requirements.
• Maintain productive relationships with state agencies and regulatory bodies.
• Oversee capital planning initiatives and matters related to financing, debt and bond obligations.
• Safeguard the organization’s financial health through sound budgeting, forecasting and resource allocation practices.
• Support and develop a high‑performing leadership team while ensuring succession planning and organizational continuity.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency while maintaining exceptional quality of care.
• Represent the organization within the community and serve as a visible ambassador for its mission and values.

Qualifications

• At least fifteen years of progressive senior leadership experience within senior living, healthcare, assisted living, skilled nursing and/or nonprofit organizations.
• Connecticut Nursing Home Administrator license preferred.
• Proven ability to successfully lead complex organizations while balancing operational excellence, financial stewardship and mission fulfillment.
• Meaningful experience integrating operations across multiple business units, care settings or service lines and a track record of driving organizational efficiencies and revenue growth.
• Experience working directly with Boards of Directors/Trustees, cultivating donor relationships and leading fundraising initiatives.
• Strong community engagement skills and the ability to serve as an effective ambassador for the organization.
• Experience with state and regulatory agencies and familiarity with bond financing, capital planning and endowment oversight.
• Engaging, highly personable and collaborative leader who can inspire confidence among residents, families, employees, community stakeholders and Board members while fostering a culture of accountability, compassion and excellence.

Benefits

• Health plans through Cigna, with 100% of Connecticut hospitals in network, and coverage of 12-18% of the premium.
• Dental and Vision coverage at low rates.
• Employee Assistance Program at no cost.
• Tuition Reimbursement benefit.
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with 50% matching.
• Employee Assisted Housing Program for purchase in Fair Haven.
• Weekly payroll.
• Beautiful garden for outdoor lunch and breaks.
• Benefit partners offering identity theft protection, prepaid legal services, AFLAC, Verizon discounts.
• Free parking on-site, located near New Haven Bus Line.
• Approximately seven weeks of paid time off.