Executive Director I - Assisted Living

Executive Director | Northern Lakes Senior Living

Baxter, Minnesota (Brainerd Area)

Lead with Purpose. Inspire a Team. Make a Difference.

At Northern Lakes Senior Living, you'll find more than a workplace. You'll discover a welcoming, family-like community where residents and team members thrive. Nestled in a beautiful setting near the Paul Bunyan Trail at 8186 Excelsior Road in Baxter, Minnesota, our community offers Assisted Living and Memory Care services across 68 apartments.

Managed by Ebenezer, Minnesota's largest senior living operator, Northern Lakes is known for its compassionate culture, dedicated team members, and commitment to exceptional resident care. We provide comprehensive onboarding, ongoing professional development, and opportunities for career growth within a respected and mission-driven organization.

Our collaborative team includes Resident Assistants, Nursing leadership, Regional Clinical Support, Corporate Education Specialists, Culinary Services, Life Enrichment professionals, and other interdisciplinary partners dedicated to enhancing the lives of those we serve.

Position Summary

The Executive Director serves as the operational and strategic leader of the community, providing overall oversight of resident care, employee engagement, financial performance, regulatory compliance, occupancy growth, and daily operations. This role is responsible for the 24/7 leadership and success of the community while fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and exceptional customer service.

What You'll Do

Lead and Develop High-Performing Teams

• Build, mentor, and support a strong community leadership team.
• Establish performance expectations and operational goals with department leaders.
• Provide coaching, professional development, and ongoing performance feedback.
• Promote employee engagement, accountability, and a positive workplace culture.
• Oversee hiring, onboarding, retention, and employee development initiatives.
• Ensure accurate staffing, scheduling, payroll, and workforce management practices.

Drive Financial Performance

• Develop and manage the annual operating budget.
• Monitor monthly financial performance and collaborate with leaders to achieve budget goals.
• Analyze revenue and expenses and implement strategies to improve financial outcomes.
• Partner with Ebenezer corporate teams on financial reporting and planning.
• Oversee resident billing, collections, deposits, and financial record accuracy.

Champion Resident and Family Satisfaction

• Foster meaningful relationships with residents, families, and team members.
• Lead customer service excellence efforts throughout the community.
• Respond promptly and effectively to resident and family concerns.
• Support resident councils and other engagement opportunities.
• Conduct satisfaction surveys and implement quality improvement initiatives.
• Lead Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) efforts focused on quality outcomes and risk management.

Support Occupancy and Growth

• Partner with sales and marketing teams to achieve occupancy goals.
• Monitor census trends and implement strategies to maintain strong occupancy.
• Participate in tours, prospect engagement, and relationship-building activities.
• Support community outreach and reputation-building efforts.

Ensure Operational Excellence

• Oversee community operations, maintenance, and facility appearance.
• Monitor building systems, safety practices, and environmental standards.
• Collaborate with department leaders to deliver high-quality services across all areas of the community.
• Serve as the primary liaison for ownership groups in managed communities, providing regular operational and financial updates.

Maintain Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with Assisted Living regulations and applicable state and federal requirements.
• Oversee readiness for regulatory surveys and inspections.
• Lead responses to health department surveys, investigations, and complaint reviews.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, labor regulations, and organizational policies.
• Promote a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications

• Licensed Assisted Living Director (LALD)
• Licensed Health Services Exec by BELTSS Board
• Meets requirements for Assisted Living Director – In Residence (ALD-IR) by obtaining a permit from BELTSS as an ALD-IR within 30-days of hire date and have experience in the management of an AL or related facility or must be enrolled in a BELTSS approved program within six (6) months of permit issuance (Refer to MN Rule 6400.7080B). Required to graduate from approved program, complete the field experience and pass the examinations within one year of hire date.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science or Senior Housing, Business or related
• 3 years

Why Join Ebenezer?

• Career growth opportunities within Minnesota's leading senior living organization
• Comprehensive onboarding and leadership support
• Collaborative and mission-driven culture
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on residents, families, and team members every day
• Support from experienced regional and corporate leadership teams

If you are a servant leader with a passion for senior living, operational excellence, and creating exceptional resident experiences, we invite you to join the Northern Lakes Senior Living team. Together, we'll continue delivering the care, compassion, and community our residents call home.

Ebenezer offers a generous benefits package, including but not limited to medical, dental, vision plans, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, PTO and Sick and Safe Time, tuition reimbursement, retirement, early access to earned wages, and more! Please follow this link for additional information:

The posted pay range is for a 40-hour workweek (1.0 FTE). The actual rate of pay offered within this range may depend on several factors, such as FTE, skills, knowledge, relevant education, experience, and market conditions. Additionally, our organization values pay equity and considers the internal equity of our team when making any offer. Hiring at the maximum of the range is not typical. If your role is eligible for a sign-on bonus, the bonus program that is approved and in place at the time of offer, is what will be honored.

EEO/Vet/Disabled: All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to any lawfully protected status