Associate Administrator

Encompass Health; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Encompass Health is seeking an Associate Administrator for a 24-month program aimed at developing future hospital CEOs. This immersive role involves operational responsibility, leadership under the CEO, and hands-on experience in hospital administration.

Ideal candidates must have an MBA or MHA, 3+ years of management experience, and a strong desire to advance in healthcare leadership. The position offers opportunities for measurable improvements in clinical and financial outcomes.

Qualifications

• Strong desire to become a hospital CEO within two years.
• Commitment to two years as Associate Administrator and three years as CEO.
• Willingness to relocate up to two times within two years.
• 3+ years of hospital management experience, including direct supervisory responsibilities.
• Proven track record of above-average performance.
• Demonstrated strength in key leadership competencies.

Responsibilities

• Drive measurable improvements in clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction.
• Complete a structured curriculum tailored to executive leadership development.
• Deliver a formal strategic project presentation at the 12-month mark.
• Contribute to cross-functional initiatives and perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Analytical Thinking

Business Acumen

Change Agility

Collaborative Leadership

Effective Communication

Decisive Action

Visionary Leadership

Strategic Alignment

Talent Development

Professional Expertise

Education

MBA or MHA

Job description

Currently Taking Applications for the Fall 2026 Cohort

Fall 2026 Locations: Shiloh, IL; Aldie, VA; Greenville, SC; The Woodlands, TX; Tustin, CA; Woburn, MA; Vero Beach, FL

Position Overview And Key Responsibilities

The Associate Administrator (Developing Future CEO) role is an intensive, 24‑month executive development program designed to prepare high‑potential leaders for future hospital CEO positions. This immersive assignment focuses on cultivating the skills, experience, and strategic insight required to lead a healthcare organization effectively.

As a key member of the hospital's senior leadership team, the Associate Administrator works directly under the CEO and assumes operational responsibility for at least one department. Responsibilities expand progressively based on performance, leadership capabilities, and organizational needs.

Throughout The Program, The Associate Administrator Will

• Drive measurable improvements in clinical outcomes, financial performance, employee engagement, and patient satisfaction.
• Complete a structured curriculum tailored to executive leadership development.
• Deliver a formal 20‑minute strategic project presentation at the 12‑month mark.
• Contribute to cross‑functional initiatives and perform additional duties as assigned.

This role offers a unique opportunity to gain hands‑on experience in hospital administration while building the foundation for future executive leadership.

Core Competencies

We're looking for candidates who demonstrate excellence in the following areas:

• Analytical Thinking – Uncover insights through data and sound reasoning
• Business Acumen – Understand strategic priorities and operational dynamics
• Change Agility – Lead and adapt to transformation with resilience
• Collaborative Leadership – Build inclusive partnerships across diverse teams
• Effective Communication – Share ideas clearly and empathetically
• Decisive Action – Make timely, informed decisions with confidence
• Visionary Leadership – Inspire and empower others toward shared goals
• Strategic Alignment – Ensure actions support long‑term objectives
• Talent Development – Grow and retain high‑performing teams
• Professional Expertise – Apply deep knowledge in hospital operations

Position Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Strong desire to become a hospital CEO within two years
• Commitment to two years as Associate Administrator and three years as CEO (based on performance and business needs)
• Willingness to relocate up to two times within two years
• MBA or MHA required
• 3+ years of hospital management experience, including:
  • Direct supervisory responsibilities
  • Budget input and financial accountability
• Proven track record of above‑average performance
• Demonstrated strength in key leadership competencies
• Experience managing teams with 3+ direct reports

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ years in senior healthcare management
• Oversight of departments such as Finance, Marketing, Nursing, Therapy, Quality, Case Management, or HR
• Full responsibility for departmental budgeting
• Long‑term ambition to advance beyond CEO within 5‑10 years

The Encompass Health Way

We proudly set the standard in care by leading with empathy, doing what's right, focusing on the positive, and standing stronger together. Encompass Health is a trusted leader in post‑acute care with over 150 nationwide locations and a team of 36,000 exceptional individuals and growing.

At Encompass Health, we celebrate and welcome diversity in our inclusive culture. We provide equal employment opportunities regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, color, creed, age, mental or physical disability, or any other protected classification.