Associate Administrator

Encompass Health; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Encompass Health Corporation is launching the Developing Future CEO program, an 18-24 month executive leadership track designed to prepare high-potential leaders for Hospital CEO roles.

As an Associate Administrator, you will work with a Hospital CEO, participate in senior leadership, and gain hands-on experience in operations, finances, patient experience, quality outcomes and engagement. The program emphasizes mentorship and strategic project leadership.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of leadership experience in hospital environment.
• Experience supervising employees and leading teams.
• Experience with departmental budgets and financial management.
• Record of strong performance and career progression.
• Desire to advance into Hospital CEO role and commit to 24-month program.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Hospital CEO to learn all aspects of hospital operations.
• Lead operational departments and assume increasing responsibility.
• Drive improvements in patient satisfaction, employee engagement, clinical outcomes and financial performance.
• Analyze operational and financial data to identify growth and performance opportunities.
• Participate in executive leadership meetings and strategic planning.
• Collaborate with clinical and non-clinical leaders across the hospital.
• Complete a structured executive leadership development curriculum.
• Lead a strategic initiative and present results to senior leadership at 12 months.
• Support growth, operational excellence and culture initiatives.

Skills

Leadership experience

Budget management

Strategic planning

People management

Healthcare leadership

Education

MHA or MBA

Job description

Encompass Health's Developing Future CEO (DFCEO) Program is a highly selective,18-24 month executive leadership development program designed to prepare high-potential healthcare leaders for Hospital Chief Executive Officer (CEO) positions.

As an Associate Administrator, you will work directly with a Hospital CEO, serve as a member of the senior leadership team and gain hands‑on experience leading hospital operations, financial performance, patient experience, quality outcomes and employee engagement. You will also participate in Encompass Health's Developing Future CEO (DFCEO) Program designed to prepare high‑potential healthcare leaders for Hospital Chief Executive Officer (CEO) positions. This program provides accelerated leadership development through operational ownership, executive mentorship and strategic project leadership.

You must be willing to move to one of the following locations

• Louisville, KY
• Fort Mill, SC
• Dothan, AL
• Prosper, TX
• Sandy, UT

Required Qualifications

Candidates must meet all of the following requirements:

• Master’s degree in healthcare administration (MHA), Business Administration (MBA) or related healthcare leadership field
• Minimum of 3 years of leadership experience in acute or post‑acute hospital environment.
• Experience directly supervising employees and leading teams
• Experience managing at least 3 direct reports
• Experience with departmental budgets, financial management and performance accountability
• Demonstrated record of strong performance and career progression
• Desire and commitment to advance into a Hospital CEO role
• Ability to commit to the 24-month development program
• Willingness to relocate up to two times during the program and for future CEO placement opportunities

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ years of senior healthcare management experience
• Leadership responsibility for one or more of the following:
• Nursing
• Therapy Services
• Case Management
• Human Resources
• Quality
• Marketing
• Finance
• Experience leading cross-functional operational initiatives
• Experience improving quality, patient satisfaction or financial performance metrics
• Long-term executive leadership aspirations

What You'll Do

As an Associate Administrator, you will:

• Partner directly with the Hospital CEO to learn all aspects of hospital operations and executive leadership
• Lead operational departments and assume increasing levels of responsibility throughout the program
• Drive improvements in patient satisfaction, employee engagement, clinical outcomes and financial performance
• Analyze operational and financial data to identify opportunities for growth and performance improvement
• Participate in executive leadership meetings and strategic planning initiatives
• Collaborate with clinical and non-clinical leaders across the hospital
• Complete a structured executive leadership development curriculum
• Lead a strategic business initiative and present results to senior leadership at the 12-month milestone
• Support organizational growth, operational excellence and culture initiatives

Ideal Background

We're seeking emerging healthcare leaders who are passionate about hospital operations and motivated to become a Hospital CEO.

• Healthcare leadership experience
• Strong business and financial acumen
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Team leadership and talent development capabilities
• Change management and organizational leadership experience
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Operational excellence mindset
• Ability to influence and lead across multiple departments