Executive Director

The Bronx; Loves Park (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

HutsonWood seeks an experienced Executive Director for Walter Lawson Children’s Home in Loves Park, IL. You will lead daily operations, promote a resident-centered culture, and ensure regulatory compliance in a regulated residential care setting.

The role requires licensure as a Nursing Home or Residential Care Administrator, plus strong leadership and financial acumen. Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration or related field preferred.
• At least five years of leadership experience in healthcare/residential or similar regulated environment.
• Valid Nursing Home Administrator or Residential Care Administrator license required.
• Experience with medically complex and developmentally disabled populations preferred.
• Strong communication and collaboration with families, staff, and regulators.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations of Walter Lawson Children’s Home and manage staffing, budgets, resident services, and resources.
• Maintain open communication with the HutsonWood leadership team to solve problems and ensure smooth operations.
• Address inquiries from families, residents, and regulatory bodies promptly and professionally.
• Oversee licensing reviews, audits, state/federal surveys, and corrective action plans.
• Drive continuous quality improvement through data analysis and actionable recommendations.
• Enforce safety, infection control, OSHA, and emergency preparedness standards.
• Ensure accurate documentation of incidents, trainings, and meetings for regulatory compliance.
• Review and update community policies to current professional and regulatory standards.
• Supervise and develop department directors; handle hiring, coaching, and evaluations.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and compassionate workplace culture.
• Manage financial performance and census-related strategies with department leaders.
• Analyze financial and operational reports to guide data-driven decisions.

Skills

Leadership experience

Communication skills

Team leadership

Regulatory/compliance knowledge

Financial acumen

Crisis management

Multitasking

MC/DD experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in healthcare administration

Licensed Nursing Home Administrator or Residential Care Administrator

Job description

Scion Executive Search has been retained to conduct the search for an experienced, mission-driven Executive Director on behalf of HutsonWood, the parent organization overseeing a family of care-focused residential communities. This opportunity is located at Walter Lawson Children’s Home , which is dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate care for children and young adults with profound developmental disabilities. This full-time, onsite position is available for immediate hire in Loves Park, IL.

ABOUT HUTSONWOOD & WALTER LAWSON:

HutsonWood serves as the parent organization for a network of care-centered residential communities designed to support individuals across a spectrum of medical and developmental needs. Guided by a mission of dignity, respect, and compassionate service, HutsonWood ensures that each affiliated campus operates with strong clinical standards, a resident-first philosophy, and a commitment to enhancing quality of life. Since 1971, Walter Lawson Children’s Home has provided loving, compassionate care, enriching learning programs, and high-quality living opportunities for children with medically complex and intellectual developmental disabilities. Rooted in its mission to advance the health and well-being of those they serve, the Home is dedicated to empowering each child and young adult to achieve their fullest potential and highest quality of life. Guided by its vision to be a trusted leader and a beacon of compassion and excellence, Walter Lawson Children’s Home continues to create a nurturing environment where every resident can thrive, while offering families and the community a model of exceptional, person-centered care.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Executive Director will serve as the senior operational leader for Walter Lawson Children’s Home , overseeing all aspects of the Home’s daily functioning and long-term performance. Reporting to HutsonWood’s Regional Director of Operations, this leader will be responsible for ensuring high-quality care, regulatory compliance, staff engagement, and fiscal stability within a dynamic residential care environment. This role requires a proactive administrator who can balance the strategic goals of the parent organization with the hands-on operational needs of the Home. The Executive Director will cultivate a positive, mission-driven culture; guide department directors; strengthen communication with families and guardians; and ensure that organizational policies, clinical standards, and safety expectations are consistently upheld.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead daily operations of Walter Lawson Children’s Home, coordinating staffing, budgeting, resident services, and resource management with department leaders.
• Maintain consistent communication with the leadership team to ensure effective problem-solving and smooth community operations.
• Address family inquiries, resident needs, regulatory matters, and personnel issues with timely and professional responses.
• Oversee all licensing reviews, audits, and state or federal surveys, ensuring preparedness, accurate documentation, and completion of corrective action plans.
• Direct continuous quality improvement efforts, including performance rounds, data analysis, and presenting recommendations that strengthen care and operations.
• Enforce safety and compliance standards, including infection control, OSHA requirements, emergency preparedness, and incident reporting; provide leadership during emergencies.
• Ensure documentation such as incident reports, meeting records, and training logs is accurate, complete, and compliant with regulatory expectations.
• Review and update community policies to reflect current professional standards and regulatory requirements.
• Supervise and develop department directors, overseeing hiring, evaluations, coaching, conflict resolution, and professional development.
• Cultivate a collaborative, accountable, and compassionate workplace culture.
• Manage financial performance and census-related strategies with department leaders, ensuring responsible resource allocation and operational sustainability.
• Analyze financial and operational reports to guide informed, data-driven decision-making.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration or a related field is preferred.
• At least five years of leadership experience in a healthcare, residential, or similar regulated environment required.
• Experience working with medically complex and developmentally disabled is preferred.
• A valid Nursing Home Administrator or Residential Care Administrator license is required.
• Experience working in a MC/DD facility is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to understand and interpret financial reports, regulatory materials, legal documents, and clinical or technical information.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with residents, families, staff, regulatory bodies, and external partners.
• Proven record of building effective teams, leading organizational change, and cultivating a positive workplace culture.
• Solid judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced care environment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The Executive Director must be able to move throughout the community and perform tasks that involve walking, standing, bending, lifting items of 25 pounds or more, and navigating resident-care environments. The role requires the ability to communicate clearly, operate standard office and communication equipment, and work safely around clinical equipment and individuals who may have complex medical or behavioral needs.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

• In addition to a base salary of $120,000 - 140,000, HutsonWood offers a comprehensive benefits package.
• Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance options and paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays.

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