Executive Director - I/DD Residential Services Leader

Apploi; Sycamore (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive executive compensation

Comprehensive benefits package

Paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Leadership role with impact

Job summary

Apploi is seeking an experienced Executive Director in Sycamore, IL to provide overall leadership and strategic direction for a multi-site residential services organization serving adults with I/DD. This hands-on role balances business performance with person-centered care and regulatory compliance.

You will lead a team of managers, oversee operations, ensure high-quality services, and drive growth while maintaining readiness for regulatory surveys and continuous quality improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, healthcare administration, social services, human services, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressive leadership or management experience, preferably in I/DD, behavioral health, healthcare, human services, CILA, residential services, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple programs, locations, or departments.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory and compliance requirements applicable to residential human-services organizations.
• Proven ability to recruit, develop, and lead management teams.
• Strong financial, operational, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced, highly regulated environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide vision, leadership, and strategic direction for the organization.
• Establish organizational goals and ensure successful execution.
• Lead and develop a strong team of managers and department leaders.
• Build a culture of accountability, professionalism, teamwork, and respect.
• Serve as a visible and engaged leader throughout the organization.
• Oversee day-to-day operations across residential programs and organizational departments.
• Ensure appropriate staffing, scheduling, training, and operational coverage.
• Monitor program performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Establish and maintain effective systems, policies, procedures, and performance standards.
• Ensure the organization has the resources necessary to provide consistent, high-quality services.
• Ensure compliance with applicable Illinois regulations, licensing requirements, Medicaid requirements, and organizational policies.
• Maintain readiness for regulatory surveys, inspections, audits, and reviews.
• Oversee quality assurance and risk-management initiatives.
• Ensure incidents, complaints, investigations, and corrective actions are addressed.
• Maintain a strong culture of compliance and continuous quality improvement.
• Recruit, develop, coach, and retain talented leaders and employees.
• Establish clear expectations and accountability throughout the organization.
• Promote employee engagement and professional development.
• Support managers in addressing performance, staffing, and employee-relations matters.
• Develop leadership succession and talent-development strategies.
• Oversee organizational budgeting, financial performance, and resource allocation.
• Monitor revenue, expenses, staffing costs, and operational performance.
• Identify opportunities for sustainable growth and improved efficiency.
• Work closely with ownership and/or organizational leadership on financial and strategic decisions.
• Ensure the people supported receive exceptional, individualized services.
• Promote independence, dignity, choice, community participation, and personal growth.
• Maintain strong relationships with individuals served, families, guardians, employees, and community partners.
• Ensure service quality remains at the center of organizational decision-making.

Skills

Executive leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Multi-site management

Strategic planning

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration/healthcare administration/social services

Master's degree (preferred)

Job description

Apploi is seeking an experienced Executive Director in Sycamore, IL to provide overall leadership and strategic direction for a multi-site residential services organization serving adults with I/DD. This hands-on role balances business performance with person-centered care and regulatory compliance.

You will lead a team of managers, oversee operations, ensure high-quality services, and drive growth while maintaining readiness for regulatory surveys and continuous quality improvement.