From now until 2030, approximately 10,000 baby boomers (those born between 1946-1964) will retire. As this generation ages, the need for senior living housing options will increase. Senior living housing solutions include Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), assisted living communities, nursing facilities and memory care center. Many of these housing options are led by an Executive Director. Executive Directors are primarily responsible for the operations, employee and resident relations, and regulatory compliance for their Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), or Assisted Living Facility. The Executive Director is someone who can lead with understanding, while driving exceptional business forward. Generally, the job duties of this position include:

• Financial management of the community or facility, while working to meet budgetary goals
• An exceptional ability to form relationships with staff, residents and their families to grow satisfaction and census
• Identifies operational issues and implements solutions
• Ability to develop programs and implement changes successfully
• Implements corrective action when needed to ensure a healthy work environment
• Ensures the facility adheres to all federal, state and local laws and regulations
• Responsible for making hiring decisions as well as terminating staff members when necessary
• Is familiar and dedicated to meeting company standards and goals
• Works closely with community boards and can be a liaison between the board, staff and residents
• Possesses an inherent desire to help others and make a difference in the lives of the people they encounter every day

Executive Directors are expected to be up to date with the operations and activities of their community or facility at all times. It is often necessary for an Executive Director to be available to their staff and residents at any given time of day, night or weekend. Since this is the nature of senior care, it is important that this person has a real passion for their service within the senior community. This person will need to be able to make quick, informed decisions that follow regulatory compliance standards in times of emergency while remaining calm and professional.

Executive Directors of large CCRC campuses serve as key management leaders and work closely with a Board of Directors to fulfill the organizational mission, develop an effective strategic plan and ensure the financial viability of the organization. They also work closely with the board to seek their input in policy decisions, fundraising opportunities and community involvement and exposure.

Although not always a requirement, Argentum, a national organization dedicated to supporting companies that operate resident-centered senior living communities, offers the Senior Living Certification Commission (SLCC) Certified Director of Assisted Living (CDAL) credential. Argentum states, “eligible assisted living executive directors must pass a written examination based on knowledge domains and job tasks related to knowledge and duties performed by assisted living executive directors. CDALs demonstrate competency in their role as a community leader and commitment to the highest quality of service in senior living.” To qualify for the program, candidates must have a college degree and five years of work experience as an executive director, or seven years in a management capacity at an assisted living community.