Discovery Senior Living

Executive Director

Discovery Senior Living$90K — $108K *
Healthcare
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, Hospitality, or related field preferred.
  • Minimum 3 years of management experience, including 2 years as an Executive Director in senior living required.
  • State-specific Administrator License/Certification not required for Independent Living.
  • Proven success in census growth, operational leadership, and financial management.
  • Strong team leadership skills with hiring and performance management experience.
  • Excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
  • Experience with Medicaid (a plus, depending on state).

Responsibilities

  • Oversee day-to-day operations for efficiency and compliance with budgeted goals.
  • Ensure compliance with all regulatory standards and organizational benchmarks.
  • Manage community financials, budgets, and operational performance metrics.
  • Drive achievement of occupancy and resident engagement targets.
  • Champion a resident-centered model prioritizing service and dignity.
  • Provide visible leadership, hiring, training, and coaching staff for high performance.
  • Partner with the sales team to drive occupancy and revenue maximization.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • 401(k) with employer match.
  • Paid time off and holidays.
  • Paid training and career growth opportunities.
  • Wellness-related benefits.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Full Job Description
Executive Director

As Executive Director, you'll play an essential role in enriching the lives of seniors, creating meaningful connections, and making a difference every single day.

Your Role:

As the Executive Director, your role includes providing strategic and operational leadership to ensure exceptional service, financial performance, and a vibrant community culture. You will represent the community externally, foster collaboration internally, and lead by example through clear communication, accountability, and compassionate leadership.

Position Highlights:
  • Status: FULL TIME
  • Schedule: Traditional leadership workweek with flexibility required based on business and operational needs that includes Manager on Duty hours as well as on call for emergency situations
  • Location: Mission, KS
  • Rate of Pay: $90k annual salary +20% annual target performance bonus.
  • Travel: Under 20%

Why You'll Love This Community:

Welcome to The Welstone at Mission Crossing, where freedom, comfort, and connection come together for an inspiring independent lifestyle. Located just minutes from Overland Park and Kansas City, our Independent Living community offers spacious apartment homes, resort-style amenities, and a warm, engaging environment designed for active adults. Here, residents enjoy chef-prepared dining, a dynamic calendar of social events, and maintenance-free living that lets you focus on what matters most: enjoying life your way.

As one of the best options for Independent Senior Living in Overland Park, KS, The Welstone combines exceptional value with Discovery's signature lifestyle programs, including Sensations Dining, Dimensions Health & Wellness, and Celebrations Activities & Events. Every detail is designed to make each day vibrant, fulfilling, and worry-free.

What You'll Do:

Operational Leadership
  • Oversee day-to-day operations across all departments to ensure efficiency, compliance, and alignment with budgeted goals
  • Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, as well as organizational and ownership standards
  • Maintain full responsibility for community financials, budgets, and operational performance metrics
  • Drive achievement of NOI, occupancy, and resident engagement targets
  • Monitor and manage operating costs, labor, and collections in alignment with financial expectations

Customer-Focused Culture
  • Champion a resident-centered model of care that prioritizes service, dignity, and engagement
  • Foster a supportive environment for residents, families, and team members alike
  • Support all program areas-clinical, memory care, dining, and life enrichment-with functional oversight
  • Hold regular Town Hall and/or Resident Council meetings, and ensure family communications and care plan reviews are consistent

Team & Talent Development
  • Provide visible leadership to department heads and community team members
  • Hire, train, develop, and coach staff to achieve high performance and job satisfaction
  • Implement policies and procedures that promote compliance, accountability, and professional growth
  • Support an inclusive, collaborative, and performance-driven work culture

Business Development & Sales Strategy
  • Partner with the sales team to drive occupancy and maximize top-line revenue
  • Contribute to pricing strategy and evaluate local market trends to maintain competitive positioning
  • Cultivate and maintain relationships within the community to support lead generation and referrals
  • Lead external business development strategy with clear accountabilities and measurable outcomes

Assisted Living / Memory Care (as applicable)
  • Ensure compliance with state AL/MC regulations, policies, and resident documentation
  • Lead monthly "at-risk" meetings and family engagement efforts
  • Oversee specialized programming (e.g., SHINE® Memory Care) to ensure effectiveness
  • Ensure wellness and care plans are properly implemented and tracked

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, Hospitality, or related field preferred
  • Minimum 3 years of management experience, with at least 2 years as an Executive Director in senior living required
  • State-specific Administrator License/Certification not required for Independent Living
  • Proven success in census growth, operational leadership, and financial management
  • Strong team leadership skills with experience in hiring, performance management, and coaching
  • Excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
  • Experience with Medicaid (a plus, depending on state)
  • Participation in rotating on-call schedule and Manager on Duty (MOD) coverage required on evenings/weekends.

Benefits You'll Enjoy

For eligible employees, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes competitive pay, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, paid time off and holidays, a 401(k) with employer match, paid training and career growth opportunities, wellness-related benefits, and additional support through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

About Discovery Senior Living

Discovery Senior Living provides authentic lifestyle experiences that parallel the distinctive local and regional culture and the traditions that typify life in each area. It is a real estate company providing senior living, care, and resort lifestyle services.

Discovery Senior Living Careers

There has never been a more opportune time to join the dedicated team at Discovery Senior Living—the leader in providing exceptional service and care in the senior living industry.

Work You’ll Do

Join Discovery Senior Living's highly regarded team to assist in transforming the experience of senior living across the nation. This role offers the chance to be a part of a community that values growth, leadership, and innovation. Lead in a unique role that combines deep industry knowledge with a commitment to improving the lives of seniors. Engage with a professional team that drives industry standards through a culture of diversity, networking, and professional development. Collaborate with the nation’s top experts in senior living – a community of professionals dedicated to pioneering advancements in care and lifestyle options for seniors.

Introducing the Discovery Senior Living Career Development Program

The program is designed to foster the next generation of leaders in the senior living industry through comprehensive leadership and diversity training. Discovery Senior Living is committed to nurturing talent and providing pathways for career advancement.

Innovate and Lead

Be part of a team that is at the forefront of innovation in senior living. Discovery Senior Living employs over 6,000 dedicated professionals who are committed to enhancing the lives of seniors through cutting-edge solutions and compassionate care.

Grow Your Career

Discovery Senior Living offers a wealth of job opportunities that encourage professional growth and personal achievement. Team members are supported through extensive training programs and are encouraged to advance their skills through continued education and leadership roles.

Explore Job Opportunities and Benefits

Discovery Senior Living provides a robust array of benefits designed to support the health, well-being, and financial security of each team member. From comprehensive health benefits to professional development programs, team members are equipped with resources to succeed.

The Discovery Senior Living Difference

Through a commitment to excellence and a culture of respect and compassion, Discovery Senior Living sets itself apart as a leader in the senior living sector. The company’s focus on innovation, combined with its dedication to quality and service, makes it a prime choice for those seeking meaningful careers in this dynamic field.

Stay Connected

Join the Team

Search open positions that match your skills and interests. Discovery Senior Living looks for passionate, curious, and solution-driven professionals. Explore the various employment and internship positions available that promise a rewarding career in senior living.

Keep Up to Date

Stay informed with career tips, industry insights, and the latest innovations in senior living—all from the perspectives of those who are part of the Discovery Senior Living team.

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Learn more about Discovery Senior Living
Size
10,001 employees
Industry

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