Executive Director

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 MC/DD license is required.
• A valid Nursing Home Administrator or Residential Care Administrator license is required.
• 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.

Applications and Nominations:

HutsonWood has retained the services of Scion Executive Search, a national executive search firm specializing in nonprofit recruitment, to assist in conducting this important search. For immediate consideration, please apply with your resume and cover letter, formatted in Microsoft Word, via: https://scionexecutivesearch.com/job/13795.

Please Address Applications to:

Chelsea Zimmer, CDR, CASR

Senior Executive Search Principal

Scion Executive Search

(888) 487-8850 x 154

Review of applications, nominations, and expressions of interest will begin immediately and continue on a confidential basis until an appointment is made.

ABOUT OUR FIRM:

Scion Executive Search is an award-winning retained executive search firm. Our track record and recruitment process have made us one of the top recruitment firms in the United States. Through innovative team building and recruitment solutions, Scion Executive Search seamlessly bridges the gap in interim and executive searches. Our track record and recruitment process have made us one of the top recruitment firms in the nation.

We are proud to be part of the Forbes lists of the Best Recruitment Firms and the Best Executive Search Firms in America. Additionally, Scion has been recognized as a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing firm as well as a top recruitment firm by The Business Times. Additional information about our firm and our practices can be found online.

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