Executive Director
Sycamore, IL- area
Full-Time | Executive Leadership
A growing organization dedicated to providing high-quality residential and community-based services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Our residential programs provide individuals with safe, supportive homes where they can live meaningful lives with dignity, choice, independence, and respect.
We are seeking an experienced, mission-driven Executive Director to provide overall leadership and strategic direction for the organization.
Position Summary
The Executive Director will have overall responsibility for the successful operation, growth, quality, and financial health of the Home.
This is a hands-on executive leadership position responsible for leading a multi-site residential organization, developing and supporting a strong management team, maintaining regulatory and licensing compliance, ensuring high-quality services, and fostering a culture that puts the individuals we serve first.
The ideal candidate is an experienced leader who understands the intellectual and developmental disability field, is comfortable managing complex operations, and can balance business performance with exceptional person-centered care.
Key Responsibilities
Executive Leadership
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.
Operations
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.
Regulatory & Compliance
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 appropriately addressed.
Maintain a strong culture of compliance and continuous quality improvement.
People & Culture
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.
Financial & Business Management
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.
Person-Centered Services
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.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in business administration, healthcare administration, social services, human services, or a related field preferred.
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.
Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and commitment to person-centered services.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in a related field.
Executive-level experience within an I/DD or human-services organization.
Experience with Illinois CILA or other community-based residential programs.
Experience working with Illinois DHS, Medicaid, licensing, or other applicable regulatory agencies.
Experience overseeing multiple residential locations and 24/7 operations.
Experience with organizational growth, restructuring, or operational improvement.
What We Offer
Competitive executive-level compensation based on experience and qualifications.
Comprehensive benefits package.
Paid time off.
Professional development opportunities.
The opportunity to lead an established and growing organization.
A meaningful leadership role where your decisions directly impact the lives of the individuals we support.
Compensation
$100,000–$135,000+ per year, depending on experience and qualifications.
For an exceptional candidate with significant executive leadership experience and a strong background in I/DD residential services, compensation may be adjusted accordingly.
Schedule
This is a full-time executive leadership position. The Executive Director should expect to be accessible when operational needs require and participate in occasional meetings, events, or after-hours situations.
Equal Opportunity Employer
An equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where employees are respected, supported, and given the opportunity to succeed.
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