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How to Find Executive Directors Who Can Lead Senior Living Growth

  • Writer: EPS Team
    EPS Team
  • Aug 21
  • 3 min read

Finding the right Executive Director (ED) is crucial for senior living communities navigating rapid expansion, operational challenges, and demographic changes. Partnering with a senior living staffing solutions provider or senior living talent acquisition expert—like Executive Property Staffing, LLC—ensures you secure leadership that drives performance, culture, and sustainable growth.


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Why a Skilled ED Matters More Than Ever 🚀


  • Rising Demand, Tight Supply 📈U.S. senior housing occupancy surged to 86.5% in Q3 2024, reflecting strong demand. Yet only about 7,100 new units were under construction—one of the lowest figures since 2014—creating leadership opportunities in underserved markets. (NIC & Care, Q3 2024)

  • Elevated Investor Confidence 💼In JLL’s 2025 Seniors Housing Outlook, 78% of investors plan to increase exposure to senior housing—especially assisted and independent living—fueled by demographic tailwinds and rising 80+ populations. (JLL Survey, 2025)

  • Profit Expectations for Operators 💰Green Street projects annual NOI growth of 11–12% over the next five years for senior living operators with strong portfolios and effective leadership. (McKnight’s, 2025)

  • Surging ED Demand 📊Executive Director roles are seeing high growth—an 18% projected increase in demand indicates an urgent need for skilled leaders in senior living. (ABATherapistJobs Report, 2024)


🔍 Signs You Need a Strong ED for Growth


  1. High Staff Turnover 🔄 — Some communities face 50% turnover, especially in sales director roles lasting just 10 months average. (Bureau of Labor data via Bild & Co, 2024)

  2. Labor Shortages & Understaffing 🧑‍⚕️ — Two-thirds of administrators report moderate to high staffing shortages, worsened by low pay and poor working conditions. (The Guardian, 2025)

  3. Operational Stress ⚠️ — When occupancy is rising but staffing and leadership lag, communities struggle with consistency in care and resident satisfaction.


🛠 How to Source Executive Directors That Drive Growth


Align Title with Market Needs 🏷

Ensure the job title reflects growth needs—e.g., “Executive Director, Growth & Operations”—to attract leaders with expansion capabilities.


Tap Niche Senior Living Recruitment Networks 🤝

A senior living talent acquisition partner brings access to EDs skilled in assisted living, memory care, and master-planned communities, bringing insider market insights and faster placement.


Define Growth Metrics Upfront 🎯

Set clear targets like NOI growth, occupancy improvements, or development launches. Candidates should be comfortable with quantifiable objectives.


Offer Tailored Compensation Packages 💵

EDs in thriving markets expect more than base pay. Consider premium pay, retention bonuses, or performance-linked incentives aligned with Green Street’s NOI outlook (11–12%). (McKnight’s, 2025)


Prioritize Cultural Fit ❤️

Growth shouldn’t erode care quality. EDs must align with your values—Executive Property Staffing, LLC helps identify leaders who can scale operations while preserving care standards.


Promote Internal Pipelines 📈

Given 40% higher retention in internal promotions vs. 17% in senior living, grooming internal candidates remains a smart growth strategy. (Senior Housing News, 2025)


📋 Quick Overview: What Makes a High-Impact ED

Attribute

Why It Matters

Growth Track Record

Demonstrates ability to scale communities effectively

Operational Expertise

Ensures care quality during expansion

Resident & Staff Engagement

Boosts satisfaction and retention

Strategic Financial Focus

Aligns community operations with investor expectations

Cultural Leadership

Fosters stable, mission-driven teams

🤝 Role of Executive Property Staffing, LLC

At Executive Property Staffing, LLC, our specialty in senior living staffing solutions enables us to match operators with EDs who deliver on growth targets and uphold care excellence. We support organizations across hiring, compensation benchmarking, onboarding, and retention strategy.


✨ Final Thoughts

Finding the right Executive Director is the linchpin for senior living growth—impacting occupancy, NOI, and resident quality of life. In today’s complex market, partnering with top-notch senior living staffing solutions and senior living talent acquisition experts is essential.


At Executive Property Staffing, LLC, we're ready to help you secure leaders who can lead growth without compromising on care.

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