What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Operations - Senior Living position at KSI?
Director of Operations – Senior Living
Location: Cedar Rapids-Iowa City, Iowa (Statewide Travel Required)
Type: Full-Time | Confidential Search
Our client is seeking an experienced operational leader with a strong background in skilled nursing and senior living to join as Director of Operations. This individual will provide high-level oversight across multiple communities across the Iowa — driving quality outcomes, ensuring regulatory compliance, strengthening financial outcomes, and creating environments where residents and staff thrive.
This role will serve as a trusted partner to executive leadership and onsite administrators, guiding operational consistency and organizational growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee operational performance across a portfolio of Skilled Nursing Facilities and Assisted Living communities
- Support administrators in achieving excellence in clinical, financial, and regulatory results
- Ensure survey readiness and maintain strong relationships with state and federal agencies
- Monitor and improve key financial drivers including census, payer mix, and reimbursement
- Deep oversight of Medicare/Medicaid compliance and cost management
- Drive staffing efficiency — optimize ratios, reduce agency use, and enhance retention
- Analyze AR and cash flow, implementing best practices to shorten the revenue cycle
- Conduct routine facility visits (Iowa neighboring states) to assess performance firsthand
- Implement standardized processes, KPIs, and reporting across locations
- Champion resident-centered care while fostering a positive culture and leadership development
Candidate Profile
- 10 years of leadership within skilled nursing or senior living operations
- Proven leadership over multi-site operational performance
- Expert understanding of:
- Medicare/Medicaid regulations and reimbursement
- Survey prep / compliance strategy
- Staffing models and workforce planning
- AR processes, revenue cycle impacts, and financial drivers
- A confident communicator with strong executive presence and coaching mindset
- Analytical decision-maker experienced in turning data into operational action
- Ability to navigate change, conflict, and high-stakes regulatory issues with professionalism
- Willing and able to travel regularly (40–60%)
Preferred: Nursing Home Administrator license or advanced healthcare leadership credentials
What Makes This Opportunity Unique
- Meaningful influence across the continuum of senior care in multiple communities
- Close partnership with executive leadership and trusted advisors in the sector
- Future opportunity for partial ownership/buy-in for a leader committed to long-term impact
Ideal Fit
A strategic operator who loves being in the buildings — supporting administrators, elevating performance, and acting with urgency to ensure compliance and financial success. Someone who can roll up their sleeves today while shaping the operational model of tomorrow.
KSI’s Talent Acquisition Team partners with companies to assist with their hiring needs. All positions are direct-to-hire opportunities with the employer.
Salary : $125,000 - $160,000