Executive Director

The Company

Founded in 1866, Mary Wade is a mission-driven, nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of older adults through compassionate care, innovative services, and community engagement. Mary Wade's services include skilled nursing care, assisted living, memory care, adult day services, affordable senior housing, home and community-based services, and other supportive programs that enable older adults to thrive in the setting most appropriate to their needs. Mary Wade generates approximately $23 million in annual revenue and maintains total assets of roughly $60 million, including approximately $10 million of endowment assets.

The organization employs approximately 338 people (about 237 FTEs) dedicated to supporting seniors with dignity, independence and compassion. Through its longstanding commitment to quality care and mission driven service, Mary Wade has established a strong reputation throughout the Greater New Haven community. Leadership remains focused on ensuring long term financial sustainability while continuing to enhance and expand services for residents. The organization operates within a collaborative environment that emphasizes mission alignment, operational excellence and responsible stewardship of financial resources. This position is based on site in New Haven and operates in a five day per week office environment.

The Role: Executive Director

The Executive Director will report directly to the Board of Trustees and be responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, operational performance, financial sustainability, quality outcomes, community engagement, and mission fulfillment of Mary Wade. This individual will be charged with identifying opportunities to streamline processes, optimize operating expenses and enhance collaboration among departments while preserving the high standards of care that define the organization.

In addition, the Executive Director will drive revenue growth initiatives with a particular emphasis on increasing and stabilizing occupancy levels, as well as expanding community awareness of the organization's services. The successful candidate will leverage strong community relationships, fundraising capabilities and stakeholder engagement skills to advance the Mary Wade's mission and long-term strategic objectives. This individual will work closely with state and regulatory agencies, oversee matters related to financing and bonding and ensure the organization remains well positioned to meet the evolving needs of the communities it serves.

The Executive Director will lead an accomplished management team that includes the Chief Financial Officer, Vice President of Skilled Nursing, Vice President of Assisted Living, Vice President of Employee Relations, Director of Nursing Services and Residential Care Director. Reporting through this leadership team are additional service lines including adult day care and transportation services.

Ongoing responsibilities will include:

• Develop and execute a strategic plan to better integrate the skilled nursing and assisted living operations while enhancing organizational effectiveness.
• Drive occupancy growth and revenue enhancement initiatives across all service lines.
• Partner with the Board of Trustees to establish and execute long-term strategic objectives.
• Provide leadership and oversight for all operational, financial and clinical functions of the organization.
• Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and strengthen relationships with residents, families, donors, community organizations and other key stakeholders.
• Lead fundraising initiatives and support the continued growth of philanthropic resources.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state and local regulatory requirements.
• Maintain productive relationships with state agencies and regulatory bodies.
• Oversee capital planning initiatives and matters related to financing, debt and bond obligations.
• Safeguard the organization's financial health through sound budgeting, forecasting and resource allocation practices.
• Support and develop a high-performing leadership team while ensuring succession planning and organizational continuity.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency while maintaining exceptional quality of care.
• Represent the organization within the community and serve as a visible ambassador for its mission and values.

Professional Development and Compensation

The Executive Director will earn a competitive compensation and participate in a comprehensive benefits package. The position includes approximately seven weeks of paid time off, providing an excellent opportunity to maintain a healthy work-life balance while leading a highly respected organization.

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a mission-driven organization that plays a vital role in the Greater New Haven community. The Executive Director will work closely with an engaged Board of Trustees and an experienced leadership team while guiding the strategic and financial direction of a well-established nonprofit healthcare provider.

Candidate Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess at least fifteen years of progressive senior leadership experience within senior living, healthcare, assisted living, skilled nursing and/or nonprofit organizations. A Connecticut Nursing Home Administrator license is preferred. Candidates should demonstrate a proven ability to successfully lead complex organizations while balancing operational excellence, financial stewardship and mission fulfillment.

The successful candidate will have meaningful experience integrating operations across multiple business units, care settings or service lines and will possess a track record of driving organizational efficiencies and revenue growth. Experience working directly with Boards of Directors/Trustees, cultivating donor relationships and leading fundraising initiatives will be essential. Strong community engagement skills and the ability to serve as an effective ambassador for the organization are equally important.

Ideal candidates will have experience working with state and regulatory agencies and possess familiarity with bond financing, capital planning and endowment oversight. The Executive Director must be an engaging, highly personable and collaborative leader who can inspire confidence among residents, families, employees, community stakeholders and Board members while fostering a culture of accountability, compassion and excellence.

If interested in this position, please submit a cover letter and resume via email to Deana Mortimer at dmortimer@marywade.org. Thank you!

Salary : $23