Executive Director

Executive Director – Memory Care Community

Location: Northbrook, IL
Job Type: Full-Time

About Rosewater Memory Care

Rosewater Memory Care is a locally owned dementia care community in Northbrook that is currently under development. It is designed for calm days, consistent staffing, and meaningful relationships. With 17 private bedrooms, Rosewater is purpose-built to deliver highly individualized care with operational rigor and clinical discipline.

Our care model is grounded in the Dementia Connection Model and evidence-informed sensory-based tools that support remaining abilities, reduce distress, and promote dignity. Care is delivered by a consistent interdisciplinary team, supported by nationally recognized clinical leadership and a staffing model that targets approximately one caregiver for every six residents, allowing leaders and caregivers the time and presence to do the work well.

Position Summary

From the start, Rosewater is being shaped in partnership with its founding Executive Director. The Executive Director will work alongside the owners to establish the care philosophy, cultural standards, staffing expectations, and operating rhythms that define the community. This is not a role built around inheriting someone else’s systems. It is an opportunity to help design them, lead them, and improve them over time.

The Executive Director is the senior leader and culture carrier of Rosewater. As a founding leader, you will partner with ownership to guide the community through licensing, opening, and occupancy ramp, while building a team and operating model designed for long-term excellence and retention.

This role uniquely includes an ownership equity opportunity tied to performance and long-term growth, aligning leadership influence with long-term outcomes, as Rosewater expands and develops new communities.

You will report directly to the owners and work in close collaboration with them to set expectations, make key decisions, and evolve the organization together. The owners are engaged and committed to providing the structure, resources, and support needed for success during launch, so the Executive Director can lead with clarity, confidence, and autonomy once operations are underway because a strong foundation was set.

This role is ideal for an experienced memory care leader who wants real influence, meaningful ownership, strong growth opportunities, and the ability to build something enduring from the ground up that will scale. Experience with Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease is required. An Illinois Registered Nursing license is preferred but not required.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Culture

• Build and nurture a resident-centered culture based on respect, compassion, and accountability

• Recruit, mentor, and retain a high-performing, mission-driven team

• Set clear expectations and coach team members to excellence

• Demonstrate integrity, emotional intelligence, and professionalism in all interactions

Operations & Compliance

• In partnership with owners, lead all grand-opening activities, licensing, and occupancy ramp-up initiatives

• Act as a support team to the sales process. Support marketing efforts and assist with providing family tours and taking initial intake calls.

• Ensure compliance with IDPH and state/federal regulations

• Maintain strong policies, training, and auditing programs

• Successfully lead annual IDPH and federal surveys to maintain full compliance.

• Partner closely with ownership and community stakeholders to ensure operational excellence

Financial & Business Leadership

• Manage and track budgets, financial targets, and operational expenses

• Interpret financial reports and proactively identify opportunities for year-over-year revenue growth

• Support occupancy growth and retention through relationship-building and outstanding service

• Build and maintain positive relationships with external resources to build strong referral partnerships

Clinical & Resident Care Oversight

• Partner with the Director of Nursing and care team to maintain high clinical standards

• Oversee development and execution of individualized care plans

• Monitor resident health and support communication with families, nurses, and physicians

• Maintain a visible presence; quickly and empathetically address resident or family concerns

• In conjunction with Director of Nursing, lead data collection for research and clinical outcome transparency.

• Work closely with the Director of Nursing to project potential at-risk residents and support the best quality care approach for the resident and their family.

Community Engagement

• Represent Rosewater with authenticity and professionalism

• Cultivate strong relationships with referral sources, hospitals, and industry partners

• Maintain brand awareness in the area as a resource to the Northbrook and surrounding communities.

Qualifications

• Current Illinois Registered Nursing license preferred, or equivalent healthcare leadership experience but not required

• 3 years of leadership experience in assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing

• Experience with Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease required

• Strong knowledge of IDPH regulations and compliance standards

• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire teams while driving performance

• Demonstrated ability to have difficult conversations with family members of those with dementia.

• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills

What Makes This Role Unique

• Opportunity to lead a new community from the ground up.

• Be part of a locally owned, growing organization with additional developments planned.

• Clear advancement opportunities as Rosewater expands to future communities, with the potential to grow into multi-site leadership and expanded ownership.

• Equity potential tied to performance and long-term results.

• Close collaboration with ownership, without corporate layers.

• Professional development support and meaningful autonomy.

• Competitive benefits package, including medical and dental coverage, 401k, paid time off, bonus eligibility

Schedule

Full-time leadership role with weekday presence expected. Executive Directors Rotate Manager on Duty coverage with the leadership team on select weekends and holidays to ensure a consistent leadership presence, while maintaining balance and sustainability.

How to Apply

Send your resume, copies of any current licenses, and a brief cover letter that outlines your leadership approach and your interest in memory care. Please include two to three professional references. Final candidates will complete standard background checks and drug screenings.

Pay: $100,000.00 - $250,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $100,000 - $250,000