Vice President of Clinical Operations – Senior Living Job Description

Position Summary

The Vice President of Clinical Operations is a senior executive responsible for overseeing clinical programs, regulatory compliance, quality outcomes, and resident care standards across a senior living organization. This leader ensures that clinical services support organizational goals, maintain state and federal compliance, and promote high-quality, person-centered care across all communities.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Clinical Oversight

• Develop and implement a clinical operations strategy aligned with organizational goals and industry best practices.
• Provide leadership and oversight to regional clinical directors, nurse leaders, and community clinical teams.
• Promote a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations for assisted living, memory care, and related service lines.
• Lead clinical preparedness for surveys and audits; coordinate corrective action plans.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant documentation and reporting.

Quality & Performance Management

• Establish and monitor quality indicators, clinical KPIs, and resident outcome metrics.
• Lead root-cause analysis and quality improvement initiatives.
• Oversee infection prevention, medication management, fall reduction, risk mitigation, and clinical safety protocols.

Clinical Program Development

• Design and implement clinical care models, policies, procedures, and training programs.
• Support specialized programs (memory care, chronic disease management, hospice coordination, wellness programs).
• Integrate evidence-based practices into daily operations.

Team Leadership & Staff Development

• Recruit, mentor, and develop regional and community-level clinical leadership.
• Conduct performance evaluations and ensure ongoing professional development.
• Work with HR to improve clinical staff retention and workforce planning.

Resident Care & Family Engagement

• Ensure residents receive high-quality, person-centered care and services.
• Support teams in resolving complex clinical or family situations.
• Foster a compassionate, service-driven care culture.

Budgeting & Resource Management

• Manage clinical budgets, staffing models, and resource allocation.
• Collaborate with finance to forecast clinical expenses, labor needs, and operational impacts.
• Evaluate and implement clinical technologies and tools.

• RN license required; BSN preferred; MSN or related master’s degree strongly preferred.
• 10 years of progressive clinical leadership experience in senior living, long-term care, assisted living, or related healthcare settings.
• Deep knowledge of assisted living regulations, survey readiness, and quality improvement methodology.
• Strong leadership, communication, change-management, and collaboration skills.
• Experience managing multi-site clinical operations.