Operations Specialist - Traveling Executive Director

About Stellar Senior Living

Stellar Senior Living is a privately-owned, family-run premier provider of assisted living and memory care services across the Western United States. Since our founding in 2012, we’ve grown steadily by welcoming new communities into our family each year—and we’re still growing. We’re on a mission to make the lives of 10,000+ people significantly better by 2030, serving 60 communities. If you’re looking for a company that understands the value of great people, look no further.

The Opportunity

Are you a seasoned senior living leader who thrives in dynamic environments, loves a challenge, and gets energized by stepping into a community and making it better? This is not a typical Executive Director role—it’s a corporate seat with a suitcase.

As an Operations Specialist, you are Stellar’s first line of response: an experienced, high-caliber leader who deploys across our portfolio to fill critical gaps, stabilize operations, onboard new communities, and drive results. Your primary role is that of a traveling Executive Director—but your versatility is your superpower. Whether a community needs operational leadership, a sales push, or onboarding support, you’re the person we call.

What You’ll Do

Traveling Executive Director — Primary Role

• Step into communities across our portfolio to provide interim Executive Director leadership during transitions, vacancies, or periods of need.
• Oversee all aspects of community operations: care quality, staffing, financial performance, regulatory compliance, and resident and family experience.
• Drive occupancy through hands-on leadership, team engagement, and exceptional service—not just metrics management.
• Stabilize and strengthen communities quickly, then build sustainable processes before transitioning out.
• Serve as a culture carrier—living out Stellar’s values of Serve First, Build Trust, Own It, Deliver Excellence, and Spread Joy in every community you touch.

New Community Onboarding

• Lead or support the onboarding of newly acquired communities into the Stellar family—systems, culture, standards, and team.
• Orient incoming leadership and department heads to Stellar’s operational model, reporting expectations, and values.
• Work closely with corporate operations and department specialists to ensure smooth, successful transitions.

Operational & Sales Flex Support

• Fill in across operations, sales, or other leadership functions as community needs arise—you know senior living well enough to lead in any direction.
• Partner with Regional Directors and corporate leadership to assess community health and prioritize support resources.
• Provide mentorship and coaching to in-place teams to build their capability for long-term independence.

Who We’re Looking For

You are a veteran of senior living operations who has seen it all—and who still shows up every day with enthusiasm for serving seniors and the teams who care for them. You adapt quickly, lead authentically, and have a gift for stepping into chaos and creating clarity.

• Leadership Excellence: You lead by example and know how to motivate high-performing teams fast—even in communities where you’re new.
• Proven Track Record: You have a history of stabilizing or growing communities, delivering on occupancy goals, and building EBITDAR.
• Operational Mastery: You understand the full scope of senior living management—care, staffing, compliance, hospitality, and finance.
• Relationship Builder: You connect with residents, families, team members, and corporate partners with equal ease.
• Sales Fluency: You can step into a sales or Family Advisor role and move the needle on occupancy without missing a beat.
• Change-Ready: You don’t just tolerate ambiguity—you’re at your best in it.
• Travel-Enthusiastic: You’re comfortable with an itinerant lifestyle and excited by variety over routine.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience as an Executive Director or Administrator in assisted living, memory care, or independent living.
• Licensed Assisted Living Administrator (or ability to obtain licensure in applicable states); multi-state licensure strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree required; degree in healthcare administration, business, or a related field preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage P&L, achieve occupancy goals, and lead department heads across a full community.
• Experience with new community openings or acquisitions a significant plus.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively across the Western United States (up to 80% travel expected).
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record required.

Why You’ll Love Working with Us

• Competitive Compensation: Competitive base salary with bonus potential tied to community performance.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) with company match; generous PTO.
• Travel Support: Company-covered travel, lodging, and related expenses.
• Career Growth: This role is a launching pad. High performers can grow into Regional Director or senior corporate roles.
• Company Sponsored Training: Ongoing learning opportunities, tuition reimbursement, and industry development support.
• Family Culture: Stellar is privately owned and family-operated. You’re not a number here—your contributions are seen and celebrated.
• Mission That Matters: Every community you touch is home to real people. Your work leaves a lasting impact.