Executive Director

Executive Director – Walter Lawson Children’s Home

Scion Executive Search has been retained to conduct the search for an experienced, mission-driven Executive Director on behalf of Hutson Wood, the parent organization overseeing a family of care-focused residential communities. This full-time, onsite position is available for immediate hire in Loves Park, IL.

Hutson Wood serves as the parent organization for a network of care-centered residential communities designed to support individuals across a spectrum of medical and developmental needs. Guided by a mission of dignity, respect, and compassionate service, Hutson Wood ensures that each affiliated campus operates with strong clinical standards, a resident-first philosophy, and a commitment to enhancing quality of life.

Since 1971, Walter Lawson Children’s Home has provided loving, compassionate care and high‑quality living opportunities for children with medically complex and intellectual developmental disabilities. Rooted in its mission to advance health and well-being, the Home empowers each child and young adult to achieve their fullest potential and highest quality of life.

The Executive Director will serve as the senior operational leader for Walter Lawson Children’s Home, overseeing all aspects of the Home’s daily functioning and long‑term performance. Reporting to Hutson Wood’s Regional Director of Operations, this leader will be responsible for ensuring high‑quality care, regulatory compliance, staff engagement, and fiscal stability within a dynamic residential care environment.

• Lead daily operations of Walter Lawson Children’s Home, coordinating staffing, budgeting, resident services, and resource management with department leaders.
• Maintain consistent communication with the leadership team to ensure effective problem‑solving and smooth community operations.
• Address family inquiries, resident needs, regulatory matters, and personnel issues with timely and professional responses.
• Oversee all licensing reviews, audits, and state or federal surveys, ensuring preparedness, accurate documentation, and completion of corrective action plans.
• Direct continuous quality improvement efforts, including performance rounds, data analysis, and presenting recommendations that strengthen care and operations.
• Enforce safety and compliance standards, including infection control, OSHA requirements, emergency preparedness, and incident reporting; provide leadership during emergencies.
• Ensure documentation such as incident reports, meeting records, and training logs is accurate, complete, and compliant with regulatory expectations.
• Review and update community policies to reflect current professional standards and regulatory requirements.
• Supervise and develop department directors, overseeing hiring, evaluations, coaching, conflict resolution, and professional development.
• Cultivate a collaborative, accountable, and compassionate workplace culture.
• Manage financial performance and census‑related strategies with department leaders, ensuring responsible resource allocation and operational sustainability.
• Analyze financial and operational reports to guide informed, data‑driven decision‑making.

• Preferred: A bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration or a related field.
• Required:
  
  At least five years of leadership experience in a healthcare, residential, or similar regulated environment.
• Preferred experience working with medically complex and developmentally disabled populations.
• Valid MC/DD license required.
• Valid Nursing Home Administrator or Residential Care Administrator license required.
• Demonstrated ability to understand and interpret financial reports, regulatory materials, legal documents, and clinical or technical information.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with residents, families, staff, regulatory bodies, and external partners.
• Proven record of building effective teams, leading organizational change, and cultivating a positive workplace culture.
• Solid judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced care…