Chief Executive Officer
Senior Housing Options
Denver, CO
Anticipated Start Date: 07/2026
Description
Senior Housing Options (SHO) is seeking a dynamic and experienced Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to steward our mission and provide the visionary leadership necessary to ensure sustainability, program quality, and drive balanced growth for the organization. The CEO is responsible for the overall vision, strategic direction, and administrative oversight of SHO, including staff, resident services, program delivery, and institutional and fiscal management. Reporting directly to the Board through the President, the CEO is an ex-officio member of the SHO Board of Directors and Board Committees.
Responsibilities
The CEO is responsible for the strategic direction and operational health of Senior Housing Options (SHO). This role encompasses leadership across eight domains:
Organizational Leadership & Strategy
Leads the board and staff in creating a long-term vision for the organization that includes evaluating external environmental conditions, conducting SWOT analyses, assessing market forces and regulatory changes, and identifying capacity and operational needs. Coordinates a strategic planning process every 2-3 years with the Board of Directors. Implements action plans for board committees and staff directors in line with the direction outlined in the strategic plan. Implements annual operating and financial plan aligned with the strategic plan and reports progress to the Board of Directors.
Incorporates financial status reports and future business forecasts into strategic planning. Leads the development of external strategic relationships. Serves as the authorized signatory for all MOUs and partnership/contractor agreements up to $50,000 (budgeted). Facilitates Board of Directors in considering resolutions for approval of larger commitments and expenditures. Translates Board-approved policies into organizational operations. Fosters creativity, inclusiveness and effective communication across the organization and to/from the Board of Directors.
Supports the Board in maintaining effective committees or task forces, planning retreats, and conducting orientations for new Board members. Enables the Board of Directors to fulfill its governance function. Serves as the primary liaison between the Board of Directors and the staff, ensuring clear and consistent communication across the organization. Maintains a productive partnership with the Board President and engages individual Board members to leverage their specific expertise. Keeps the Board fully informed of all critical developments and factors impacting SHO.
Fiscal Sustainability
Maintains internal systems that produce accurate financial reports, which are utilized for Board reporting and management of individual communities and the organization overall. Develops annual budgets for each entity and the home office, as well as an overarching annual fiscal plan. Monitors progress of the annual budget and reports significant variances to the Board.
Marketing and Collaboration
Enhances SHO’s brand and visibility aligned with the organization’s vision and mission. Represents SHO externally and cultivates relationships locally, regionally and nationally with governmental entities, collaborative partners, funders and neighbors. Serves as the chief spokesperson for SHO and is the main media contact and representative for the organization in the community. Fundraising Creates an annual fundraising plan that includes strategies aligned with the goals of the organization, fundraising climate, and SHO’s capacity. Builds the fundraising capacity needed to pursue new and expanded funding opportunities. Leads fundraising efforts and facilitates fundraising by Board members. Maintains and cultivates meaningful and sustainable funder, donor, and stakeholder relations.
Programs/Services and Developing
SHO as a Residence of Excellence Provides leadership for the development and timely delivery of mission-aligned initiatives and ensures quality delivery of all programs and services. Develops new programs and services or continuation/expansion of existing programs that address the changing needs of SHO’s residents and the business environment.
People and Developing
SHO as an Employer of Choice Strengthens human resource and attracts, develops, and retains paid and unpaid talent to achieve the SHO’s mission. Leads the staff and ensures effective management practices are in place. Ensures all staff have a current job description and receive performance coaching, feedback, and an annual review on a timely basis. Collects salary/wage data to ensure SHO’s salary ranges are competitive and support staff recruitment and retention. Maintains an organizational culture that respects diversity and differences in race, ethnicity, religion, and culture of all residents, volunteers, and staff. Fosters teamwork, comradery, and good communication among all staff.
Compliance
Maintains an up-to-date organization-wide safety plan and ensures appropriate systems are in place to track all forms of regulatory compliance. Maintains SHO’s compliance with accreditation, safety, laws and regulations, and regulatory and licensing standards as applicable and required by contracts, agreements, or funders. Coordinates regular staff training to meet compliance requirements and foster a healthy and satisfying work culture.
Capital, Preservation & Development of Facilities
Prepare and present an annual capital plan to the Board. Ensure that SHO facilities are well maintained and provide a clean and safe environment for residents, staff and volunteers. Work with the Board on major renovation projects, new developments, and third-party management of facilities, creating opportunities for mission and financial growth.
Standards of Performance
Successful performance for the CEO will be determined by:
Development of standards for timely delivery of programs and meeting the quality standard of best practices for similar non-profit organizations. Managing against key performance indicators reported monthly to the Board. Senior management team performance. Timely coaching and annual performance reviews.
Professional development to support staff retention and succession planning. Successful development and presentation of annual plan and budget to the Board. Successful quantified operating results against planned goals and budget. Successful fundraising against planned revenue goals.
Success of public relations or branding awareness against planned outreach goals. Development of systems, policies and procedures for core areas (i.e. Human Resources, Finance, Compliance, Safety, Subsidized Housing & Assisted Living Programs). Adherence to organization-wide policies and procedures.
Sound risk management efforts, including identifying and reducing exposure to potential organizational liabilities including employment practices, facilities management, financial/accounting practices. Ensure Agency compliance with accreditation and licensing standards. Compliance with laws and regulations, as applicable.
Requirements
Competencies, Skills, & Capabilities
Strategic Leadership & Organizational Culture
Demonstrates effective team building and the development of a strong work culture. Models the ability to build and foster a strong, inclusive culture that promotes an interconnected approach to collaboration, respect, and shared goals. Committed to creating an inviting environment where employees feel valued, supported, and motivated to contribute their best work. Exhibits leadership and getting work done collaboratively by encouraging open communication and positive reinforcement.
Operations & Project Management
Ability to shift focus between multiple projects and complex aspects of operation. Ability to plan, organize, and implement tasks in an efficient manner while maintaining high standards of professionalism. Strong project management skills, an innovative approach and sharp attention to detail. Understanding and working ability to use spreadsheets, data analysis, budgeting tools, and cost reporting.
External Relations & Compliance
Comfort working directly with governmental and regulatory agencies and meeting licensing and reporting requirements. Ability to balance regulatory compliance with mission-driven service delivery. Ability to represent the organization professionally with funders, regulators, community partners, and contractors. Demonstrates an understanding of and commitment to the unique environments of low-income housing and assisted living for seniors.
Interpersonal & Communication Skills
Strong interpersonal and communication skills in dealing with difficult or stressful situations. Exercises sensitivity for the concerns of all constituents, works toward mutual resolution, and shows a commitment to dealing fairly with all. Customer service focused and comfortable engaging directly with residents across a wide range of backgrounds.
Professional Character
Exhibits the highest level of character and integrity, combined with a strong sense of the value of teamwork. Has excellent judgment and strong problem-solving/decision-making skills. Possesses a sense of urgency and takes appropriate actions to resolve issues in impactful and meaningful ways.
Professional Experience and Education
Minimum of 5+ years of professional experience in a CEO or President-level role
Experience in affordable housing, healthcare, human services, and/or nonprofit finance
Experience with HUD, LIHTC, HOME, Medicaid, or other government-funded programs preferred Masters in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, or related-field preferred
Strong knowledge of nonprofit leadership, governance, fiscal management practices
Experience overseeing multi-site operations
Experience working in partnership with a Board of Directors
Excellent writing and interpersonal communication skills
Experience with construction and/or property development preferred Intermediate skills with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook, and ability to quickly learn and use additional software
Experience with Yardi
Work Requirements Valid
Colorado Driver’s License Current Flu vaccination or medical wavier CPR certification within 90 days
Completion of a Colorado approved 40-hour Assisted Living Administrator training program within 6 months TB test (state required)
Work Environment
Ability to effectively work remote and in an indoor, temperature-controlled office environment
May interact with physically ill residents and hostile/emotionally upset residents and families
Communicates with department supervisors, managers, administrators, activity coordinators, and other personnel
Occasional travel to communities across Colorado.
May be subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, and conditions including blood-borne pathogens such as HIV and Hepatitis viruses Sits, stands, bends, lifts and moves intermittently during working hours Must be able to occasionally lift up-to 20 pounds.
Salary Range and Employee Benefits
The pay range for the Chief Executive Officer is $150,000 to $175,000 annually plus a robust benefits package. This is a full-time exempt position that reports to the Board of Directors. For a full list of provided benefits, please email info@culturaleadership.com.
How to Apply for this Job
The search is being led by Marisol Solarte-Erlacher and Sonya Ulibarri with Cultura Leadership Consulting.
Candidates should submit a cover letter, outlining their interest and qualifications, along with their resume to info@culturaleadership.com. Applications will be reviewed as they are received until the position is filled. We encourage submissions by the priority date of 11:59 pm on Sunday, May 17.
About the Organization
Senior Housing Options (SHO) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Denver, CO. Founded in 1979, the organization began as a grassroots response to protect low-income seniors from displacement during urban redevelopment. Today, we are one of Colorado’s most established nonprofits dedicated to providing safe, high-quality, and affordable housing. With a mission to provide residential communities and caring services that enrich the lives of older adults in Colorado, SHO serves nearly 500 residents each year in 10 communities across the state. Our approach and services meet residents where they are and include the following:
Assisted Living Communities: Providing high-touch support including meals, medication management, and wellness activities
Independent Apartment Living: Subsidized housing for those who want to maintain autonomy while staying connected to a supportive community.
Innovation in Care: Our newly launched Park Hill Adult Day Program offers specialized, nurturing care for adults aged 60+ living with dementia.
SHO promotes a resident-centered culture that honors individual choices, respects uniqueness, and promotes individual dignity. Our environments offer opportunities for growth, purpose, and a sense of community and belonging. A place where everyone can thrive.
WOC is not responsible for the content of job postings.
Discover More Job
