Director of Assisted Living

About Hearth: 

Hearth, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending homelessness among older adults. Through a combination of supportive housing and outreach services, Hearth helps elders secure and maintain stable, permanent housing. Hearth currently operates six supportive housing sites and one assisted living facility in the Greater Boston area. 

Position Summary: 

Hearth has an exciting opportunity for an individual who wants to make a meaningful difference in the lives of older adults. We are seeking a Director of Assisted Living for our affordable assisted living site, Ruggles Assisted Living. Ruggles is a unique facility—the only affordable assisted living community in the area with a dedicated number of units set aside for individuals who have experienced homelessness. The site has been in operation for over 25 years and is home to 43 studio units. 

This is a key leadership role within Hearth’s senior management team. The Director oversees all operational, clinical, and administrative aspects of the program, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations, fostering a supportive environment for residents and staff, and promoting excellence in care delivery. 

About Ruggles Assisted Living: 

Ruggles is professionally managed by Peabody Properties, which works in close partnership with the Director and with housing partners such as the City of Boston, Metro Housing, and Homestart to fill vacancies. Hearth’s on-site staff includes a Nurse Care Manager, Clinical Care Manager, ACCS Clinician, Medical Office Administrator, Personal Care Assistants, Front Desk Receptionists, Kitchen Aide, and Housekeeping team. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Leadership & Team Management 

• Hire, train, supervise, evaluate, and support on-site staff in compliance with EOEA regulations and Hearth policies. 
• Foster a positive and collaborative team culture that prioritizes respect, accountability, and quality service. 
• Support professional development and performance management for all direct reports. 

Operations & Compliance 

• Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring efficiency, safety, and regulatory compliance. 
• Ensure adherence to all EOEA, OSHA, and other relevant state and local requirements. 
• Maintain accurate documentation and oversee EOEA reporting and inspections. 

Resident Care & Quality Assurance 

• Ensure residents’ rights and well-being are respected and protected, including adherence to the Resident’s Bill of Rights. 
• Support the coordination of care across departments and collaborate with clinical staff to address residents’ changing needs. 
• Maintain a culture of dignity, safety, and community among residents. 

Financial Oversight 

• Collaborate with leadership and finance on the development and management of operating and capital budgets. 
• Monitor expenses, occupancy, and cost controls to meet financial goals. 
• Oversee billing-related processes in coordination with Peabody Properties and Hearth staff. 

Community Engagement 

• Represent Ruggles in the broader community, developing partnerships and referral networks. 
• Serve as a liaison with local agencies, housing partners, and service providers. 
• Promote the mission of Hearth and increase awareness of Ruggles’ unique model. 

Other Responsibilities 

• Step into various on-site roles as needed to support operations and resident care. 
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the CEO. 

Qualifications: 

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, Social Work, Gerontology, or related field required; Master’s preferred. 

Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in assisted living, skilled nursing, or senior housing operations, with at least 3 years in a management role. 

Strong leadership, supervision, and team-building skills. 

Proven success in regulatory compliance, performance management, and customer service. 

Familiarity with affordable housing models and the unique needs of older adults, particularly those who have experienced homelessness, is a plus. 

Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel); experience with assisted living or clinical documentation systems is a plus. 

Compassionate, mission-driven, and adaptable.