Executive Director

The Executive Director is a skilled executive with finance and budgeting experience, a strong background in healthcare administration, hospitality, condominium operations, property management, or real estate management, and sense of duty and care for the residents.

ORGANIZATION

Opened in 1997, One Kalakaua Senior Living (OKSL) is a fee-simple condominium, multipurpose senior living community that exists to support the current and enhance the future lifestyle needs of its residents. OKSL is ideally located in central Honolulu, in close proximity to the city’s most attractive dining, shopping, and entertainment venues. An elected volunteer Board of Directors composed of apartment owners governs the community, which is managed by a leadership team consisting of senior living and property management specialists. There are no restrictions on apartment purchases, however primary occupants must be 55 years or older to reside at OKSL. The community, a non-profit corporation, is entirely self-funded by the maintenance fees and club dues paid by residents.

This senior living community provides exceptional care, excellent amenities, and a unique lifestyle suited to fit the needs of residents. OKSL offers different levels of care and services that include independent, assisted living, and skilled nursing (operated by an independent contractor). A wide range of activities and programs, including fitness classes, art programs, excursions, and other activities, are presented to the residents as well as a dining facility, exercise facilities, a pool and jacuzzi.

One Kalakaua Senior Living is a licensed Assisted Living Facility and offers, for additional fees, services such as assistance with medication, bathing, meals, activities, shopping and companion care. OKSL strives to be the leader in senior living by providing a gracious, friendly, and secure residential community that offers residents and their families peace of mind through wellness and assisted living programs that support the continuum of care and ‘aging in place’.

OPPORTUNITIES

Hawaii has one of the longest life expectancies in the country and it is estimated that 30 percent of the population will be 65 years of age or older by 2030. Although there are a variety of senior living communities of different types (rental, refundable deposit), OKSL occupies a unique niche consisting of individually owned fee simple condominium apartments. This offers residents the option to own or rent their residence and take advantage of the same exceptional care, amenities, and activities.

OKSL is financially strong, with a solid balance sheet and fully funded reserves, even though occupancy has temporarily dipped during the pandemic. As the pandemic wanes and the market for senior living fully recovers, there is an opportunity to increase occupancy to its former level and reinvigorate the community.

OKSL has a dedicated staff and down-to-earth residents who have built a family-like culture. The staff are dedicated, experienced, approachable, and have built caring relationships with residents. The culture of caring at OKSL is a major selling point for potential residents and employees.

CHALLENGES

There is currently a statewide shortage of workers in healthcare and food and beverage occupations, among them certified nursing assistants (CNAs), cooks, and servers. Like many organizations, OKSL has had recent struggles with hiring and retaining entry-level employees who provide these key services.

Although OKSL has enjoyed long tenure in key leadership positions, and no departures are imminent, the incoming Executive Director will need to plan for succession. Talent development and management must be a major priority to ensure the ongoing strength of the leadership team.

During the pandemic, strict safety protocols required residents to isolate in their apartments instead of dining and attending activities in groups. After two years, some residents have grown used to dining and spending time in private instead of with the larger community. Although the staff have made efforts to rebuild participation in group dining and activities, residents have been slow to respond. A change in leadership will help to rejuvenate and reactivate the community.

POSITION

In addition to being a proven executive with strong leadership experience and financial management and budget preparation skills, the Executive Director of OKSL must embody servant leadership and compassion. As the leader of a senior living community, the Executive Director must build trust among staff and residents, nurture relationships within the community, effectively partner with external stakeholders (such as non-resident apartment owners), and exhibit empathy toward residents and staff. At the same time, the Executive Director must stay in regular and candid communication with the Board of Directors, which is ultimately responsible for the overall well-being of the community.

Strong communication and presentation skills are essential. The Executive Director must be able to present ideas clearly and persuasively to the Board of Directors and to Residents, convey important messages in writing, and educate residents on the complexities of sound long-term financial management.

Most importantly, the Executive Director must be adaptable, highly accountable, willing to be hands-on, and available outside of normal business hours as necessary.

HOW TO APPLY

Qualified applicants should submit the following, addressed to One Kalakaua Recruitment Committee, c/o Inkinen Executive Search, via email to [email protected] by June 2, 2023:

• Cover Letter – expressing the reason for your interest in One Kalakaua Senior Living, and how your skills and experiences match the Executive Director role
• Resume

For more information on this search, please visit www.inkinen.com/oksl-ed

Inkinen Executive Search