THE OPPORTUNITY AT A GLANCE
Position: Chief Executive Officer
Organization: Pleasantview
Location: Kalona, Iowa
Reports to: Board Chair, Pleasantview Board of Directors
Community Profile: ~200 residents | 180+ team members | Recent $17M campus expansion
Market Position: Trusted regional leader in mission-driven senior care
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Pleasantview seeks a transformational Chief Executive Officer to lead this respected faith-based senior living community through a pivotal period of opportunity and renewal. This executive leadership role combines the strength of a stellar reputation and recent $17 million campus expansion with the challenge of guiding the organization from transition to sustainable excellence.
As a mission-driven nonprofit rooted in Christian values and Anabaptist heritage, Pleasantview has earned recognition for exceptional care quality, evidenced by its coveted CMS 5-star rating. The successful CEO will inherit significant assets—expanded facilities, community trust, and care excellence—while addressing critical priorities including financial stabilization, workforce culture strengthening, and expanded donor engagement.
This is a calling for an exceptional servant-leader who can balance operational turnaround expertise with authentic faith-informed leadership, positioning Pleasantview for decades of sustainable impact in the heart of Iowa’s caring communities.
ORGANIZATIONAL DISTINCTION
Mission-Driven Excellence
Pleasantview represents authentic Christian senior living, distinguished by:
- CMS 5-Star Quality Rating: Recognized excellence in clinical care and resident satisfaction
- Anabaptist Heritage: Servant leadership rooted in values of compassion, simplicity, and community service
- Inclusive Welcome: Faith-informed care that embraces residents and families from all backgrounds
- Community Integration: Deep relationships with local churches, civic organizations, and regional networks
Strategic Assets
- $17 Million Campus Expansion: Newly completed facilities enhancing capacity and care capabilities
- Strong Reputation: Trusted name in regional senior living with decades of faithful service
- Quality Recognition: Maintained high care standards through growth and transition
- Faith-Based Foundation: Mission clarity that guides decision-making and organizational culture
Transformational Opportunity
- Financial Repositioning: Opportunity to build sustainable operations and reduce debt burden
- Workforce Renaissance: Potential to eliminate agency dependency and build thriving team culture
- Philanthropic Growth: Expanding donor engagement to support mission advancement
- Strategic Development: Future opportunities for independent living expansion and campus enhancement
ROLE DEFINITION AND IMPACT
The Chief Executive Officer serves as the senior-most leader of Pleasantview, accountable to the Board of Directors for overall organizational performance, mission fidelity, and sustainable growth. This executive role demands sophisticated integration of operational excellence, financial stewardship, and authentic faith-informed leadership.
Strategic Leadership
- Advance Pleasantview’s Christian mission through organizational strategy and daily operations
- Lead financial stabilization while maintaining commitment to quality and mission integrity
- Build sustainable philanthropic program to support long-term organizational health
- Position organization for future growth opportunities including independent living expansion
Operational Excellence
- Ensure continued CMS 5-star performance through quality improvement and compliance leadership
- Optimize newly expanded facilities for enhanced resident experience and operational efficiency
- Eliminate dependency on agency staffing through workforce development and retention strategies
- Maintain Iowa Nursing Home Administrator licensure and regulatory compliance
Culture and Workforce Leadership
- Build high-performing, empowered teams that reduce turnover and improve engagement
- Create culture of recognition, accountability, and transparency across all levels
- Model servant leadership that authentically reflects Pleasantview’s faith-based values
- Develop organizational capacity through leadership development and succession planning
Community and Stakeholder Engagement
- Serve as visible, trusted ambassador in Kalona community and regional faith networks
- Cultivate exceptional resident and family experiences that reinforce organizational reputation
- Build and strengthen donor relationships to achieve 8-10% philanthropy target
- Partner effectively with Board of Directors in governance and strategic oversight
TRANSFORMATIONAL PRIORITIES
Year One Imperatives
- Financial Stabilization
- Achieve positive cash flow through operational optimization and revenue enhancement
- Develop sustainable financial restructuring strategy while maintaining quality standards
- Implement robust financial controls and transparency measures
- Workforce Culture Renaissance
- Eliminate reliance on agency staffing through strategic recruitment and retention
- Strengthen employee engagement scores through recognition and empowerment initiatives
- Build leadership bench strength and professional development pathways
- Quality Excellence Maintenance
- Sustain CMS 5-star rating through continued quality improvement focus
- Optimize new facilities for enhanced care delivery and resident satisfaction
- Ensure seamless integration of expanded capacity with existing operations
- Philanthropic Program Development
- Increase annual giving to 8-10% of resident revenues through strategic donor cultivation
- Develop comprehensive case for support that connects mission impact with giving opportunities
- Build systematic approach to donor stewardship and community engagement
- Community Leadership Visibility
- Establish strong presence in local churches, civic organizations, and business networks
- Strengthen Pleasantview’s reputation as trusted community partner and employer
- Model authentic faith-informed leadership that welcomes all backgrounds
- Strategic Positioning
- Assess opportunities for independent living expansion and future campus development
- Build organizational capacity for sustainable growth and long-term impact
- Align operational practices with aspirational mission and values
IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE
Essential Leadership Competencies
Mission Alignment and Faith Integration
- Deep personal alignment with Christian mission and Anabaptist heritage values
- Ability to authentically express faith-informed leadership while creating inclusive environment
- Commitment to serving vulnerable populations with dignity and compassion
- Understanding of nonprofit governance and faith-based organizational dynamics
Financial and Operational Mastery
- Proven ability to lead organizations through financial efficiency and stabilization
- Experience managing complex budgets, cash flow optimization, and financial analysis and restructuring
- Deep understanding of senior living operations, particularly nursing home and assisted living
- Track record of maintaining quality standards while achieving financial sustainability
Workforce and Culture Leadership
- Demonstrated success eliminating agency dependency and building high-performing teams
- Experience creating culture of empowerment, accountability, and recognition
- Skilled at conflict resolution, change management, and organizational development
- Proven ability to improve employee engagement and reduce turnover
Community and Philanthropic Excellence
- Strong track record in fundraising and donor relationship development
- Exceptional communication skills and visible community leadership presence
- Experience building sustainable philanthropic programs that support organizational mission
- Ability to represent organization with humility and confidence across diverse audiences
Professional Background
Core Requirements:
- Iowa Nursing Home Administrator License (or ability to obtain)
- Bachelor’s degree in relevant field
- 5-10 years senior leadership experience in senior living or long-term care
- Proven financial management and compliance record with regulated healthcare environments
- Strong communication and community engagement skills demonstrated through visible leadership
- Commitment to mission-driven, faith-informed leadership with authentic personal faith expression
Preferred Qualifications:
- Advanced degree in Gerontology, Healthcare Administration, Business, or related field
- Experience leading through financial stabilization in healthcare or senior living settings
- Successful track record in philanthropy/fundraising with demonstrated results
- Understanding of faith-based senior living environment and respect for Anabaptist/Mennonite traditions
- Prior experience with campus expansion or development projects in senior living environments
Leadership Style and Character
- Master of Common Sense: Approachable, decisive, and practical in leadership approach
- Relational and Visible: Builds trust across all organizational levels through authentic engagement
- Collaborative yet Decisive: Balances team input with courage to make difficult decisions
- Servant Leader: Models humility while providing clear direction and accountability
- Community Connector: Natural ability to build bridges and strengthen relationships
LOCATION AND LIFESTYLE
Kalona, Iowa: Authentic Rural Iowa Living with Rich Heritage
Kalona offers an exceptional quality of life combining rural charm with strong community values:
Community Character
- Heart of Iowa’s Amish country with rich agricultural heritage and artisan traditions
- Strong faith community with diverse denominational presence and interfaith cooperation
- Excellent schools and family-friendly neighborhoods with small-town safety and values
- Vibrant local economy supported by agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism
Recreation and Culture
- Historic Kalona with unique shopping, restaurants, and cultural attractions
- Extensive recreational opportunities including parks, trails, and outdoor activities
- Rich Amish heritage sites and traditional craft communities
- Annual festivals and community events that strengthen local connections
Strategic Location
- 30 minutes to Iowa City and University of Iowa medical and cultural resources
- 45 minutes to Cedar Rapids for additional metropolitan amenities
- 2 hours to Des Moines for state capital access and expanded opportunities
- Affordable cost of living with authentic Midwest hospitality and community values
KEY SUCCESS METRICS (12-36 MONTHS)
The CEO’s effectiveness will be measured by achievement in six critical areas:
- Financial Health: Achieve positive cash flow and implement sustainable debt reduction strategy
- Workforce Excellence: Reduce/eliminate agency staffing dependency and strengthen employee engagement scores
- Quality Maintenance: Sustain CMS 5-star rating while optimizing new facility capabilities
- Philanthropic Growth: Increase annual giving to 8-10% of resident revenues through strategic donor cultivation
- Community Leadership: Establish visible, trusted presence as faith-informed leader internally and externally
- Organizational Capacity: Build leadership bench strength and position for future growth opportunities
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Pleasantview offers a competitive executive compensation package designed to attract exceptional leadership talent, including:
- Competitive base salary aligned with senior living industry benchmarks and organizational capacity
- Performance-based incentive compensation tied to achievement of key success metrics
- Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package
- Retirement savings plan with employer contribution
- Professional development and continuing education support
- Executive-level benefits including flexible time off and leadership development opportunities
Specific compensation details will be discussed confidentially with qualified candidates
NEXT STEPS
This executive search is being conducted by MHS Consulting with the highest standards of confidentiality and professionalism. We welcome inquiries, referrals, and applications from exceptional leaders who are called to serve in this transformational role.
How to Engage
For Confidential Inquiries:
Application Process
Please submit a comprehensive executive resume and compelling cover letter addressing your alignment with Pleasantview’s mission and your vision for leading this exceptional community through its next chapter of growth and impact. Cover letters may include discussion of your faith-informed leadership experience, operational turnaround expertise, community engagement philosophy, or philanthropic development background.
Timeline
- Application Review: Rolling basis with priority consideration for early submissions
- Interview Process: Multi-stage process including campus visit and community engagement
- Target Start Date: Flexible for the right candidate, with preference for timely transition
THE CALLING
This opportunity represents more than an executive appointment – it is a calling to serve with excellence in a mission that transforms lives daily. The Chief Executive Officer will have the privilege of leading a respected faith-based organization through renewal and growth while honoring a legacy of compassionate care that spans generations.
Join Pleasantview at this pivotal moment and help write the next chapter of a story defined by faithful stewardship, operational excellence, and transformational servant leadership where faith and community converge in Iowa’s heartland.
Pleasantview is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our ministry and operations, while maintaining our distinctive Christian identity and mission.
