Strong regional operations leadership is the heartbeat of consistent performance in a senior living portfolio. Regional Directors of Operations (RDOs) ensure communities stay compliant andprofitable, help drive sales and revenue, all while supporting Executive Directors and staff to deliver exceptional care and service.
The operational leadership needs of senior living providers is in a state of rapid change. Rising costs, shifting occupancy trends, turnover, and workforce challenges have prompted many organizations to reconsider the traditional full-time RDO model. As an option, operators are turning to fractional RDOs: experienced leaders who provide strategic oversight and operational support on a flexible, part-time basis.
So how do you know which approach is right for your organization? Let’s compare.
Full-time regional directors: the traditional model
Full-time RDOs are deeply embedded in their organizations. They typically manage multiple communities, oversee compliance, lead site visits, and support executive teams daily.
Advantages:
- Dedicated focus: A full-time RDO is fully aligned with your company’s culture and goals.
- Immediate availability: They’re always “on call” to address emerging issues.
- Deep institutional knowledge: Long-term tenure builds consistency and trust.
Challenges:
- High fixed cost: Salary, benefits, travel, and overhead add up quickly.
- Smaller portfolios may not need full-time oversight.
- Potential for burnout: Covering multiple communities can stretch even the best leaders thin.
Full-time RDOs are often the best fit for large organizations with stable portfolios and sufficient budget to sustain executive-level positions year-round.
Fractional RDOs: a modern, flexible alternative
Fractional Regional Directors of Operations provide all the benefits of senior-level oversight—without full-time commitment. Working under a structured engagement (such as part-time or contract-based), fractional RDOs deliver targeted leadership that aligns with your organization’s unique needs and budget.
Advantages:
- Cost-effective expertise: Access executive-level talent at a fraction of the cost.
- Scalable and flexible: Ideal for organizations in transition, expansion, or recovery.
- Objective perspective: Fractional leaders often bring fresh insight and unbiased analysis.
- Defined deliverables: Their work is typically tied to specific outcomes—such as occupancy growth, compliance success, or staff development milestones.
Challenges:
- Limited time allocation: Fractional RDOs may not be available full-time for emergencies.
- Integration required: Teams must learn how to communicate effectively with a hybrid leader.
Despite these limitations, fractional leadership can provide transformative results, particularly when paired with strong community-level management and clear reporting processes.
When to consider a fractional RDO
A fractional RDO is an excellent solution in several common senior living scenarios:
- During growth or expansion: When adding new communities, fractional RDOs can ensure operational consistency across sites until full-time leadership is justified.
- In turnaround situations: Communities struggling with low occupancy, high staff turnover, or compliance issues benefit from targeted, expert intervention without long-term expense.
- For interim coverage: When a regional leader leaves or takes leave, a fractional RDO can bridge the gap to maintain stability and accountability.
- For small or mid-sized operators: Providers with limited portfolios gain access to the same high-level expertise as larger organizations—without overextending resources.
Seamlessly integrating a fractional leader
The key to success lies in clear communication, defined expectations, and collaboration. A well-integrated fractional RDO should:
- Participate in weekly leadership calls and provide detailed written recaps.
- Conduct site visits and deliver actionable reports.
- Align closely with sales, wellness, and corporate leaders to ensure holistic success.
- Submit regular performance analyses, including KPIs, P&L reviews, and occupancy trends.
- With these practices in place, a fractional RDO becomes an extension of your leadership team—accountable, accessible, and results-driven.
Choosing the right model for your organization
Ultimately, the choice between full-time and fractional regional leadership depends on your size, resources, and goals.
If you have a large, stable portfolio and consistent financial performance, a full-time RDO may make sense. But if you’re managing growth, navigating change, or seeking operational efficiency, a fractional RDO can provide the strategic partnership you need—without the overhead.
Fractional RDOs: worth a closer look
Senior living success depends on strong leadership, but “full-time” isn’t the only path to operational excellence. Fractional RDOs bring agility, affordability, and deep industry experience—helping communities stay compliant, profitable, and people-focused.
Ready to explore the fractional RDO option?
Let’s talk about how Grow Your Occupancy’s Fractional RDO services can support your communities and drive sustained results.