Director of Nursing
Towriss-Smith & Partners, Columbia, SC, United States
Director of Nursing (DON) – Senior Living / Skilled Nursing
Location:
Columbia, South Carolina
Salary:
$95,000 – $120,000+ + Bonus + Benefits
Type:
Full-Time | Senior Leadership Role
About the Role
We are currently partnering with a well-established senior living and skilled nursing operator in the Columbia market to appoint an experienced
Director of Nursing (DON) .
This is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing all clinical operations, leading the nursing team, and ensuring the highest standards of resident care, compliance, and operational stability across the community.
The ideal candidate will be a strong clinical leader with experience in long-term care, a calm and steady leadership style, and the ability to build and retain high-performing teams while maintaining excellent regulatory standards.
This opportunity offers genuine influence within the organization and the chance to work closely with Executive Leadership to shape both clinical outcomes and overall community performance.
Key Responsibilities
Provide leadership and direction for all nursing services, including RNs, LPNs, CNAs, and direct-care staff
Oversee day-to-day nursing operations across the community and ensure strong clinical standards are maintained
Develop, implement, and monitor policies, procedures, and best practices to support compliance and high-quality care delivery
Lead staffing, scheduling, recruitment, onboarding, and retention strategies for nursing teams
Collaborate closely with the Executive Director / Administrator on budgets, staffing models, and operational planning
Drive survey readiness and maintain compliance with CMS, state regulations, and quality standards
Lead quality assurance and performance improvement initiatives, including infection prevention, medication management, resident safety, and resident satisfaction
Support and mentor Nurse Managers, ADONs, and Unit Managers to strengthen internal leadership pipelines
Act as a key contact for residents, families, physicians, and external healthcare partners
Help shape a positive, team-oriented culture focused on resident-centered care and long-term stability
Qualifications & Experience
Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in South Carolina (or ability to obtain)
Minimum 5+ years of progressive nursing leadership experience within skilled nursing, long-term care, senior living, or a similar setting
Strong knowledge of CMS regulations, compliance standards, and survey readiness
Proven success improving staffing retention, team stability, and operational performance
Experience managing budgets, staffing models, and nursing department performance
Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
Professional presence with a strong commitment to resident-centered care and clinical excellence
Preferred
Previous experience as a Director of Nursing or Assistant Director of Nursing
BSN or MSN preferred
Multi-site, turnaround, or building stabilization experience
Experience improving survey outcomes and returning facilities to compliance
Strong understanding of reimbursement models and long-term care operations
Why This Role Stands Out
Senior leadership opportunity with real operational influence
Supportive executive team and strong organizational backing
Competitive compensation package above market average
Stable, growing organization with long-term career progression
Opportunity to lead meaningful change and improve resident outcomes
Columbia is one of the strongest senior living markets in South Carolina for leadership growth and advancement
Next Steps
If you’re an experienced nursing leader open to exploring a role where you can make genuine impact, I’d be happy to share more details confidentially.
We’re seeing increasing demand for strong clinical leadership across South Carolina, and this is one of several Director of Nursing opportunities currently active within the market.
Location:
Columbia, South Carolina
Salary:
$95,000 – $120,000+ + Bonus + Benefits
Type:
Full-Time | Senior Leadership Role
About the Role
We are currently partnering with a well-established senior living and skilled nursing operator in the Columbia market to appoint an experienced
Director of Nursing (DON) .
This is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing all clinical operations, leading the nursing team, and ensuring the highest standards of resident care, compliance, and operational stability across the community.
The ideal candidate will be a strong clinical leader with experience in long-term care, a calm and steady leadership style, and the ability to build and retain high-performing teams while maintaining excellent regulatory standards.
This opportunity offers genuine influence within the organization and the chance to work closely with Executive Leadership to shape both clinical outcomes and overall community performance.
Key Responsibilities
Provide leadership and direction for all nursing services, including RNs, LPNs, CNAs, and direct-care staff
Oversee day-to-day nursing operations across the community and ensure strong clinical standards are maintained
Develop, implement, and monitor policies, procedures, and best practices to support compliance and high-quality care delivery
Lead staffing, scheduling, recruitment, onboarding, and retention strategies for nursing teams
Collaborate closely with the Executive Director / Administrator on budgets, staffing models, and operational planning
Drive survey readiness and maintain compliance with CMS, state regulations, and quality standards
Lead quality assurance and performance improvement initiatives, including infection prevention, medication management, resident safety, and resident satisfaction
Support and mentor Nurse Managers, ADONs, and Unit Managers to strengthen internal leadership pipelines
Act as a key contact for residents, families, physicians, and external healthcare partners
Help shape a positive, team-oriented culture focused on resident-centered care and long-term stability
Qualifications & Experience
Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in South Carolina (or ability to obtain)
Minimum 5+ years of progressive nursing leadership experience within skilled nursing, long-term care, senior living, or a similar setting
Strong knowledge of CMS regulations, compliance standards, and survey readiness
Proven success improving staffing retention, team stability, and operational performance
Experience managing budgets, staffing models, and nursing department performance
Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
Professional presence with a strong commitment to resident-centered care and clinical excellence
Preferred
Previous experience as a Director of Nursing or Assistant Director of Nursing
BSN or MSN preferred
Multi-site, turnaround, or building stabilization experience
Experience improving survey outcomes and returning facilities to compliance
Strong understanding of reimbursement models and long-term care operations
Why This Role Stands Out
Senior leadership opportunity with real operational influence
Supportive executive team and strong organizational backing
Competitive compensation package above market average
Stable, growing organization with long-term career progression
Opportunity to lead meaningful change and improve resident outcomes
Columbia is one of the strongest senior living markets in South Carolina for leadership growth and advancement
Next Steps
If you’re an experienced nursing leader open to exploring a role where you can make genuine impact, I’d be happy to share more details confidentially.
We’re seeing increasing demand for strong clinical leadership across South Carolina, and this is one of several Director of Nursing opportunities currently active within the market.