Activity Director Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the dynamic and lively field of recreation and leisure, the role of an Activity Director has never been more essential.

As society becomes more aware of the importance of active and meaningful engagement in our daily lives, the demand for creative, organized, and compassionate individuals to plan, coordinate, and execute a variety of activities continues to rise.

But what does it really mean to be an Activity Director?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to grasp the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the behind-the-scenes of activity planning and coordination,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Activity Director job description template, created for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Activity Director Duties and Responsibilities

Activity Directors are professionals who plan, coordinate and implement a range of programs and activities to engage and entertain residents in various community settings, such as nursing homes, schools, or camps.

They are primarily responsible for creating a lively, engaging, and supportive environment.

Here are their key duties and responsibilities:

• Assessing the needs and interests of individuals to develop relevant and engaging activities
• Planning and implementing diverse activity programs that cater to various age groups and skill levels
• Coordinating special events, outings and parties
• Maintaining regular communication with staff, residents and their families about activity schedules and any changes
• Purchasing, managing, and maintaining necessary equipment and supplies for activities
• Ensuring all activities comply with health and safety regulations
• Recruiting, training, and supervising volunteers or staff involved in the activity programs
• Evaluating the effectiveness of activities and making necessary improvements
• Documenting and reporting on residents’ participation and progress in activities

 

Activity Director Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a creative and organized Activity Director to plan, coordinate, and implement a variety of activities and programs that cater to the physical, mental, and social needs of our clientele.

Activity Director responsibilities include creating an activity schedule, coordinating with external vendors for special programs, ensuring safety protocols are followed during activities, and promoting a fun, inclusive environment.

Ideal candidates should have strong leadership skills, excellent communication abilities, and a passion for enhancing the quality of life for others.

 

Responsibilities

• Plan, implement and monitor wellness and recreation programs to meet the specific needs of each client
• Coordinate with team members, external vendors and volunteers to deliver programs
• Prepare and maintain activity calendar
• Ensure relevant supplies and equipment are available for each activity
• Monitor each activity to ensure adherence to safety guidelines
• Encourage clients to participate in activities to enhance their physical, mental and social well-being
• Document and evaluate the effectiveness of each program
• Respect and accommodate the needs of diverse populations

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as an Activity Director, Program Coordinator or similar role
• Experience in event planning or coordination
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Familiarity with disability and elderly issues
• Ability to manage budgets and resources
• Ability to use MS Office and database software
• Degree in hospitality management, public relations or relevant field is preferred

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Activity Director
• Work Environment: This role primarily operates in a professional office environment and involves frequent interaction with people. Some weekend or evening shifts might be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the General Manager or Program Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $65,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Activity Director Do?

Activity Directors typically work in recreational facilities, senior care centers, schools, or community centers.

They are also employed by cruise ships, resorts, and other establishments that offer recreational activities.

The primary role of an Activity Director is to plan, implement, and oversee a variety of leisure activities for the public, students, or elderly individuals.

These activities can include sports, arts and crafts, social gatherings, games, excursions, and educational events.

They work closely with other staff members to assess the needs and interests of their audience, and create programs that are both engaging and beneficial.

They are also responsible for scheduling these activities, ensuring they fit within the overall schedule of the facility.

In addition to planning activities, Activity Directors also oversee the execution of these events.

They may need to coordinate with other departments or outside vendors, manage budgets, and ensure safety regulations are met.

In some settings, such as senior care centers, Activity Directors may also be responsible for individual activity plans that cater to the specific needs and abilities of each resident.

Overall, the role of an Activity Director is to ensure that individuals in their care have access to enjoyable and enriching activities that enhance their well-being and quality of life.

 

Activity Director Qualifications and Skills

An Activity Director should have a blend of creative, interpersonal, and management skills to ensure the successful planning and execution of various activities, including:

• Event planning skills to organize and oversee a variety of activities and events that cater to the needs and interests of the target group.
• Strong leadership skills to manage teams and volunteers, ensuring that activities and events are run smoothly and efficiently.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to connect with a diverse range of individuals, from participants to staff, volunteers, and other stakeholders.
• Creativity and innovation to come up with new, engaging, and appropriate activity ideas that suit the demographic and promote participation.
• Ability to manage budgets, resources, and timelines effectively, ensuring that activities are well-planned and executed within the constraints.
• Adaptability to change plans as required and handle unexpected situations or emergencies effectively.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations to ensure all activities are conducted in a safe and secure manner.
• Customer service skills to deal with complaints, feedback, or concerns from participants or their families.

 

Activity Director Experience Requirements

Activity Directors are usually required to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as Recreation Therapy, Gerontology, or Social Work.

They may also need to be certified as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist or Certified Activity Director.

Experience requirements vary, but entry-level positions may require 1 to 2 years of experience in a role that involves planning and coordinating recreational programs or activities, often through internships or part-time roles in community centers, nursing homes, or similar facilities.

Those with more than 3 years of experience often have a solid foundation of knowledge in planning and executing activities, coordinating with other departments, and managing resources.

They usually have developed their skills in roles such as Activity Assistant or Recreational Therapist.

Candidates with over 5 years of experience are typically prepared for supervisory roles in the field.

They may have some leadership experience, having overseen a team of activity professionals, and could be ready for a managerial position in activity coordination.

In addition, all Activity Directors should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as they will need to interact with a diverse group of people, including residents, staff, and family members.

 

Activity Director Education and Training Requirements

Activity Directors typically require a bachelor’s degree in fields such as recreational therapy, gerontology, or a related field.

These programs equip prospective Activity Directors with the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge, leading to a degree upon graduation.

Several states require Activity Directors working in long-term care or assisted living facilities to be certified.

The National Certification Council for Activity Professionals (NCCAP) and the National Association for Activity Professionals Credentialing Center (NAAPCC) provide such certifications.

The certification criteria generally include completion of a bachelor’s degree, work experience in the field, and completion of a certification course.

Although not required, many Activity Directors may pursue a master’s degree or additional certifications in specific areas such as geriatric care or therapeutic recreation to enhance their skills and career prospects.

Continuing education is essential in this role due to evolving best practices and regulations in the health care and social services sector.

This ongoing learning reflects the dedication of the Activity Director to providing quality care and services.

 

Activity Director Salary Expectations

The average salary for an Activity Director is $47,520 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can fluctuate depending on factors such as experience, qualifications, location, and the size of the organization.

 

Activity Director Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Activity Director need?

An Activity Director needs strong organizational skills to manage multiple activities and schedules.

They should have excellent communication skills to effectively interact with participants, staff, and stakeholders.

A strong understanding of the target population’s interests and needs is essential.

Additionally, creativity, problem-solving skills, and the ability to motivate others are critical for this role.

 

Do Activity Directors need a degree?

While not always required, many Activity Directors hold a bachelor’s degree in a field such as recreation management, therapeutic recreation, or a related field.

Some positions may require specific certifications, such as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential.

Work experience in coordinating activities or working with the target population is often more important than formal education.

 

What should you look for in an Activity Director resume?

An Activity Director’s resume should showcase their experience in planning and coordinating activities, ideally for the specific population they will be serving (e.g., seniors, children, people with disabilities).

Look for demonstrated leadership skills, creativity in developing diverse activities, and experience with event management.

Certifications related to activity planning or the target demographic are a plus.

 

What qualities make a good Activity Director?

A good Activity Director is creative, energetic, and has a passion for improving the well-being of others.

They should be adaptable, able to modify plans as needed, and responsive to feedback from participants.

Great Activity Directors have strong leadership skills, are excellent communicators, and have the ability to motivate and inspire both participants and staff.

 

What are the daily duties of an Activity Director?

On a typical day, an Activity Director might plan and schedule activities, coordinate with other staff members, and oversee activity sessions.

They may also engage with participants, assess the success of activities, and adjust plans as needed.

Administrative tasks such as budgeting for activities, reporting, and liaising with other department heads or external suppliers might also be part of their daily duties.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve shined the spotlight on what it truly means to be an activity director.

Surprise, surprise!

It’s not just about planning events.

It’s about enriching lives, one activity at a time.

With our go-to activity director job description template and real-life examples, you’re all geared up to make a leap.

But why halt there?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next stepping stone to meticulously designed listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every activity is a part of a larger mission.

Let’s enrich those lives. Together.

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