Senior Center Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the evolving era of active aging, the role of Senior Center Managers is becoming increasingly critical.

As society progresses, the demand for skilled leaders who can manage, enhance, and protect the services and resources for our senior citizens surges.

But let’s take a closer look: What’s truly expected from a Senior Center Manager?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core aspects of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the management of senior care facilities,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Senior Center Manager job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Senior Center Manager Duties and Responsibilities

Senior Center Managers are responsible for planning, directing, and overseeing the operations and fiscal health of a senior center.

They play a pivotal role in ensuring the welfare of the senior residents, facilitating necessary services, and running daily operations.

The duties and responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing policies and procedures that ensure the smooth operation of the senior center
• Overseeing all aspects of the center’s operations, including staff management, budgeting, and facility maintenance
• Planning, organizing, and coordinating programs and activities that cater to the needs and interests of the senior residents
• Ensuring compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations pertaining to senior care
• Collaborating with healthcare providers to ensure the provision of appropriate and quality care for residents
• Maintaining a safe, clean, and comfortable environment for the residents
• Handling conflict resolution and crisis management when necessary
• Coordinating with families of residents to communicate about their loved ones’ care and progress
• Organizing outreach programs to attract new residents
• Monitoring the center’s budget and managing resources effectively
• Ensuring that the center’s staff receive adequate training and professional development opportunities

 

Senior Center Manager Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dynamic Senior Center Manager to oversee all operations and activities within our facility.

The Senior Center Manager is responsible for managing staff, developing and implementing programs, managing budgets, and ensuring the highest level of service for all participants.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in management, excellent communication skills, and a passion for working with diverse communities, particularly the senior population.

 

Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the center
• Manage and supervise staff, providing feedback, and resolving conflicts
• Develop and implement programs and activities that meet the needs of the center participants
• Manage budget and resources effectively
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations
• Collaborate with community partners to enhance services
• Monitor participant satisfaction and implement changes as necessary
• Manage facility and equipment maintenance and improvements
• Prepare reports and updates for senior management
• Ensure a safe, inclusive, and positive environment for all participants

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Senior Center Manager or similar managerial role
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Understanding of budgeting and performance management
• Knowledge of relevant local, state, and federal regulations
• Experience working with senior populations and understanding their needs
• BSc/BA in management or relevant field; MSc/MA is a plus

 

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement plan
• Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Continuous learning and development opportunities
• Wellness programs
• Employee assistance programs

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Senior Center Manager
• Work Environment: The position is based at our Senior Center. Some local travel may be required for community engagement and outreach.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Operations.
• Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• 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 a Senior Center Manager Do?

Senior Center Managers oversee the operations of centers dedicated to senior citizens, providing them with opportunities for social interaction, learning, and leisure.

Their primary responsibility is to coordinate the delivery of a range of services and activities that cater to the needs and preferences of older adults.

This could include organizing health and wellness programs, educational workshops, recreational activities, and special events.

Senior Center Managers also manage staff, volunteers, and budgets to ensure the smooth running of the facility.

They may be involved in hiring, training, and scheduling staff, as well as overseeing volunteers.

Additionally, they work closely with other community organizations, stakeholders, and family members to advocate for the rights and needs of seniors.

They also ensure the center complies with all relevant regulations and standards, and that it provides a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all attendees.

In some cases, they may also be responsible for fundraising, grant writing, and other forms of resource generation to support the center’s activities and services.

Senior Center Managers also handle administrative tasks, such as maintaining records, preparing reports, and managing correspondence.

Overall, their goal is to improve the quality of life for seniors and foster a sense of community within the center.

 

Senior Center Manager Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Senior Center Manager should have skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Leadership skills to oversee staff members, coordinate their tasks, and ensure they provide high-quality services.
• Operational management skills to manage the center’s day-to-day activities, optimize operations, and ensure efficiency.
• Interpersonal skills to establish and maintain effective relationships with staff, volunteers, community members, and seniors who use the center.
• Excellent communication skills to convey information clearly and effectively to staff, senior citizens, family members, and community partners.
• Financial management skills to plan and manage the center’s budget, control costs, and ensure financial sustainability.
• Problem-solving skills to address any challenges or issues that may arise, and to make decisions that benefit the seniors and the center.
• Knowledge of senior care and a deep understanding of the unique needs and challenges of the elderly to develop appropriate programs and services.
• Strategic planning skills to set goals, develop plans, and implement programs that meet the needs of the seniors and comply with regulations.
• Customer service skills to ensure a positive and engaging environment for the seniors and their families, and to handle any concerns or complaints effectively.

 

Senior Center Manager Experience Requirements

Senior Center Managers typically require a significant amount of experience in managing facilities or programs for older adults.

This often includes a minimum of 5 to 7 years of experience working in a senior center or a related setting, such as a nursing home or assisted living facility.

During their careers, they may have started in entry-level roles such as a Social Worker, Activities Coordinator, or Caregiver and progressively moved into supervisory or managerial roles.

This helps them gain a deep understanding of the needs of elderly individuals and the best ways to meet those needs.

Moreover, they often need to have a strong background in program development and implementation, staff supervision, budget management, and community outreach.

This can come from roles like Program Director or Operations Manager in similar settings.

Candidates with more than 10 years of experience often have leadership expertise and a proven track record of effectively managing a senior center.

They may have also participated in advanced training or gained certifications related to gerontology, health and human services, or facility management to further enhance their skills.

Furthermore, experience working with local, state, or federal agencies that provide services to seniors can also be beneficial.

This often includes understanding the regulations and funding mechanisms that govern senior centers.

In many cases, Senior Center Managers are expected to have excellent interpersonal skills, as their roles involve interacting with seniors, their families, staff members, volunteers, and community partners.

As such, past experience in customer service or public relations roles can also be advantageous.

 

Senior Center Manager Education and Training Requirements

Senior Center Managers typically hold a bachelor’s degree in social work, gerontology, healthcare administration, or another related field.

They need strong knowledge in areas such as aging processes, nutrition, healthcare services, and recreational activities.

This understanding helps to plan and implement a wide range of services and programs that meet the various needs of senior citizens.

Many positions require Senior Center Managers to have prior experience working with elderly populations, often requiring a minimum of five years in a leadership or managerial role within a community or senior service setting.

Certain roles may require a master’s degree in healthcare administration, social work, gerontology, or a related field to deal with complex issues related to senior care and management.

Moreover, some positions require Senior Center Managers to have a license or certification in elderly care management or a related field.

These certifications demonstrate a high level of competency and commitment to the profession.

Continuing education and professional development courses are strongly encouraged to stay up-to-date with the latest advances in elderly care and management.

Overall, a Senior Center Manager must be committed to serving the needs of elderly populations, have excellent leadership and communication skills, and be well-versed in the latest trends and best practices in senior care.

 

Senior Center Manager Salary Expectations

A Senior Center Manager earns an average salary of $73,000 (USD) per year.

However, this salary can vary based on factors such as location, the size of the center being managed, years of managerial experience, and the specific industry in which the center operates.

 

Senior Center Manager Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Senior Center Manager need?

A Senior Center Manager should have strong leadership and decision-making skills to oversee the operations and staff of the senior center.

They need excellent interpersonal and communication skills to interact with seniors, their families, and the staff.

The role also requires planning, organizing, and problem-solving abilities.

Budgeting and financial management skills are also crucial, along with a deep understanding of elder care and the services that seniors need.

 

Do Senior Center Managers need a degree?

Most Senior Center Managers have a bachelor’s degree in social work, healthcare administration, gerontology or a related field.

However, some employers may require a master’s degree.

Apart from the education, experience in managing a senior care facility or a similar environment is often required.

 

What should you look for in a Senior Center Manager resume?

A Senior Center Manager’s resume should include their education, certifications, and experience in managing a senior care facility or a similar environment.

Look for experience in staff management, budgeting, and overseeing daily operations.

Evidence of strong leadership, good decision-making, and excellent communication are also crucial.

Experience or knowledge of gerontology can be an added advantage.

 

What qualities make a good Senior Center Manager?

A good Senior Center Manager should have a passion for working with the elderly.

They should be compassionate, patient, and understanding, as they will be dealing with seniors who may have various health and emotional issues.

They should have strong leadership skills and the ability to make decisions under pressure.

Excellent communication skills are also essential to effectively interact with staff, seniors, and their families.

 

Is it challenging to hire a Senior Center Manager?

Finding a qualified Senior Center Manager can be challenging because it requires a unique mix of leadership, managerial skills, and a deep understanding of elder care.

In addition to these, the candidate should be compassionate and patient, qualities that cannot be easily gauged in an interview.

Hence, it’s essential to do a thorough screening and possibly even consider personality tests to ensure the candidate is a good fit for the role.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being a Senior Center Manager.

Guess what?

It’s not just about managing the day-to-day operations.

It’s about shaping the lives of our senior citizens, one activity at a time.

With our definitive Senior Center Manager job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why end there?

Immerse yourself further with our job description generator. It’s your guiding tool for creating precision-crafted listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every activity, every interaction, is a part of the larger mission.

Let’s create that impact. Together.

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