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Activities Director Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Activities Director

Davenport, IA ยท On-site

$18 - $24.75/hr

Certified Activity Director (ADC) or equivalent certification preferred, or certification required by state. About Bickford Senior Living: Bickford Senior Living is a community of caregivers who are ...

Activities Director

Davenport, IA ยท On-site

$16.75 - $23/hr

Certified Activity Director (ADC) or equivalent certification preferred, or certification required by state. ABOUT BICKFORD SENIOR LIVING: Bickford Senior Living is a community of caregivers who are ...

Activity Director

Emmetsburg, IA ยท On-site

$16.50 - $22.50/hr

As an Activities Director/Social Services Designee you will assist in preparing our residents for their future. Your work will ensure our residents receive the high standard of care they have grown ...

Activity Director

Emmetsburg, IA ยท On-site

$16.50 - $22.50/hr

As an Activities Director/Social Services Designee you will assist in preparing our residents for their future. Your work will ensure our residents receive the high standard of care they have grown ...

Activity Director

Emmetsburg, IA ยท On-site

$16.50 - $22.50/hr

As an Activities Director/Social Services Designee you will assist in preparing our residents for their future. Your work will ensure our residents receive the high standard of care they have grown ...

Activity Director

Dubuque, IA ยท On-site

$18 - $24.50/hr

We are currently searching for an Activity Director to join our friendly, caring and supportive team! Harmony Dubuque is rapidly growing and our team is looking to invest in an Activity Director by ...

Activity Director

Dubuque, IA ยท On-site

$18 - $24.50/hr

We are currently searching for an Activity Director to join our friendly, caring and supportive team! Harmony Dubuque is rapidly growing and our team is looking to invest in an Activity Director by ...

Activity Director

Dubuque, IA ยท On-site

$18 - $24.50/hr

We are currently searching for an Activity Director to join our friendly, caring and supportive team! Harmony Dubuque is rapidly growing and our team is looking to invest in an Activity Director by ...

Activity Director

Osceola, IA ยท On-site

$18 - $24.50/hr

... Director, RCC or Unit Manager. Treat residents, family members, visitors, and team members with ... Responsible for planning and implementing activities to meet resident's specific needs, including ...

MS Wild Card Activity - Merrill

Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

Reports and secures approval from Director of Activities and School Equity for all adults associated with their activity. * Follows and maintains knowledge of all district policies and procedures.

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Activities Director information

See Iowa salary details

$11

$22

$39

How much do activities director jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for activities director in Iowa is $22.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $23.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills should an activities director have on their resume?

To thrive as an Activities Director, you need expertise in event planning, program development, and a relevant degree (such as recreation, hospitality, or a related field), often supported by certifications like CTRS (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist). Familiarity with scheduling software, budgeting tools, and compliance with regulatory standards is typically required. Strong leadership, creativity, and interpersonal communication skills help in engaging participants and coordinating with staff and vendors. These competencies ensure engaging, well-organized programs that enhance participant satisfaction and meet institutional goals.

What is an activities director?

As an activities director, you plan and oversee recreational events and programs most commonly in a facility for the elderly or disabled. You create and lead activities like arts and crafts, music, dance, and sports to develop their social skills and promote active, healthy lifestyles. To work with these populations, you need patience, compassion, and excellent communication skills. Your job duties include designing activities programs, training and managing assistants and other staff, interacting with patients, and providing first aid.

What does an activities director do?

An Activities Director works closely with various departments, including nursing, therapy, and dietary staff, to ensure programs meet residents' physical, cognitive, and social needs. They often gather input from team members and residents to create inclusive, diverse activities and must coordinate schedules and resources for smooth execution. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as Activities Directors may rely on volunteers and other staff for support during events. This collaborative approach helps foster a vibrant, engaging environment for all participants.

What is the difference between Activities Director vs Recreation Coordinator?

AspectActivities DirectorRecreation Coordinator
CredentialsCPR certification, activity planning experienceCPR certification, event planning experience
Work EnvironmentSenior living facilities, community centersRecreation departments, community programs
Employer & IndustryHealthcare, senior care, community organizationsMunicipalities, parks and recreation departments
Search & Comparison IntentPeople seeking senior activity planning rolesIndividuals interested in community recreation roles

The main difference between an Activities Director and a Recreation Coordinator lies in their scope and work environment. Activities Directors typically work in senior living or healthcare settings, focusing on planning activities for specific populations. Recreation Coordinators often work in municipal or community settings, organizing broader recreational programs. Both roles require similar certifications and involve engaging with the community, but their target audiences and organizational contexts differ.

What are the most commonly searched types of Activities jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Activities jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Activities Director jobs in Iowa? For Activities Director jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Activities Director jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Activities Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Activities Director job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,089 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Activities Director

Bickford of Suffolk

Davenport, IA โ€ข On-site

$18 - $24.75/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Montessori Engagement Coordinator

Starting at $18 Join our DYNAMIC team at Bickford Senior Living as a Montessori Engagement Coordinator! The Montessori Engagement Coordinator is responsible for all things related to resident activities at the Branch. This includes coordinating and providing engaging and purpose-filled events and activities. This position offers a full suite of benefits options that vary based on employment status. Some of the benefits include, but are not limited to:

  • Full-time employees are eligible for all benefits (medical, dental, vision, and voluntary products)
  • Part-time employees (29 or fewer hours per week) are eligible for Voluntary Life, Voluntary Short-Term Disability, Voluntary Long-Term Disability, Accident, Critical Illness, Identity Protection, and Cyber Monitoring
  • Benefits start the 1st of the month following 30 days of employment!
  • Prescription savings plans
  • All employees are eligible for 401(k) with employer match
  • Pay available daily

"There is no higher calling, no greater purpose than a caregiver. Somehow, we've come to believe that caregiving is just for some of us and not all. Yet, at our core, we are all made to love, connect, to extend ourselves in service to others. The question isโ€ฆ do we have the will to love, do what it takes, and risk ourselves in caring, even when the burden is great? In times of happiness and sadness, we are that caregiver" - www.bickfordseniorliving.com/caregivers-manifesto

Must hold a valid driver's license and be insurable by insurance company guidelines

Responsibilities:

  • Calendar & Social Media: Create and ensure posting of the Daily HappYnings; post blog entries weekly, create a monthly activity calendar including weekend and evening activities.
  • Montessori Program/Lifestyle Development: Design and implement a diverse range of activities that align with Montessori principles, focusing on sensory engagement, practical life skills, and cognitive stimulation.
  • Resident-Centered Approach: Tailor activities to meet the individual needs and preferences of residents, fostering a sense of purpose and autonomy.
  • Collaboration: Work closely with caregivers, nursing staff, and family members to ensure activities are integrated into the residents' daily routines and care plans.
  • Training and Support: Provide training and guidance to staff on Montessori methods and the importance of activity-based care for residents with dementia.
  • Evaluation and Adaptation: Regularly assess the effectiveness of activities and make necessary adjustments to meet the evolving needs of residents.
  • Documentation: Maintain accurate records of resident participation and progress, and report on the outcomes of activity programs.
  • Community Engagement: Plan and chaperone appropriate community outings, ensuring residents' safety and enjoyment.
  • Special Events: Create the appropriate activities and environment celebrating themed meals, holidays, and special events.
  • Interdisciplinary Team Meetings: Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and contribute to the development of resident care plans.

Qualifications:

  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Gerontology, Social Work, or a related field preferred.
  • Experience: Minimum of 2 years of experience in activity planning for seniors, preferably in a dementia care setting. Experience with Montessori methods is highly desirable.
  • Skills: Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Certifications: Certified Activity Director (ADC) or equivalent certification preferred, or certification required by state.

About Bickford Senior Living:

Bickford Senior Living is a community of caregivers who are dedicated to doing whatever it takes to enrich our resident's happiness. Founded in 1991 in Olathe, Kansas, by the Eby Family. Mary Bickford, the matriarch of the family, was the first resident of a Bickford Branch and our namesake. That location became the start of a tradition of caring that has extended to over 50 locations in 7 states. Although Bickford Senior Living has grown in sizeโ€ฆ we pride ourselves in the family environment that is the foundation on which Bickford has served thousands of residents and employees throughout the years.

At Bickford, you willโ€ฆ Make a Difference Every Day We are passionate about our mission โ€” to champion quality of life for all seniors. We deliver high-quality care with a personal touch and encourage our residents to enjoy life to the fullest.

Be Part of a Uniquely Supportive Community The care-focused environment we create for residents extends to our team members. We offer programs, rewards, and benefits to help you live your best.

Ignite Your Potential We believe potential has no limits. We offer best-in-class leadership development programs designed to grow our leaders. We are committed to helping our team members achieve their career goals.