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Activities Director Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

The Vistas at Bettendorf

Activity Director

Bettendorf, IA

$17 - $23.25/hr

The Vistas at Bettendorf is looking to hire a full-time Certified Activities Director to join our team. Do you want to be part of a dynamic and caring clinical team? If so, please read on!This ...

Harmony Dubuque

Activity Director

Dubuque, IA

$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 ...

Harmony Dubuque

Activity Director

Dubuque, IA · 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 ...

Harmony House Care Center

Activity Director

Waterloo, IA

$17.75 - $24.25/hr

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

Legacy Health Care

Activity Director

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

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

Legacy Healthcare

Activity Director

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$17.75 - $24.25/hr

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

Homestead of Osceola

Activity Director

Osceola, IA

$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 ...

Campbell Street

Activities Assistant

Bettendorf, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $16.25/hr

Visits with residents on a one-to-one basis as directed. * Evaluates and reassesses activity interventions based on interdisciplinary plan of care and makes revisions as appropriate. * Ensure ...

Pacs

PART TIME ACTIVITIES ASSISTANT

Centerville, IA · On-site

$12.25 - $14.75/hr

General Purpose The primary purpose of the Activity Assistant is to assist the Activity Director run a creative and interactive activities program. This must be done in accordance with current ...

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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 Sep 3, 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 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 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 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.

Is being an activities director stressful?

Being an activities director can be stressful due to the need to coordinate events, manage budgets, and meet diverse participant needs. The role often requires strong organizational skills, adaptability, and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, which can contribute to work-related stress.
More about Activities Director jobs

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 job categories do people searching Activities Director jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Activities Director jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Activities Director jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Activities Director job openings:

Activities Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Activities Director job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% 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 - Senior Living

Foundry Commercial

Grinnell, IA • On-site

$22/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Activities Director - Windsor Manor Grinnell
Grinnell, IA | Full-Time | 5 Days/Week | 8:00am-4:00pm
Starting pay $22.00/hr
Your creativity. Your program. Your stage.
Are you the person who walks into a room and immediately starts thinking about how to make it more fun, more meaningful, more alive? Windsor Manor Grinnell is looking for exactly that person - a passionate, driven Activities Director who's ready to take full ownership of a life enrichment program that genuinely changes lives every single day.
This is your opportunity to build something you're proud of, in a close-knit community that will celebrate everything you bring to it.
What You'll Own:
  • Design, lead, and oversee a comprehensive life enrichment calendar for Assisted Living and Memory Care residents
  • Plan and execute engaging daily activities - fitness, music, arts, social events, outings, and more
  • Build meaningful relationships with residents, honoring their individual stories and preferences
  • Coordinate special events, holiday celebrations, and family programming
  • Transport residents on community outings safely and responsibly
  • Maintain accurate documentation and ensure compliance with state activity requirements
  • Some weekends and holiday coverage required

What You Bring:
  • Activity Professional Requirement Course certification - required or willing to obtain within 90 days of hire
  • Valid driver's license and clean driving record - required
  • Prior experience in activities, life enrichment, education, hospitality, or program coordination - preferred
  • Creative, energetic, and genuinely passionate about working with seniors
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to lead a department independently
  • Experience with Memory Care or dementia populations a plus
  • Former teachers, school program coordinators, and hospitality professionals encouraged to apply!

Why Windsor Manor Grinnell?
Windsor Manor is a close-knit, mission-driven community where the Activities Director is one of the most valued members of the team. You'll have the autonomy to build a program you're proud of, backed by an Executive Director who genuinely invests in your success - in a community where your work is seen, celebrated, and appreciated every single day.
Windsor Manor Grinnell | 229 Pearl St, Grinnell, IA 50112
$22.00/hr | Full-Time | Director-Level | Clean Driving Record Required
Apply today and lead a program that changes lives every single day!
The primary responsibility of the Lifestyle Director is to manage and direct the Lifestyle department to provide a diverse, appealing, full-time social and activity program at the community for all residents and their families. Such a program should include a variety of social, recreational, physical, educational, and spiritual opportunities for resident involvement that encourages socialization and creativity, improves daily living skills, expands personal interest, and increases physical activity and education.
Areas of Responsibility
  • Develop an annual activity plan that supports achievement of Company goals and ownership objectives.
  • Oversee the administration of the Lifestyle department according to Company policies and procedures and submit relevant reports and narratives as required.
  • Recruit, hire, train, manage, motivate, and evaluate Lifestyle Assistants, Drivers, and Concierge personnel, including corrective action and recommendations for separation decisions, according to Company policies and procedures.
  • Schedule the Driver and Lifestyle Assistant to stay within budgeted department guidelines and optimize the hours of the Lifestyle program so that day, evening, and weekend opportunities for activities, programs, and outings exist.
  • Create and manage a resident transportation schedule and assist in maintaining community transportation vehicles per Company policies and procedures, ensuring adherence to the transportation budget and expenditures.
  • Create and manage the activity budget within approved guidelines and according to Company goals and ownership objectives.
  • Establish a full-time activity program that supports residents' interests and is available seven days a week.
  • Other job duties assigned - see full job description.

Required Qualifications
  • Must be a minimum of 21 years of age.
  • Minimum two (2) years experience as Activity Director or Activity Assistant at an independent living, assisted living or skilled nursing community with related skills in scheduling activities, special events, and leading group activities.
  • Must have working knowledge of appropriate Microsoft Office programs.
  • Must possess attention to detail, be energetic/enthusiastic, and able to multi-task.
  • Must have positive Criminal Background Screening.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license for the state where the vehicle is operated. CDL with passenger endorsement preferred.
  • The Community is a drug free workplace; associates are subject to adherence to the Company Drug Free Workplace policy.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Knowledge of local recreational opportunities is a plus.
  • CDL license a perk, may be required at some locations, inquire within.

Allegro Living, LLC serves as the parent company of Allegro Management Company and Spring Arbor Management Company, uniting decades of senior living expertise under one trusted name. Formed through the 2025 merger of two well-established brands, Allegro Living is building a premier senior living platform defined by inspired lifestyles, compassionate care, and meaningful regional reach. The only thing we're missing is YOU!
Equal Employment Opportunity & Non-Discrimination
Allegro Living provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

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