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Activities Director Jobs in Appleton, WI (NOW HIRING)

Parkside Senior Living

Activities Assistant

Neenah, WI · On-site

$15.25 - $18.25/hr

Assists the Activities Director in leading activities and encourages resident participation. Assists with designated administrative tasks. * Participates in the creation, planning and implementation ...

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Activities Director information

See Appleton, WI salary details

$11

$23

$40

How much do activities director jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for activities director in Appleton, WI is $23.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.84 and $24.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Activities Director, and why are they important?

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's another name for an activities director?

Another name for an activities director is recreation director or activities coordinator. These roles involve planning and organizing recreational activities, often in settings like senior centers, hospitals, or community organizations, and may require skills in event planning and communication.

How much does an activity director make?

The average salary for an activities director in North Carolina is approximately $40,000 to $55,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and the type of facility. Salaries can vary based on certifications, such as activity director or recreational therapy credentials, and the setting, such as senior living communities or recreational centers.

What is the role of an activities director?

An activities director plans, organizes, and oversees recreational and social activities for residents or clients in settings such as senior living communities, hospitals, or recreational facilities. They assess participants' interests, coordinate events, and ensure activities promote engagement and well-being, often requiring strong organizational and communication skills. Certification or experience in activity planning may be preferred.

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 degree do I need to be a activities director?

Activities directors typically need at least a high school diploma or equivalent, but many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in fields such as recreation, leisure studies, or a related area. Relevant skills include strong communication, organization, and experience in planning events or activities, and certifications in activities or recreation management can be beneficial.

What are Activities Directors?

Activities Directors are professionals responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing recreational and social activities within organizations such as senior centers, nursing homes, community centers, or camps. Their primary goal is to enhance the quality of life for participants by providing engaging programs that promote social interaction, physical activity, and mental stimulation. Activities Directors assess participant needs and interests, develop activity calendars, coordinate events, and often supervise staff or volunteers. They play a key role in creating a positive and inclusive environment.

How does an Activities Director typically collaborate with other staff to design and implement engaging programs?

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.

More about Activities Director jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Activities jobs in Appleton, WI? The most popular types of Activities jobs in Appleton, WI are:
What are popular job titles related to Activities Director jobs in Appleton, WI? For Activities Director jobs in Appleton, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Activities Director jobs in Appleton, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Activities Director jobs in Appleton, WI are:
What cities near Appleton, WI are hiring for Activities Director jobs? Cities near Appleton, WI with the most Activities Director job openings:
Activities Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Activities Director job openings in Appleton, WI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,879 per year, or $23 per hour.

Activities Assistant

Parkside Senior Living

Neenah, WI • On-site

$15.25 - $18.25/hr

Part-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Parkside Senior Living is currently seeking an Activities Assistant to join our team of dedicated professionals who want to make a difference in the lives of our residents, their families, and our community. We are guided by our CAPLICO Core Values:

Celebration

Accountability

Passion for Learning

Love One Another

Intelligent Risk Taking

Customer Second (Employee First!)

Ownership

If these core values resonate deeply with your own moral compass and you meet the requirements below, then you should apply.

About the Opportunity

Participates with the Activities Director in creating a multi-faceted daily/monthly calendar that is appropriate for all care levels and includes events that encourage resident individuality, participation, and leadership. Assists the Activities Director in leading activities and encourages resident participation. Assists with designated administrative tasks.

  • Participates in the creation, planning and implementation of activities to meet the interests of all residents.
  • Contributes to the creation of the daily/monthly activities calendar.
  • Continually promotes and encourages resident participation in activities and events.
  • Leads activities and conducts programs in a timely manner.
  • Continually promotes and encourages resident participation in activities and events. Seeks to find the motivation in each resident that will entice them to participate or be an active member in activities/events.
  • Helps to provide opportunities for residents to engage in various community projects in the surrounding community.
  • Assists with designated administrative tasks such as posting daily calendars, maintaining and updating resident sign-up sheets, ordering supplies, etc.
  • Supports/encourages residents who lead various activities to promote a sense of pride.
  • If applicable, transports residents to various functions using company vehicles.

Critical Success Factors

  • Is energetic, personable, enthusiastic, creative and imaginative.
  • Able to communicate intentions and directions to residents and staff and be an effective, empathetic listener.
  • Demonstrates effective oral and written language skills.
  • Possesses knowledge of the physical and emotional aspects of aging.
  • Ability to motivate and positively influence residents.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other protected characteristics.

The employer for this position is stated in the job posting. The Pennant Group, Inc. is a holding company of independent operating subsidiaries that provide healthcare services through home health and hospice agencies and senior living communities located throughout the US. Each of these businesses is operated by a separate, independent operating subsidiary that has its own management, employees and assets. More information about The Pennant Group, Inc. is available at http://www.pennantgroup.com.

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