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Activities Program Director Jobs in Columbia, SC

Program Director is responsible for the overall administration of the Columbia Program. This ... Ensure that activities for participants and their families involve education, employment, social ...

Student Activities Coordinator

Columbia, SC · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Lead the development, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of the day-to-day operations of the Student Activities Program services and procedures. * Coordinate, direct, and act as the advisor ...

Activities Assistant- H

Columbia, SC · On-site

$14 - $16.75/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 ...

Activity Assistant

Columbia, SC · On-site

$14 - $16.75/hr

Activities POSITION: Activity Assistant IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Activity Director SUMMARY: The Activity Assistant facilitates the activity programs based on individual and group needs and preferences ...

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Activities Program Director information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$10

$21

$38

How much do activities program director jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for activities program director in Columbia, SC is $21.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.92 and $23.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an activities program director do?

An Activities Program Director is responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing recreational and social programs within organizations such as senior living communities, schools, camps, or community centers. They assess the needs and interests of participants, develop engaging activities, manage program budgets, and supervise staff or volunteers. Their goal is to promote engagement, well-being, and a sense of community among participants. The role often involves coordinating events, evaluating program effectiveness, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations or standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an activities program director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Activities Program Director, you need a background in recreation, hospitality, or a related field, along with strong organizational and leadership abilities. Familiarity with scheduling software, budgeting tools, and, in some settings, certifications such as Certified Director of Activities (CDA) are commonly required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, creativity, and the ability to motivate both staff and participants set outstanding candidates apart. These competencies are crucial for designing engaging programs, managing resources efficiently, and fostering a positive, inclusive environment.

How does an activities program director typically collaborate with other departments within a senior living facility?

Activities Program Directors often work closely with nursing, dietary, and administrative staff to ensure that programming aligns with residents' needs and facility goals. They coordinate with nursing teams to accommodate health considerations and collaborate with kitchen staff to plan events involving meals. Additionally, they liaison with housekeeping and maintenance to ensure event spaces are prepared and safe. This cross-departmental teamwork is essential for delivering engaging and well-executed activities that positively impact resident well-being.

What is the difference between Activities Program Director vs Activities Coordinator?

AspectActivities Program DirectorActivities Coordinator
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple programs, manages staff, develops strategic plansAssists in program execution, coordinates activities, supports planning
CredentialsBachelor’s degree often required; experience in program managementHigh school diploma or equivalent; relevant experience preferred
Work EnvironmentLeadership role in community centers, senior living, or recreational facilitiesSupport role in similar settings, working under supervision

The Activities Program Director typically holds a leadership position, managing multiple programs and staff, requiring more experience and credentials. The Activities Coordinator supports program implementation and usually works under supervision. Both roles are common in community, senior living, and recreational settings, but the Director has broader responsibilities and strategic oversight.

Program Director

Columbia, SC • On-site

Youth Advocate Programs
Non-Profits • 1 - 5K employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Status: Full-Time Salaried
FLSA Classification: Exempt
Summary of Position: Program Director is responsible for the overall administration of the Columbia Program. This includes the provision of participants services, personnel management, and budget management.
The duties of the Program Director position include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Responsible for all services provided to participants and their families who are referred to the program. Ensure that all participants receive the appropriate number of hours, contacts, services, specified monies, and activities as required by contract with the referring authority or the third-party payor. Ensure that all services have been authorized or reauthorized by the referring authority or third-party payor.
  • Oversee the intake process including interviewing referrals and appropriate family members along with referring authority staff. In conjunction with the participants and family ensure that a service or treatment plan that meets the individual needs of the participants and family is developed and implemented. Such plans must be strength-based using the wraparound plan model.
  • Monitor service delivery provided by staff and ensure that staff implements the goals in the service or treatment plans, as well as implement any revisions to the plan that result from changing needs or case reviews.
  • Identify, recruit, hire, train, monitor, and supervise all direct service processional and administrative staff in the local program, following the YAP, Inc. Personnel Policies, and procedures, including the matching zip code policy for recruiting direct service staff whenever possible. Ensure that staff qualifications meet those imposed by the referring authority or third party payor.
  • Provide direct service professional personnel with staff development and training sessions as required by YAP, Inc. policies. Promote staff development including the provision of cross-training among staff.
  • Conduct staff meetings and training sessional for program personnel. Attend staff meetings and training as assigned by Regional Director
  • Assist staff in creative problem solving, including securing needed professional resources for participants and their families. Ensure that activities for participants and their families involve education, employment, social, and other areas of need. Develop plans for discharge which include community linkages that will support the participants and family after termination of service.
  • Ensure that all required timelines and due dates are met. This includes submission of all administrative, fiscal, and billing documents and database information to the Support Center for processing and all reports and documents that are required to be submitted by referring authorities and third-party payors.
  • Manage the local program with budget parameters.
  • Identify new opportunities and new projects to assist in the growth and development of YAP, Inc. Programs and Services.

Qualifications/Requirements:
  • Bachelor's Degree is required with relevant experience
  • Master's Degree preferred.
  • Minimum One (1) year of experience in community-based agency program is acceptable except for programs where the referring authority requires a specific degree.
  • Experience working with at-risk youth and families
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365; Knowledge of electronic health records (EHR) systems is a plus.
  • Some understanding of insurance, and third-party billing is helpful.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
  • Some evenings may be required, flexible schedule
  • Bilingual (Spanish speaking) is a plus.
  • Reliable transportation, driver's license, and current auto insurance coverage is required.

Benefits Available:
  • Medical/Prescription
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Short Term Disability
  • UNUM Supplement Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Pet Insurance
  • Paid time Off
  • Holiday Pay
  • 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan.
  • Weekly Pay
  • Direct Deposit
  • Flexible Schedule

Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on individual merit, skills, and qualifications, without regard to race, age, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, military or veteran status, or disability or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where YAP operates. YAP will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.