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Activity Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

As the Activities Director, you will be responsible for designing, implementing, and managing a comprehensive activities program that meets the spiritual, cultural, physical, intellectual, and social ...

New

Activity Director

Northridge, CA · On-site

$20.25 - $28/hr

As the Activities Director, you will be responsible for designing, implementing, and managing a comprehensive activities program that meets the spiritual, cultural, physical, intellectual, and social ...

New

Activity Director

Alameda, CA · On-site

$27 - $30/hr

Activity Director Days: Tuesday - Saturday Pay Range: $27.00 - $30.00 Oakmont of Mariner Point is a premier senior living community situated on a beautifully landscaped campus. Managed by Oakmont ...

Activity Director Shifts, Time, and Days: Sunday through Thursday 9:00am - 5:30am Pay Range: $26.00 - $28.00 INSERT COMMUNITY NAME is a premier senior living community situated on a beautifully ...

Activity Director

Laguna Woods, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Activity Director Shifts, Time, and Days: AM Shift, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday Pay Range: $25.00/hr - $30.00/hr Ivy Park Laguna Woods is a premier senior living community ...

Activity Director

Laguna Woods, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Activity Director Shifts, Time, and Days: AM Shift, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday Pay Range: $25.00/hr - $30.00/hr Ivy Park Laguna Woods is a premier senior living community ...

Activity Director

Concord, CA · On-site

$25 - $29/hr

Activity Director Shifts, Time, and Days: Sunday - Thursday Pay Range: $25 - 29 (DOE) Oakmont of Concord is a premier senior living community situated on a beautifully landscaped campus. Managed by ...

Activity Director

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$26 - $28/hr

Activity Director Shifts, Time, and Days: Sunday through Thursday 9:00am - 5:30am Pay Range: $26.00 - $28.00 INSERT COMMUNITY NAME is a premier senior living community situated on a beautifully ...

Activity Director

Laguna Woods, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Activity Director Shifts, Time, and Days: AM Shift, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday Pay Range: $25.00/hr - $30.00/hr Ivy Park Laguna Woods is a premier senior living community ...

Activity Director!

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$27 - $29/hr

Activity Director Tuesday-Saturday 8:30am-4:30pm Pay Range: $27-$29 an hour Please join us at our Hiring Event / Job Fair on August 11th from 8:30am to 3:00pm. Please apply online before going to the ...

Activity Director Tuesday-Saturday 8:30am-4:30pm Pay Range: $27-$29 an hour Please join us at our Hiring Event / Job Fair on August 11th from 8:30am to 3:00pm. Please apply online before going to the ...

Activity Director

Alameda, CA · On-site

$27 - $30/hr

Activity Director Days: Tuesday - Saturday Pay Range: $27.00 - $30.00 Oakmont of Mariner Point is a premier senior living community situated on a beautifully landscaped campus. Managed by Oakmont ...

Activity Director

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$26 - $28/hr

Activity Director Shifts, Time, and Days: Sunday through Thursday 9:00am - 5:30am Pay Range: $26.00 - $28.00 INSERT COMMUNITY NAME is a premier senior living community situated on a beautifully ...

Activity Director

Oakland, CA · On-site

$21.75 - $29.75/hr

Our Active Living Program Directors are responsible for: * Develop Activities: * Plans, coordinates, and participates in a variety of social events/outings to provide a vibrant and active community ...

Activity Director!

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$27 - $29/hr

Activity Director Tuesday-Saturday 8:30am-4:30pm Pay Range: $27-$29 an hour Please join us at our Hiring Event / Job Fair on August 11th from 8:30am to 3:00pm. Please apply online before going to the ...

Activity Director

Alameda, CA · On-site

$27 - $30/hr

Activity Director Days: Tuesday - Saturday Pay Range: $27.00 - $30.00 Oakmont of Mariner Point is a premier senior living community situated on a beautifully landscaped campus. Managed by Oakmont ...

Activity Director

Lakeport, CA · On-site

$20.50 - $28/hr

The Activity Director assumes administrative authority, responsibility and accountability for the provision of a program of therapeutic activities designed to meet the interests and enhance the ...

Activity Director

Concord, CA · On-site

$25 - $29/hr

Activity Director Shifts, Time, and Days: Sunday - Thursday Pay Range: $25 - 29 (DOE) Oakmont of Concord is a premier senior living community situated on a beautifully landscaped campus. Managed by ...

Activity Director

Concord, CA · On-site

$25 - $29/hr

Activity Director Shifts, Time, and Days: Sunday - Thursday Pay Range: $25 - 29 (DOE) Oakmont of Concord is a premier senior living community situated on a beautifully landscaped campus. Managed by ...

Activity Director

Fresno, CA

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

The Activity Director supports the facility by planning, implementing and evaluating the activities provided to each resident in association with the interdisciplinary team. RESPONSIBILITIES ...

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Activity Director information

See California salary details

$11

$23

$41

How much do activity director jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for activity director in California is $23.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $24.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an activity director?

Activity Directors are professionals responsible for planning, organizing, and leading recreational and social activities, typically in settings such as senior living communities, nursing homes, or rehabilitation centers. Their goal is to enhance the quality of life for participants by providing engaging programs that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. They assess residents' interests and abilities, develop activity calendars, and often coordinate events with volunteers or other staff. Activity Directors also document participation and may adapt activities to meet the needs of individuals with varying abilities.

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

To thrive as an Activity Director, you need strong organizational skills, creativity, and experience in planning group activities, often supported by a degree in recreation, social work, or a related field. Familiarity with scheduling software, budgeting tools, and sometimes certifications like ADC (Activity Director Certified) are common requirements. Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills help motivate participants and collaborate with staff and families. These abilities are crucial for developing engaging programs that enhance participant well-being and meet regulatory standards.

What are the duties of an activity director?

An activity director plans, organizes, and oversees recreational and social activities for residents or clients, often in settings like senior centers or healthcare facilities. They assess participants' interests, develop engaging programs, and coordinate events to promote socialization and well-being, requiring good communication and organizational skills.

How does an activity director typically collaborate with nursing and therapy staff in a senior living facility?

An Activity Director works closely with nursing and therapy teams to ensure that planned activities are safe, appropriate, and tailored to residents' physical and cognitive abilities. Regular meetings and ongoing communication help coordinate schedules, adapt activities for varying health needs, and support residents' overall well-being. This collaboration ensures that activities not only provide enjoyment but also align with care plans and therapeutic goals. Building strong relationships with these teams is essential for creating a supportive and engaging environment for residents.

Is there a demand for activity directors?

Activity directors are in demand in healthcare and senior living facilities, as they play a key role in enhancing residents' quality of life through organized activities. Employment opportunities are expected to grow due to the aging population and increased focus on patient and resident engagement. Relevant skills include creativity, communication, and certification in activity planning or recreation therapy.

What is the difference between Activity Director vs Recreation Therapist?

AspectActivity DirectorRecreation Therapist
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certification in activity planningDegree in recreation therapy, therapeutic recreation, or related field; certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentSenior living communities, nursing homes, adult day programsHealthcare settings, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, senior care facilities
Employer & IndustryLong-term care, assisted living, senior centersHealthcare, mental health, rehabilitation, senior care

While both roles focus on engaging clients through activities, Recreation Therapists have specialized training to develop therapeutic programs that address health and recovery goals. Activity Directors primarily plan recreational activities to enhance quality of life. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

Do you need a degree to be an activity director?

A degree is not always required to become an activity director, but many employers prefer candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent. Relevant skills in activity planning, communication, and sometimes certification in activities or recreation are important for the role.
More about Activity Director jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Activity jobs in California? The most popular types of Activity jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Activity Director jobs in California? For Activity Director jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Activity Director jobs? Cities in California with the most Activity Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Activity Director job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,427 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Activity Director

Gardens at Northridge

Los Angeles, CA

$25 - $27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

We are looking for an Activities Director to join our team!

As the Activities Director, you will be responsible for designing, implementing, and managing a comprehensive activities program that meets the spiritual, cultural, physical, intellectual, and social needs of our residents, enhancing their overall quality of life.

Responsibilities:

  • Develop, organize, plan, implement and evaluate a well-rounded and stimulating holistic activity program; which addresses the needs and limitations of residents.
  • Assess the needs of the residents. Observes when a resident's needs have changed and create an activity plan to encompass the changes.
  • Design and post creative monthly bulletin boards and activities calendar.
  • Lead large group activities, e.g. discussion groups, sing-a-longs, and exercise classes.
  • Help manage the facilities volunteer program
  • Manage staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs
  • Adhering to the approved budgets

Required:

  • Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in activity planning, event coordination, or related roles, preferably in a senior living or healthcare setting.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Gerontology, Social Work, or a related field preferred.
  • First Aid Certification
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a genuine passion for working with seniors.
  • Operate a VCR, DVD, and stereo system and ability to lift and carry supplies, and to move about the community to engage with residents.

Work schedule:

  • Tuesday - Saturday
  • 9:00 AM - 5:30PM

Why Join us? we offer a competitive starting wage along with a comprehensive employee benefits package that includes, but is not limited to:

  • Health, Dental, Vision, 401K
  • Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave
  • A positive working environment
  • Growth Potential

The above statements are intended to be a general description. The omission of a specific duty does not exclude it from the position if work is similar, related or logically assigned. Moreover, the description is subject to change as the needs of the employer or position change.

We are a drug-free workplace, and all employees will undergo background and drug screenings to ensure a safe, reliable, and productive work environment. These checks help us maintain the integrity of our team and ensure that all employees can perform their duties safely and effectively.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and maintaining an inclusive culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, without regard to their race, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, medical condition, and any other status protected by state or federal law. As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to make reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals. Qualified individuals are encouraged to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.