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Activity Director Jobs in Connecticut (NOW HIRING)

$15.25 - $18.25/hr

The Memory Care Activity Assistant supports and assists the Activity Director in all necessary programming. Memory Care Activity Assistant Duties & Responsibilities: * • Responsible for leading and ...

Activities Assistant - Memory Care

Stamford, CT · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

The Memory Care Activity Assistant supports and assists the Activity Director in all necessary programming. Memory Care Activity Assistant Duties & Responsibilities: * • Responsible for leading and ...

Activities Aide

New Britain, CT · On-site

$14.25 - $18.75/hr

Attend required meetings and in-service education. * Assist with additional activity-related duties as assigned by the Activities Director. Minimum QualificationsEducation * High school diploma or ...

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Activity Director information

See Connecticut salary details

$11

$22

$39

How much do activity director jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for activity director in Connecticut is $22.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.36 and $23.80 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.

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.

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 such as communication, organization, and experience working with seniors or in recreational activities are important, and some positions may require certification in activities or therapeutic recreation.

How much does an activity director make?

In Wisconsin, activity directors typically earn an average annual salary of around $35,000 to $45,000, depending on experience and setting. Salaries can vary based on the type of facility, certifications, and workload, with some positions offering additional benefits or bonuses.

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, coordinate events, and ensure activities promote engagement and well-being, typically requiring good communication skills and organizational abilities.
More about Activity Director jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Activity jobs in Connecticut?

The most popular types of Activity jobs in Connecticut are:

What are popular job titles related to Activity Director jobs in Connecticut?

For Activity Director jobs in Connecticut, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Connecticut are hiring for Activity Director jobs?

Cities in Connecticut with the most Activity Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Activity Director job openings in Connecticut as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, and 42% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,679 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Activities Director

Candlewood Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center

New Milford, CT • On-site

$58K - $62K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Candlewood Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, located in New Milford, CT, is seeking a dedicated Therapeutic Recreation Director to assist with developing and implementing all recreational services in our facility with the goal of improving the resident's quality of life. The Therapeutic Recreation Director is part of the leadership team with a direct reporting relationship to the Administrator.

Responsibilities:

The Director of Recreation is responsible for planning, organizing, implementing, and evaluating a comprehensive, resident-centered recreation program designed to enhance the physical, emotional, social, cognitive, cultural, and spiritual well-being of residents. The Director oversees daily recreational activities, special events, volunteer services, religious programming, and community partnerships while ensuring compliance facility regulations. The Director of Recreation will work collaboratively with residents, families, interdisciplinary staff, volunteers, and community organizations to provide meaningful and engaging programs that promote the highest quality of life for all residents.

  • Develop, implement, and oversee a comprehensive recreation program that meets the diverse interests and needs of residents.

  • Meet with newly admitted residents to assess recreational interests, hobbies, preferences, and abilities.

  • Develop individualized activity plans based on resident assessments.

  • Plan and oversee holiday celebrations, seasonal events, birthday parties, entertainment, and special community events.

  • Coordinate and schedule religious services and spiritual programming.

  • Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise volunteers.

  • Supervise recreation staff and ensure appropriate scheduling and coverage.

  • Maintain departmental budgets and monitor expenditures.

  • Maintain activity documentation and resident participation records.

Qualifications:

  • Must meet the Therapeutic Recreation Director requirements in accordance with the State of Connecticut Department of Health criteria.

  • Two years' experience in a social or recreational program within the last 5 years, health care setting preferred.


What We Offer:

  • Competitive salary

  • Opportunities for professional growth and development

  • Collaborative and supportive work environment

  • Flexible scheduling and benefit options

How to Apply:

If you are a caring and dedicated individual who is passionate about delivering exceptional patient care, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Please submit your application to join our team at Candlewood Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center today!


We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.