ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Activity Director Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Legacy Healthcare

Activity Director

Emmetsburg, IA · On-site

$16.50 - $22.50/hr

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

Emmetsburg Care Center

Activity Director

Emmetsburg, IA

$16.50 - $22.50/hr

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

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 ...

Oak Park Place

Activity Assistant

Dubuque, IA

$14.25 - $17/hr

Working under the direction of the Activity Director you will help organize, plan, and execute a well-balanced activity program * Organize, lead, and promote interest in recreational activities, such ...

Bickford of Davenport

Activities Director

Davenport, IA

$16.75 - $23/hr

Provide training and guidance to staff on Montessori methods and the importance of activity-based ... Certifications: Certified Activity Director (ADC) or equivalent certification preferred, or ...

OAK PARK NURSING AND REHAB

Activity Assistant

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $17/hr

Working under the direction of the Activity Director you will help organize, plan, and execute a well-balanced activity program * Organize, lead, and promote interest in recreational activities, such ...

Campbell Street

Activities Director

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$18.25 - $25/hr

Plan, organize, develop, and direct the overall operation of the Activity Department in accordance with current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines and regulations, our established ...

Campbell Street

Activities Director

Bettendorf, IA

$17 - $23.25/hr

Plan, organize, develop, and direct the overall operation of the Activity Department in accordance with current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines and regulations, our established ...

Care Initiatives

Activities Assistant

Albia, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $16.75/hr

What You'll Do & Key Responsibilities: * Assist the activity director in implementing an activity program to meet each resident's needs. * Maintain the resources needed for each resident's activity ...

Care Initiatives

Activities Assistant

Osceola, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $17/hr

What You'll Do & Key Responsibilities: * Assist the activity director in implementing an activity program to meet each resident's needs. * Maintain the resources needed for each resident's activity ...

Care Initiatives

Activities Assistant

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $17.50/hr

What You'll Do & Key Responsibilities: * Assist the activity director in implementing an activity program to meet each resident's needs. * Maintain the resources needed for each resident's activity ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsActivity JobsActivity Director JobsActivity Director Jobs in Iowa

Activity Director information

See Iowa salary details

$11

$22

$39

How much do activity director jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for activity 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 are Activity Directors?

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 jobs make $500,000 a year?

In general, high-paying jobs that can reach or exceed $500,000 annually include specialized roles such as senior executives, surgeons, anesthesiologists, and certain investment bankers. These positions often require advanced education, extensive experience, and sometimes ownership or performance-based bonuses. For activity directors, salaries typically range lower, but those in executive or entrepreneurial roles within the healthcare or hospitality industries may approach higher income levels with experience and additional responsibilities.

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 activities directors?

There is steady demand for activities directors in healthcare, senior living, and recreational facilities, as organizations seek to improve quality of life for residents and clients. The role often requires strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and sometimes certification, with employment opportunities expected to grow alongside the aging population and increased focus on wellness programs.

Do you need a degree to be an activities director?

A degree is not always required to become an activities director, but many employers prefer candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent. Relevant skills such as organization, communication, and creativity are important, and some positions may benefit from certifications in activities or recreation management.

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.

What are the duties of an activities director?

An activities director plans, organizes, and oversees recreational and social activities for residents or clients, often in settings like senior centers, nursing homes, or community organizations. They assess participants' interests, coordinate events, and ensure activities promote engagement and well-being. Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills are essential for this role.
More about Activity Director jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Activity jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Activity jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Activity Director jobs in Iowa? For Activity Director jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Activity Director jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Activity Director jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Activity Director jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Activity Director job openings:
Activity Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Activity Director job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,089 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Activity Director

Harmony Dubuque

Dubuque, IA

$18 - $24.50/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Are you looking for a rewarding career in Skilled Nursing? 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 providing opportunities to further your career and with the tools and encouragement you need to succeed. We offer great benefits including:

  • Competitive wages.
  • Bonus opportunities.
  • Shift differentials.
  • Tuition reimbursement.
  • Internal growth opportunities.
  • Comprehensive benefits package.
  • 401K with employer match.
  • Employee concierge program.
  • And more!

As an Activity Director you are responsible for our residents’ emotional and social wellbeing. Your work will ensure our residents receive the high standard of care they have grown to expect at Harmony Dubuque by implementing and directing activity programs that meet the physical, emotional, and psychosocial needs of our residents, overseeing all aspects of the Activity Department, participating in resident care conferences and developing new activity programs to keeping up with trends and industry standards. Our residents will depend on your knowledge, skills, and attention to detail to ensure they are comfortable and safe.

To be eligible for consideration applicants should have:

As a minimum, a high school diploma or equivalent. Prior Activity Aide and/or Activity Director experience in a Skilled Nursing Facility setting, one (1) year of experience in a director or managerial role and NCCAP Certification is preferable but we are willing to invest in the right candidate!

Harmony Dubuque is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, expression or orientation, genetic information, national origin, age, disability, or status as a disabled or Vietnam-era veteran. When completing this application, you may exclude information that would disclose or reference this information, or any information relating to any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.

Harmony Dubuque never requests or sends money, payment transfers, direct deposit, or Social Security Number (SSN) information as part of their recruitment process.