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Activity Director Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Activity Director-Dayton, TN

Dayton, TN · On-site

$16.50 - $22.75/hr

As Activity Director, this person will be in charge of planning activities with the residents everyday out of house and in house. Taking the residents shopping for their necessities and out to eat ...

Activity Director-Dayton, TN

Dayton, TN · On-site

$16.50 - $22.75/hr

As Activity Director, this person will be in charge of planning activities with the residents everyday out of house and in house. Taking the residents shopping for their necessities and out to eat ...

Activity Director-Dayton, TN

Dayton, TN

$16.50 - $22.75/hr

Description As Activity Director, this person will be in charge of planning activities with the residents everyday out of house and in house. Taking the residents shopping for their necessities and ...

Activities Director

Bolivar, TN

$17 - $23.25/hr

Certified Activity Director (NCCAP or state-specific) AND must have worked full time under the supervision of licensed recreational therapist or certified activity director in a long-term care ...

Activities Director

Arlington, TN · On-site

$17 - $23.25/hr

Activities Director Job Location: Gallaway, Tennessee Company Name: Gallaway Health and Rehab Job ... activity calendars to ensure a diverse range of activities for residents • Collaborate with ...

New

Activities Director

Gallaway, TN · On-site

$17 - $23.50/hr

Activities Director Job Location: Gallaway, Tennessee Company Name: Gallaway Health and Rehab Job ... activity calendars to ensure a diverse range of activities for residents • Collaborate with ...

Activities Director

Gallaway, TN · On-site

$17 - $23.50/hr

Activities Director Job Location: Gallaway, Tennessee Company Name: Gallaway Health and Rehab Job ... Develop and implement activity calendars to ensure a diverse range of activities for residents

Activities Aide

Gallatin, TN · On-site

$13.75 - $17.75/hr

... the Activity Director in the day-to-day planning, organization, and implementation of activities for individuals living in the Center. The successful candidate must possess excellent verbal and ...

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Assist the activity director in the development, administering, and coordinating of activities for resident and day care participants Ensure all paperwork pertaining to the record keeping of Day Care ...

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Showing results 1-20

Activity Director information

See Tennessee salary details

$10

$21

$37

How much do activity director jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for activity director in Tennessee is $21.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $22.69 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 Tennessee? The most popular types of Activity jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Activity Director jobs in Tennessee? For Activity Director jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Activity Director jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Activity Director jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Activity Director jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Activity Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Activity Director job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,536 per year, or $21.4 per hour.

$16 - $21.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Position Summary:
The Activity Director is Regency's on land cruise director! This person is responsible for offering daily fun and a lifestyle in an atmosphere that is not only entertaining but also has something for all to enjoy. The goal of the Activity Director is to not only plan parties, outings and events but to provide an environment that maintains each resident's highest level of spiritual, physical, social, and psychological well-being. Not only is resident's but also resident's family satisfaction a priority.
Director Focus:
* Always Strive to make every day the best day ever for our residents.
* Establish and maintain a volunteer program of local people that have a heart to serve
* Provide daily activities that are engaging, promotes self-esteem and confidence to all residents.
* Supports the resident's abilities by understanding that all aspects of care can be viewed as an activity
* Encourages residents in making choices to participate while enhancing their skills and preserve thier use of cognitive capacity.
* Plans and at times executes therapeutic activities that reflect the residents background, participation needs, physical abilities, interests, cognitive capacity and attention span.
* Continually create new and fun ways to encourage and motivate residents to attend and participate in activities.
* Ensures activities will encompass the Creative Arts finding those residents that have a love of music or visual art
* Study and understand Regency and the Pathways approach to dementia care.
* Learn to utilize iN2L a support tool provided by Regency to aid in the participation and interaction of residents at all levels of physical and cognitive ability
* Must able to walk, stand, bend and assist with transferring residents.
* Ability to perform all position responsibilities with excellence.
* Ability to recognize and communicate problems appropriately. Communicate with vendors to schedule activities.
* Ability to relate to the associates, public, residents, family members and other professionals effectively.
* Ability to teach/train others effectively to serve our community's needs.
* Ability to work flexible hours to meet requirements of the job.
* Ability to maintain accurate records and provide information as requested. Must be able to create articles and stories for the monthly newsletter.
* Must be able to work independently and be creative. Must come up with new activities to fit the seasons and cater to the population of residents we serve.
* Must be able to pass the state mandated criminal background screening and random drug testing.
* Must be people-oriented and enjoy interacting with senior adults individually and working in groups.
* Must be experienced in working computer programs and software for creating newsletters, calendars and small production media.
* Promote the use of all materials, programs and computerized equipment in the Pathways and Assisted Living units for residents as well as families and associates.
* Must be able to change and show diversity in a moment's notice. Must be flexible every day. Follow the lead of the residents and provide what they need. If necessary, change the schedule or delete an activity.
* Must work with Assistant Activities Director (if Assistant AD employed at your community) in other areas needed,
* Must be trustworthy, a leader, energetic, have integrity and be enthusiastic.
Experience:
Preferred: Two years as an activity's coordinator, or healthcare field or teacher with special needs students, or similar related occupation