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Activity Director Jobs in Appleton, WI (NOW HIRING)

Parkside Senior Living

Activities Assistant

Neenah, WI · On-site

$15.25 - $18.25/hr

Assists the Activities Director in leading activities and encourages resident participation. Assists with designated administrative tasks. * Participates in the creation, planning and implementation ...

Parkside Senior Living

Activities Assistant

Neenah, WI · On-site

$15.25 - $18.25/hr

Assists the Activities Director in leading activities and encourages resident participation. Assists with designated administrative tasks. * Participates in the creation, planning and implementation ...

Parkside Senior Living

Activities Assistant

Neenah, WI · On-site

$15.25 - $18.25/hr

Assists the Activities Director in leading activities and encourages resident participation. Assists with designated administrative tasks. * Participates in the creation, planning and implementation ...

Pinnacle Senior Living

Activities Assistant

Oshkosh, WI · On-site

$14.75 - $17.50/hr

Assists the Activities Director in leading activities and encourages resident participation. Assists with designated administrative tasks. * Participates in the creation, planning and implementation ...

Equity Lifestyle Properties

Activity Assistant-6

Fremont, WI · On-site

$14 - $16.75/hr

ELS is hiring for the position of Activity Assistant-6 in Fremont, Wisconsin. What you'll do: The ActivitiesAssistanthelps to plan and implement weekly resort activities and events. Activity ...

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Activity Director information

See Appleton, WI salary details

$11

$23

$40

How much do activity director jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for activity director in Appleton, WI is $23.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.84 and $24.38 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 Appleton, WI? The most popular types of Activity jobs in Appleton, WI are:
What job categories do people searching Activity Director jobs in Appleton, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Activity Director jobs in Appleton, WI are:
What cities near Appleton, WI are hiring for Activity Director jobs? Cities near Appleton, WI with the most Activity Director job openings:
Activity Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Activity Director job openings in Appleton, WI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,879 per year, or $23 per hour.

Activities Assistant

Parkside Senior Living

Neenah, WI • On-site

$15.25 - $18.25/hr

Part-time

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Parkside Senior Living is currently seeking an Activities Assistant to join our team of dedicated professionals who want to make a difference in the lives of our residents, their families, and our community. We are guided by our CAPLICO Core Values:

Celebration

Accountability

Passion for Learning

Love One Another

Intelligent Risk Taking

Customer Second (Employee First!)

Ownership

If these core values resonate deeply with your own moral compass and you meet the requirements below, then you should apply.

About the Opportunity

Participates with the Activities Director in creating a multi-faceted daily/monthly calendar that is appropriate for all care levels and includes events that encourage resident individuality, participation, and leadership. Assists the Activities Director in leading activities and encourages resident participation. Assists with designated administrative tasks.

  • Participates in the creation, planning and implementation of activities to meet the interests of all residents.
  • Contributes to the creation of the daily/monthly activities calendar.
  • Continually promotes and encourages resident participation in activities and events.
  • Leads activities and conducts programs in a timely manner.
  • Continually promotes and encourages resident participation in activities and events. Seeks to find the motivation in each resident that will entice them to participate or be an active member in  activities/events.
  • Helps to provide opportunities for residents to engage in various community projects in the surrounding community.
  • Assists with designated administrative tasks such as posting daily calendars, maintaining and updating resident sign-up sheets, ordering supplies, etc.
  • Supports/encourages residents who lead various activities to promote a sense of pride.
  • If applicable, transports residents to various functions using company vehicles.

Critical Success Factors

  • Is energetic, personable, enthusiastic, creative and imaginative.
  • Able to communicate intentions and directions to residents and staff and be an effective, empathetic listener.
  • Demonstrates effective oral and written language skills.
  • Possesses knowledge of the physical and emotional aspects of aging.
  • Ability to motivate and positively influence residents.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other protected characteristics.

The employer for this position is stated in the job posting.  The Pennant Group, Inc. is a holding company of independent operating subsidiaries that provide healthcare services through home health and hospice agencies and senior living communities located throughout the US.  Each of these businesses is operated by a separate, independent operating subsidiary that has its own management, employees and assets.  More information about The Pennant Group, Inc. is available at http://www.pennantgroup.com.