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Activity Director Jobs in Appleton, WI (NOW HIRING)

Activities Assistant

Oshkosh, WI · On-site

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

Work alongside Life Enrichment Directors, nursing staff, and volunteers to support the overall activity program. * Provide ideas for new activities and improvements based on resident interests and ...

Holds direct management of the sales director team. The job holder will be responsible for ... Plans, controls and directs activities of the sales force to obtain maximum time efficiency and ...

Holds direct management of the sales director team. The job holder will be responsible for ... Plans, controls and directs activities of the sales force to obtain maximum time efficiency and ...

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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 Aug 2, 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:
Infographic showing various Activity Director job openings in Appleton, WI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% 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.

Musical Theater Technical Director

Hortonville Area School District

Hortonville, WI • On-site

Other

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Reports to:  Activities Director  

Qualifications:

  • Assertiveness Ability to act in a self-confident manner to facilitate completion of a work assignment or to defend a position or idea.
  • Coaching and Development Ability to provide guidance and feedback to help others strengthen specific knowledge/skill areas.
  • Communication Ability to communicate effectively with others.
  • Leadership Ability to influence others to perform their jobs effectively and to be responsible for making decisions.
  • Motivation and Enthusiasm Ability to inspire self and others to reach a goal and/or perform to the best of their ability while bringing energy to the performance of a task.
  • Relationship Building Ability to effectively build relationships with co-workers, staff, and students.
  • Goal Oriented and Team Builder Ability to get a group of people to focus and work toward a goal.
  • Ethical Ability to demonstrate conduct conforming to a set of values and accepted standards.
  • Must possess the physical capabilities for the responsibilities of a coaching or advisor position.

Responsibilities:

  • Assists in planning and organizing activities.
  • Assists in providing training direction, encouragement, and motivation in order to prepare participants for events.
  • Assists in identifying and recruiting potential participants.
  • Assists in planning strategies and chooses members for events.
  • Assists in planning and directing programs that will enable participants to achieve maximum performance.
  • Assists in adjusting events, based on the strengths and weaknesses of participants.
  • Assists in keeping records of events.
  • Assists in instructing individuals or groups in rules, event strategies, and principles.
  • Assists in evaluating participants' skills and review options for other events.
  • Keep abreast of changing rules, techniques, technologies, and philosophies relevant to their activity.
  • Assists in monitoring participants use of equipment, including explaining and demonstrating the use of equipment to insure safe and proper use.
  • Explain and enforce safety rules and regulations.
  • Assists in serving as organizer, leader, and instructor.
  • Assists in performing activities that support the individual or group of a specific activity, such as meeting with media representatives and appearing at fundraising events.
  • Assists in arranging and conducting activities, such as camps, skill-improvement courses, clinics, and in needed try-outs.
  • Assists in selecting, acquiring, storing, and issuing equipment and other materials as necessary.

Performance Evaluation: Performance will be evaluated by the Activities Director  

Term of Employment:  A seasonal position.