ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

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

$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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsActivity Director JobsActivity Director Jobs in Appleton, WI

Activity Director information

See Appleton, WI salary details

$11

$23

$40

How much do activity director jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 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 jobs make 5000 a week without a degree?

For an Activity Director, earning $5,000 a week without a degree is uncommon, as most roles in this field have lower pay and require specific certifications or experience. High-paying jobs that can reach this level without a degree typically include specialized sales, real estate brokers, or entrepreneurial ventures, but these often depend on performance and market conditions. Most jobs with such high weekly earnings usually require significant experience, skills, or licensing rather than formal education alone.

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 jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

While most activity director roles do not reach $500,000 annually, high-level executives in healthcare, entertainment, or corporate wellness programs can earn such salaries through bonuses and profit sharing. Typically, these roles require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership responsibilities, often in large organizations or specialized sectors.

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 background in recreation, leisure studies, or a related field. Relevant skills include strong communication, organization, and creativity, and some positions may require certification or experience working with specific populations such as seniors or individuals with disabilities.

What are the duties of an activities director?

An activities director plans, organizes, and oversees recreational and social activities for residents or clients, such as games, outings, and events. They assess participants' interests, coordinate schedules, and ensure activities promote engagement and well-being, often working in settings like senior centers or healthcare facilities. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential for success in 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, 48% Part Time, and 4% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,879 per year, or $23 per hour.
Life Enrichment Director | Activities Coordinator

Life Enrichment Director | Activities Coordinator

Heritage Senior Living

Kimberly, WI • On-site

$15.75 - $21/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 14 days ago

Heritage Senior Living (Wisconsin) rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Life Enrichment Director Activities Coordinator Full-Time Position
Aspire Senior Living Kimberly, WI
Aspire Senior Living is exceptional team-orientated organization with a growth mindset. We're dedicated to providing our employees with the resources and tools they need to grow professionally and personally. We believe everyone wants to become the very best version of themselves. We're here to help them along the way!
Why you should join Heritage:
  • **Immediate Pay - on-demand access to your pay as you work**
  • **Flexible Scheduling - regular shifts ending no later than 7 P.M. and Weekend opportunities**
  • **Exceptional company benefits including, 401k with company match, Medical, Vision, Dental, Life Insurance, and an Employee Discount Program**

What makes a Life Enrichment Director successful?
  • Caring & compassionate attitude for others
  • Strong customer service focus
  • Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team; work independently with limited supervision
  • Ability to multitask
  • Previous experience working in social recreational program is preferred plus
  • Experience working with seniors in an elderly care, assisted living, memory care, long term care, skilled nursing facility and/or rehabilitation environment is a plus
  • Previous experience in a management or supervisory role

Responsibilities:
  • Assess needs, plan, and manage all aspects of comprehensive life enrichment program working with department resources, team members, and volunteers
  • Hire, train, schedule, and supervise the life enrichment team
  • Develop life enrichment and activities program/calendar in advance for review; distribute calendar to staff, residents, and family members, ensuring equipment and supplies are available for activities
  • Coordinate with director of nursing to update resident service plan to record attendance and participation in programs

Requirements:
  • Ability to speak, read and write English
  • High school diploma, GED, with related experience and/or training preferred
  • Must submit and pass all applicable pre-employment and annual tests and meet all training and other applicable state and federal guidelines

Essential Functions:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
#IND414

What Heritage Senior Living (Wisconsin) employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply