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Activity Director Jobs in Park Ridge, IL (NOW HIRING)

Activity Aide

Itasca, IL

$14 - $18.50/hr

Essential Job Functions: * Assist the Activity Director in carrying out a planned activity program for residents, including planning and implementing engaging activities, events, and programs

Activity Aide

Long Grove, IL · On-site

$18.50 - $20/hr

Perform daily activity calendar requirements set by the Activity Director * Support and follow the Activity Program's mission, philosophy, policies, and procedures, as well as state and federal ...

Activity Aide

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$17/hr

Assists Director of Activities in planning and implementing a well-rounded activity program. * Leads programs and encourages resident participation. * Assists with special events, theme days and ...

Activity Aide

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$17/hr

Assists Director of Activities in planning and implementing a well-rounded activity program. * Leads programs and encourages resident participation. * Assists with special events, theme days and ...

FULL-TIME ACTIVITY AIDE Responsible for performing the daily activity calendar requirements set by the Activity Director. Required to support and follow the Activity Program's mission, philosophy ...

Activity Aide

Chicago Ridge, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

FULL-TIME ACTIVITY AIDE Responsible for performing the daily activity calendar requirements set by the Activity Director. Required to support and follow the Activity Program's mission, philosophy ...

Dramatics Director - North

Wheaton, IL · On-site

$18.75 - $25.50/hr

Supervises all activities of the student organization. Reports To * Assistant Principal for Student Services, Assistant Activity Director of the building assigned. Essential Functions and ...

Showing results 41-60

Activity Director information

See Park Ridge, IL salary details

$11

$23

$41

How much do activity director jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for activity director in Park Ridge, IL is $23.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.98 and $24.62 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 Park Ridge, IL? The most popular types of Activity jobs in Park Ridge, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Activity Director jobs in Park Ridge, IL? For Activity Director jobs in Park Ridge, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Activity Director jobs in Park Ridge, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Activity Director jobs in Park Ridge, IL are:
What cities near Park Ridge, IL are hiring for Activity Director jobs? Cities near Park Ridge, IL with the most Activity Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Activity Director job openings in Park Ridge, IL as of August 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 $48,285 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Activity Aide - (Thurs, Friday, Sat, Sunday)

Alden Poplar Creek Rehabilitation and Health Care Center

Hoffman Estates, IL

$18 - $18.50/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

ACTIVITY AIDE - JOB SUMMARY

  • Responsible for performing the daily activity calendar requirements set by the Activity Director. Required to support and follow the Activity Program’s mission, philosophy, policies and procedures and state and federal regulations. Will achieve and maintain the highest quality of life for each resident, with understanding of all psychosocial, medical, and activity needs/preferences.

ACTIVITY AIDE - QUALIFICATIONS

  • Hold a high school education or equivalent.

  • Have at least 1 year experience working in the healthcare field, volunteering or personal experience with the disabled population.

  • Current knowledge of Federal and State activity regulations and/or ability to understand and interpret.

  • Be able to read and write English.

  • May prefer bi-lingual abilities based off of individual facilities.

  • Must have a valid, IL driver’s license.

  • Must be punctual and time efficient, especially as it relates to following the activity calendar.

  • Possess the qualities of empathy, compassion, understanding, enthusiasm, personable, energetic, positive, and humorous in order to effectively interact with residents, families, and staff.

  • Must be able to relate and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and at times hostile people.

  • Must be able to communicate effectively with to the community, other health professionals, outside professional organizations, senior services, government agencies, and any other provider or professional in the community.

  • Understand and be able to manage emotional needs of yourself and the staff.

ACTIVITY AIDE - PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Must be able to push, pull or carry 50 pounds.

  • May be required to lift equipment, supplies, and occasionally move furniture.

  • Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.

  • Must function independently, have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with the residents, family members, personnel, and support.

ACTIVITY AIDE - ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Provide feedback to Activity Director for monitoring achievement of facility and program goals through a team approach.

  • Lead a therapeutic, person-centered activity program, which constantly strives to enhance the quality of life of each resident and meets the Activity Mission and Philosophy.

  • Follow all Activity Policies and Procedures and Federal and State regulations.

  • Become knowledgeable of each individual resident’s background, cultural, life history, disease, and medical care needs in detail to ensure an appropriate person-centered activity plan.

  • Activities shall be daily and shall reflect the schedules, choices, and rights of the residents.

  • Be able to understand communication needs of residents, such as language services, communication boards, etc.

  • Per direction of the Activity Director, conduct, oversee, and complete initial and all on-going assessments, including but not limited to social, medical, cognitive, communication abilities, spiritual needs, physical, neuro-psychological, behavioral, amongst others as it relates to individual activity/leisure.

  • Document and complete all required documentation per Activity Director.

  • Maintain the following records: Resident Daily Participation, Resident Progress notes, Leisure Interest Survey, and Activity Planning sheets to assist in scheduling and meeting resident needs.

  • Assist to update activity boards through direction of the Activity Director, with a monthly theme that is creative, neat, and clean.

  • Facilitate community involvement, such as inviting the community to events and programs.

  • Assist in resident outings, which can include but not limited to shopping centers, movies, restaurants, community events, etc. that may also entail driving residents to and from the resident outing.

  • Follow Activity staff schedules with a team approach and continuity of care.

  • Work as team with staff and volunteers.

  • Must maintain structure of activity schedule and conduct all activities on-time; May not cancel an activity without permission of Activity Director.

  • Must maintain equipment and supplies in good clean order. Must notify Activity Director within 48 hours if any new materials are needed for scheduled activities and when repairs are needed.

  • Must update calendars and boards daily.

  • Perform other duties as assigned.