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Activity Director Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Activity Director

Cary, NC

$17.75 - $24.25/hr

Must have or obtain certificate for the basic activity course for assisted living activity directors, within 9-Months of start date. Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Certified Activity Director (ADC) or Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) is a plus; must obtain within 9 months. * Minimum of 1-2 years of experience planning and facilitating ...

Certified Activity Director (ADC) or Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) is a plus; must obtain within 9 months. * Minimum of 1-2 years of experience planning and facilitating ...

Certified Activity Director (ADC) or Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) is a plus; must obtain within 9 months. * Minimum of 1-2 years of experience planning and facilitating ...

Certified Activity Director (ADC) or Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) is a plus; must obtain within 9 months. * Minimum of 1-2 years of experience planning and facilitating ...

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Activity Director information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$11

$22

$40

How much do activity director jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for activity director in Raleigh, NC is $22.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.74 and $24.28 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 Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Activity jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Activity Director jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Activity Director jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Activity Director jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Activity Director jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Activity Director jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Activity Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Activity Director job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,697 per year, or $22.9 per hour.
Activity Director

$17.75 - $24.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Overview

Development and coordination of activities program designed to promote the residents' active involvement with each other, their families and the community, and involve staff in implementing program goals. 

Responsibilities
  • Develop and coordinate activities designed to promote the active involvement of residents living in an Assisted Living Community.
  • Demonstrate involvement with all residents, staff, residents' families, volunteers and community resources.
  • Maintain a written updated residents' interest list and capabilities.
  • Using the "Activities Supervisor's Guide", plan a minimum of 14 hours of group activities and individual activities per week taking into consideration residents' interest.
  • Prepare a monthly calendar for planned activities in large print and post in a prominent location on the first day of each month and update as needed before the activities take place.
  • Include the following types of activities on the posted calendar: social and recreational; diversional and intellectual; work-type and volunteer.
  • Participate in evaluating the overall effectiveness of activities program at least once every six months.
  • Assist the residents in transportation as related to the activities program when so indicated by ED/Administrator.
  • Plan for assisting residents to participate in, at least one outing every other month.
  • Take inventory and purchase activities' supplies including recreational equipment, supplies for games, books, current magazines, and daily newspaper for living and recreational areas, so as to operate within the community's budget and according to administrative policy.
  • Receipts for activity supplies must be signed and kept on file for ED/Administrator.
  • Help maintain the self-respect, personal dignity and physical safety of each resident.
  • Report any accident/incident to ED/Administrator, Administrator-In-Charge or SIC.
  • Work cooperatively with all other staff and relate favorably to residents and families.
  • Be familiar with confidentiality of resident information and adhere to requirements.
  • Be familiar with and able to apply all the home's accident, fire safety, OSHA and emergency procedures.
  • Be familiar with the Adult Care Home Residents' Bill of Rights and assist residents with exercising these rights.
  • Assure careful treatment of Adult Care Home equipment and utilization of supplies.
  • Be responsible for reading and adhering to all Adult Care Home and Employee Policies.
  • Participate in job-related continuing education as per ED/Administrator's instructions.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned by ED/Administrator.
  • Qualifications
    • Must have a valid NC Driver's License.

    • Must have had at least 8 years of driving experience, as this is a requirement of company's liability insurance carrier.

    • Must be able to Lift, Push, or Pull minimum of 50 pounds.
    • Must have a High School Diploma or GED, or have passed the Alternative Exam provided by NCDHSR
    • Must be able to read, write, and understand and follow directions
    • Must have good written and verbal communication skills
    • Must have course-related studies, or have at least six months' experience working in a recreational environment with individuals in a group setting
    • Must possess good computer skills
    • Must have a two-step tuberculin skin test (first test prior to hire and second test within two weeks of first test)
    • Must maintain resident confidentiality and Residents' Bill of Rights
    • Must not have substantiated findings on the NC Personnel Registry or Health Care Program
    • Must have a clear SBI and DMV record and maintain during employment period
    • Must have or obtain certificate for the basic activity course for assisted living activity directors, within 9-Months of start date.
    Employment Type: FULL_TIME