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Activity Director Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

HarborChase

Director of Life Enrichment

Olney, MD · On-site

Develops meaningful and purposeful activity programs to enrich the lives of the residents and ... Carries out other duties as assigned by the Executive Director including on-call and Manager On ...

HarborChase LLC

Director of Life Enrichment

Olney, MD · On-site

Develops meaningful and purposeful activity programs to enrich the lives of the residents and ... Carries out other duties as assigned by the Executive Director including on-call and Manager On ...

Vierra Communities

Activities Assistant

Bethesda, MD · On-site

Interview residents or family members to obtain activity preferences. * Coordinate and assist ... Director. * Involve residents and families in planning activities program when possible. * Assist ...

Sterling Care Bethesda

Activity Aide

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

Classification Nonexempt Reports to Director of Activities Date Last Updated 3/2018 Summary/Objective In keeping with our organization's goal of improving the lives of the residents we serve; the ...

Sterling Care Bethesda

Activity Aide

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

) Classification Nonexempt Reports to Director of Activities Date Last Updated 3/2018 Summary/Objective In keeping with our organization's goal of improving the lives of the residents we serve; the ...

Think Tank, Inc.

Program Director

Silver Spring, MD · Remote

The Program Director serves as the primary authority for program performance, quality, financial stewardship, and compliance, ensuring all contractor activities align with the project requirements ...

Think Tank, Inc.

Program Director

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

The Program Director serves as the primary authority for program performance, quality, financial stewardship, and compliance, ensuring all contractor activities align with the project requirements ...

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All JobsActivity JobsActivity Director JobsActivity Director Jobs in Reston, VA

Activity Director information

See Reston, VA salary details

$12

$24

$43

How much do activity director jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for activity director in Reston, VA is $24.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $26.01 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 Reston, VA? The most popular types of Activity jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Activity Director jobs in Reston, VA? For Activity Director jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Activity Director jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Activity Director jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Activity Director jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Activity Director job openings:
Activity Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Activity Director job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,050 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Director of Life Enrichment

HarborChase

Olney, MD • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Description:

Position Summary:

Develops and implements inspiring success oriented Life Enrichment programs designed to meet the overall needs of the residents based on the person centered care approach.

Essential Functions:

  • Develops meaningful and purposeful activity programs to enrich the lives of the residents and families
  • Develops and implements monthly activities program calendar based on the therapeutic scope of programs.
  • Promotes and maintains Family Partnership Program to encourage and nurture family members, community groups and individuals to join together as volunteers with a focus on quality of life for residents.
  • Oversight of LE coordinators and Care managers with focus on quality daily living experiences for residents.
  • Responsible for completion of Person Centered Care form for each resident to ensure comprehensive social information is collected in order to develop purposeful programs based on interest, personal history and ability.
  • Embraces and promotes Parallel Program model through calendar development, associate and volunteer participation.
  • Maintains data collection and weekly reports to ensure each resident is touched a minimum of 5 times per day in life enrichment programs- as a goal.
  • Provides a forum for residents and family members to meet regularly and share their ideas, thoughts, and concerns regarding their daily living experience.
  • Ensures that residents are encouraged and assisted to participate in life enrichment activity programs that are of interest to them.
  • Maintains an adequate supply of equipment for regular activities, keeping within budgetary guidelines
  • Encourages and welcomes participation from other departments
  • Maintains resident and environment safety and supports all aspects of safe return program
  • Carries out other duties as assigned by the Executive Director including on-call and Manager On Duty responsibilities as assigned
  • Attends monthly DLE Conference Call
  • The ability to work in a safe and alert manner
  • The ability to take ownership for associate’s safety and the safety of the residents
  • Must disclose any medication that might impair associate’s ability to perform the job safely or competently.

Non-Essential Functions:

  • Leads by example exhibiting the CORE Values through servant leadership
  • Encourages teamwork and promotes company philosophy
  • Attends required community meetings as required
  • Completes all required courses in adherence with HRA University
  • Is prompt and able to perform the required duties of the position on a regular, predictable basis
  • Becomes familiar and understands how to report a missing person using the Safe Return program or equivalent, if applicable
  • All associates are responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment for all community residents


Requirements:

Qualifications/Skills/Educational Requirements:

  • Associate’s Degree is required; Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent education and experience
  • Training as certified activity director, recreational, music, therapist preferred
  • Minimum of one-year experience in a senior care community
  • Experience working with Dementia residents
  • Experience in volunteer recruitment and training preferred
  • Able to communicate effectively with all levels of management, associates, residents, family members, and outside contacts
  • Able to make independent decisions
  • Able to seek out new methods and willing to incorporate them into existing practices when applicable
  • Must possess a passion to work with and around senior citizens
  • Able to follow missing person policy and procedure and understand the Safe Return program.

Background Screening Requirement

In all Florida Companies, this position requires a Level 2 background screening through the Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse. For more information regarding the Clearinghouse, disqualifying offenses, and exemption procedures, please visit: https://info.flclearinghouse.com