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Activity Director Jobs in Ridgewood, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Activity Director Certification The CareOne mission is to define excellence within the health care community. We are dedicated to Maximizing Patient Outcomes. We treat Residents, their families and ...

Director of Recreation

Cresskill, NJ · On-site

$65K - $100K/yr

Activity Director Certification About Us The CareOne mission is to define excellence within the health care community. We are dedicated to Maximizing Patient Outcomes. We treat Residents, their ...

Activity Director Certification The CareOne mission is to define excellence within the health care community. We are dedicated to Maximizing Patient Outcomes. We treat Residents, their families and ...

Showing results 21-40

Activity Director information

See Ridgewood, NJ salary details

$11

$23

$42

How much do activity director jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for activity director in Ridgewood, NJ is $23.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.46 and $25.29 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.

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 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 such as communication, organization, and experience working with seniors or in recreational activities are important, and some positions may require certification in activities or therapeutic recreation.

How much does an activity director make?

In Wisconsin, activity directors typically earn an average annual salary of around $35,000 to $45,000, depending on experience and setting. Salaries can vary based on the type of facility, certifications, and workload, with some positions offering additional benefits or bonuses.

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, coordinate events, and ensure activities promote engagement and well-being, typically requiring good communication skills and organizational abilities.
More about Activity Director jobs

What job categories do people searching Activity Director jobs in Ridgewood, NJ look for?

The top searched job categories for Activity Director jobs in Ridgewood, NJ are:

What cities near Ridgewood, NJ are hiring for Activity Director jobs?

Cities near Ridgewood, NJ with the most Activity Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Activity Director job openings in Ridgewood, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,648 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

$21 - $25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


HealthPRO Heritage rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Full-time Activities Coordinator - MEMORY CARE

Retirement Community- Riverdale, NY

schedule:  Tuesday- Saturday

Wage range : $21-$25 hourly 

Activity Staff reports to the Activity Director.  This individual organizes, leads and participates in a wide variety of resident activities on a daily basis.  Additionally, Activity Staff will complete resident assessments and documentation on a regular basis.


The following is a list of specific duties, which are considered to be essential functions of this job.  The list is not exhaustive as all duties are subject to change.  This is consistent with our need to be flexible and responsive to the needs of our customers, residents, co-workers and associated policies.  The employee who occupies this position is expected to assume any/all duties assigned by management, irrespective of whether such duties are specifically included in this list.  While an effort has been made to thoroughly describe the customary manner in which this job is performed, reasonable accommodation will be made upon notification, for qualified individuals with disabilities who may not be able to perform the job in the manner indicated.

  • Organize, lead and participate in a wide variety of resident activities on a daily basis with the goal of a high level of resident engagement and enjoyment
  • Lead and participate in including special events as needed
  • Adapt approach to accommodate different levels of abilities physically and cognitively
  • Ensure that events are well-provisioned and that the event takes place on time
    • Complete all scheduled activities as described on a daily basis.
    • Immediately reach out to the Activity Director or Coordinator if you are unable to compete all scheduled activities in the way they were intended.
  • Transport supplies to the location of all scheduled activities, compete clean up and return materials at the conclusion of the activity
  • Observing participants at events to gauge their enjoyment and obtain their feedback to improve events
  • Keep records regarding resident participation and behaviors as directed
  • Complete resident assessments and documentation as directed
  • Report medical concerns or observations
  • Willingness to utilize computers on a daily basis
  • Must be able to cope with the emotional stress associated with working with patients, families, and co-workers
  • Must be able to work independently with periodic (daily or less) support and directions
  • Responds to and acts appropriately in emergency or disaster situations.
  • Adheres to high standards of cleanliness, grooming, hygiene and dress code
  • Adheres to all documentation requirements of activities department, facility, and company
  • Contributes to a positive work team by sharing information, using problem-solving methods, accepting new ideas, constructive feedback and advice from others
  • Demonstrates superior customer service through professionalism, courtesy, consistent and timely follow-up, and positive communication
  • Adheres to all policies of company, including job descriptions, certifications requirements, mission statement, HIPAA, confidentiality standards and resident rights
  • Adapts to changes in responsibilities in a positive manner, is receptive to new ways of completing tasks, and is flexible in carrying out assignments
  • Communicates and interacts professionally and respectfully with others in attending to and meeting their requests
  • Perform all other duties as assigned and as required that are in the best interests of the company

 


  • Experience and passion for working in geriatric settings, such as nursing homes or senior centers
  • Excellent communication and organizational skills
  • Physically able to perform duties such as standing for long periods, squatting, bending and pushing activity carts
  • Proficient in the use of various computer programs
  • High school diploma or higher level of education
  • Experience in SIGMA care and SAGELY a plus
  • Experience in organizing game groups and Art classes.

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