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Activity Director Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

Oceans Healthcare

Activity Coordinator PRN

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$15 - $20.25/hr

The Activity Coordinator assists in providing structured activities under the supervision of the CTRS to further patient/family/group progress in treatment according to Joint Commission, Federal and ...

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All JobsActivity JobsActivity Director JobsActivity Director Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

Activity Director information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$11

$22

$39

How much do activity director jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for activity director in Rio Rancho, NM is $22.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $23.65 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 Rio Rancho, NM? The most popular types of Activity jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
What job categories do people searching Activity Director jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for? The top searched job categories for Activity Director jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Activity Director jobs? Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Activity Director job openings:
Activity Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Activity Director job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,434 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

Activity Assistant

Central Desert Behavioral Health Hospital

Albuquerque, NM

$24 - $28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

The Activity Assistant brings joy and fulfillment to active seniors through creativity and engagement. A critical role in a vibrant senior environment, our Activity Aide gets to organize activities that enhance cognitive, social, and physical needs. If you enjoy bringing delight to our senior community, we invite you to apply today! We can’t wait to work with you!


USD $24.00 - USD $28.00 /Hr.
The wage range for this role takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience, education and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs.

The Activity Assistant will work side by side with the Activity Director assisting with the planning, development, coordination, and implementation of activities for our patients and residents including:

  • Assist with the planning, development, coordination, and implementation of activities for our patients and residents.
  • Assist with transporting, communicating, and setting up for activities in and out of the facility on a regular basis; as well as order and pick up the materials for the activities (as needed).
  • Conduct one-on-one activity therapy to offer sensory stimulation and group activities to ensure patients and residents make personal progress.

  • Minimum high school diploma or equivalent required; college credits are preferred
  • Preferred aptitude for, and some training in, arts and crafts
  • Valid driver’s license, clean driving record and provide proof of liability insurance required
  • Must have reliable transportation

All of our employees are valued and receive a competitive wage; full time team members are also offered a comprehensive benefit package which includes: 

  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability Insurance/ Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Tuition Reimbursement & Nursing Loan Repayment Programs
  • PerkSpot - Local Deals and Weekly Perks Program
  • 401(k)
  • Paid Time Off Plan
  • New Pet Insurance Discount available
  • DailyPay option available! – Get your pay, when you need it.
  • Purchasing Power - online purchase/payroll deduction
  • Tickets at Work - entertainment ticket discounts
  • Employee Assistance Plan - easy-to-use services to help with everyday challenges of life (available for all employees and their families) 
  • Helping Friends Foundation - our employees’ hardship/crisis fund
  • Auto and Home Insurance - employee discount available – payroll deduction!
  • In-facility education programs and more!

Drug Free, Smoke-Free work place. Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets

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