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Activity Director Jobs in Rutherford, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Complete Care West Caldwell

Activities Director

Caldwell, NJ · On-site

$21.25 - $29.25/hr

Must possess an active ADC (Activity Director Certified), CDP (Certified Dementia Practitioner), or CTRS (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist) credential * Minimum of two years of supervisory ...

Job Haines Home For Aged People

Activity Aide

Bloomfield, NJ

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

Activities Director Qualifications: High School education required. Previous experience in a Long-term Care of Residential setting preferred. Special talents, such as handicrafts or ability to play a ...

Epic Healthcare

Activities Director

Cedar Grove, NJ

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

Activities Director We are seeking a creative, compassionate, and dedicated Activities Director to ... Develop activity programs that cater to the physical, emotional, social, and intellectual needs of ...

AristaCare at Edison

Activities Director

Edison, NJ · On-site

$19.25 - $26.25/hr

Plan, develop, organize, implement, evaluate, and direct the activity programs of this facility. * Assist in the development, administering, and coordinating of department policies and procedures.

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Activity Director information

See Rutherford, NJ salary details

$12

$24

$42

How much do activity director jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for activity director in Rutherford, NJ is $24.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.61 and $25.48 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 Rutherford, NJ? The most popular types of Activity jobs in Rutherford, NJ are:
What are popular job titles related to Activity Director jobs in Rutherford, NJ? For Activity Director jobs in Rutherford, NJ, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Activity Director jobs in Rutherford, NJ look for? The top searched job categories for Activity Director jobs in Rutherford, NJ are:
What cities near Rutherford, NJ are hiring for Activity Director jobs? Cities near Rutherford, NJ with the most Activity Director job openings:
Activity Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Activity Director job openings in Rutherford, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,023 per year, or $24 per hour.

Assistant Activity Director

Regency Memory Care Club

River Edge, NJ • On-site

$24/hr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ACTIVITIES & RECREATION

River Edge, New Jersey

The Regency Memory Care Club of River Edge, New Jersey is now hiring an Assistant Activity & Recreation Director. We are currently looking for an experienced, enthusiastic professional to come on board as Activity Director at our beautiful Memory Care Facility in River Edge, NJ.

The Regency Memory Care Club is a professional and very busy memory care facility. We provide specialized social day care and stimulating activities for those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. We are seeking a person-centered, service -minded, and highly motivated professional to plan, run and supervise our activities department which specializes in facilitating activities, events and outings specifically for seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Position Summary: As the Assistant Activity Director you will be accountable for providing a daily plan of activities appropriate to the needs of the members that includes; exercise programs, group and individual social activities, indoor and outdoor activities, outings into the community and cognitive stimulation programs. You will also be responsible for creating activities such as arts, crafts, music, educational programs and special events for caregivers.

General Responsibilities:

  • Provide direct oversight, training, and monitoring of all Activity Aides
  • Foster a strong, cohesive team environment that builds confidence and strong morale among the staff and high staff retention.
  • Work with area vendors, restaurants, event venues to create a pro-active and collaborative relationship.
  • Promote a positive, can-do and will-do culture of client service
  • Work to building trust with members’ families through excellence in communication and follow-through.
  • Motivate and develop staff to perform at their highest levels.
  • Create a warm, supportive and safe environment for members with dementia.
  • Be prepared to train staff in the language of dementia, creative interventions, and facilitating meaningful activity programs.
  • Clearly communicate the image and brand of The Regency Memory Care Club

Work Schedule:

  • Full Time 40-45 hours per work week
  • (2) Sundays per month
  • Flexibility is required; a varied work schedule that will include some weekends, evenings, and holidays should be expected

Qualifications:

  • Previous experience working with seniors experiencing memory loss/dementia is a must
  • Previous supervisory and event/activity planning experience
  • Certification is a plus
  • Ability to creatively problem-solve in both elder care and employee management situations.
  • Individual must be a team player, well organized and flexible.
  • Proficiency with MS Office applications and strong computer skills
  • Experience in training and staff development and ability to motivate others
  • Current and valid state driver’s license
  • We offer a competitive compensation and benefit package and a supportive work environment.

Visit Regencymemorycare.com for more information about the program.

Company Description

The Regency Memory Care Club is an affiliate of First Healthcare Management Company. First Healthcare Management Company owns and operates adult medical day care centers throughout Central and North Jersey.