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Activity Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Under the supervision of the Education Manager - Proctor and the STEAM Instructor, the STEAM activity leader will be responsible for the following: The STEAM Lab features activities in Science ...

Activity Specialist

Lake Villa, IL ยท On-site

$21.60/hr

Activity Specialist The position of Activity Specialist offers flexible hours and involves ... Highly organized, yet flexible, and can handle multiple priorities/projects well; ability to manage ...

Activity Specialist

Lake Villa, IL ยท On-site

$21.60/hr

Activity Specialist The position of Activity Specialist offers flexible hours and involves ... Highly organized, yet flexible, and can handle multiple priorities/projects well; ability to manage ...

Activity Director

Sycamore, IL ยท On-site

$18.75 - $20/hr

Activity Director Grand Victorian of Sycamore - Sycamore, IL 60178 Overview Salary Range $18.75 ... Takes the wheel in managing our Community transportation program, including driving our company van ...

Activity Director

Minooka, IL ยท On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Activity Director Heritage Woods of Minooka - Minooka, IL 60447 Overview Salary Range $18.00 - $20 ... Takes the wheel in managing our Community transportation program, including driving our company van ...

Activity Assistant

Wood River, IL ยท On-site

$23K/yr

Activity Assistant Benefits: * Medical/Dental/Life/Vision coverage * 401K * Next-day pay available * Employee rewards program * Growth from within * PTO package and paid holidays * Team-oriented work ...

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Showing results 1-20

Activity Manager information

See Illinois salary details

$10

$25

$53

How much do activity manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for activity manager in Illinois is $25.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $32.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an activity manager?

To thrive as an Activity Manager, you need strong organizational skills, experience in event planning or recreation management, and typically a relevant degree or certification in hospitality, leisure, or management. Familiarity with scheduling software, budgeting tools, and risk assessment systems is often required. Outstanding communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities help Activity Managers engage participants and coordinate teams effectively. These skills are crucial for creating enjoyable, safe, and well-executed activities that meet client or organizational goals.

What are some common challenges faced by activity managers and how can they be overcome?

Activity Managers often face challenges like coordinating schedules for diverse participant groups, managing limited resources, and ensuring activities comply with safety standards. To overcome these, strong organizational and communication skills are essential, as well as the ability to adapt quickly to unexpected changes or last-minute requests. Building strong relationships with staff, participants, and vendors also helps in anticipating and resolving issues proactively. Leveraging digital tools for scheduling and feedback can further streamline operations and improve program quality.

What is the difference between Activity Manager vs Event Coordinator?

AspectActivity ManagerEvent Coordinator
Primary RoleOversees ongoing activities and programs within organizations or facilitiesPlans, organizes, and executes specific events
Required SkillsProject management, leadership, organizational skillsEvent planning, vendor coordination, communication skills
Work EnvironmentCorporate, recreational, educational settingsEvent venues, hotels, conference centers
CertificationsOften not mandatory, but project management certifications helpfulEvent planning certifications (e.g., CSEP, CMP) often preferred

While both roles involve planning and coordination, Activity Managers focus on managing ongoing programs within organizations, whereas Event Coordinators specialize in organizing specific events. The roles share skills like organization and communication but differ in scope and environment.

What does an activity manager do?

An activity manager plans, organizes, and oversees events and recreational programs to ensure they run smoothly and meet organizational goals. They coordinate with staff, manage budgets, and evaluate program effectiveness, often using project management tools. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential for success in this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Activity jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Activity jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Activity Manager jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Activity Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Activity Manager job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,025 per year, or $26 per hour.

Activity Leader, DePaul University, IL

International Study and Vacation

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$490 - $560/wk

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description


Join International Study & Vacation (isvusa.com) for Summer 2026 and help international high school students discover American culture while improving their English. Based at DePaul University, Lincoln Park, Chicago, you'll live on campus, lead excursions, run evening activities, and serve as a mentor for students aged 13 to 21 (primarily Italian). You report to the Activity Manager on site.
DePaul University is located in Lincoln Park, one of Chicago's most vibrant neighborhoods, just 2 miles from Lake Michigan and within a large city park. The campus features a metro station for easy city access and a modern sports center with volleyball, basketball, and soccer courts. You'll stay in air-conditioned dorm rooms.
Available Sessions Session 1: Jul 17 to Aug 4
Excursions You'll Lead 7 guided city excursions with MetroCard included, featuring:
  • Skydeck and Magnificent Mile
  • Griffin Museum and Hyde Park
  • Art Institute and Millennium Park
  • 360 Chicago and Chicago Riverwalk
  • Navy Pier and Shoreline Cruise
  • Lincoln Park Zoo and North Avenue Beach
  • Field Museum, Little Italy, and Chinatown
  • Included admissions: Skydeck, Griffin Museum, Art Institute, 360 Chicago, Shoreline Cruise, Field Museum, and Lincoln Park Zoo
  • 6 dinners in the city included, including Giordano's

Campus Evening Activities
  • Disco party, karaoke night, and sports activities
  • Weekly American BBQ

Your Responsibilities
  • Assist with center preparation and student arrivals or departures
  • Accompany students on full-day and half-day excursions, leading local tours
  • Set up, run, and supervise planned campus activities and evening events
  • Socialize and build genuine rapport with students and group leaders
  • Provide support, guidance, and motivation to students throughout their stay
  • Encourage students to speak English and participate in all activities
  • Supervise students during meals, lesson breaks, and in residential halls
  • Commit to the welfare, safety, and security of students at all times

Requirements
  • US citizen, 18 years of age or older
  • Valid bank account, able to complete I-9and W-4 forms
  • Availability covering all program session dates
  • Ideally based in the Chicago area.
  • Responsible for own travel to and fromcampus for move-in and move-out

What We're Looking For
  • Excellent communication andorganizational skills
  • Confident leading groups with enthusiasmand warmth
  • Creative thinker who can problem-solve onthe spot
  • Team player prepared to collaborate andcontribute ideas
  • Adaptable and flexible, no two days arethe same
  • Strong conflict resolution skills andcalm under pressure

Desired but not required
  • Previous experience as a camp counseloror working with teenagers
  • Sports coaching or PE qualifications
  • First Aid or CPR certification
  • Second language skills

Benefits
  • Weekly salary: $490 to $560 depending on experience
  • Free on-campus housing for the fullduration of your contract
  • All campus meals covered, 'all you can eat' dining
  • $15 meal stipend on excursion days whenmeals aren't provided
  • Free transport provided for all excursions
  • Schedule: 12 days on with students, 2 days off (live-in role)