ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Activity Program Leader Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Sunrise Senior Living

Activities Assistant

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

Provide overall leadership and maintain a balanced resident centered activity program for the whole Sunrise community according to the Activity Program Guidelines and Programming Guide(s). * Plan and ...

Sunrise Senior Living

Activities Assistant

Lombard, IL

$14.75 - $17.50/hr

Provide overall leadership and maintain a balanced resident centered activity program for the whole Sunrise community according to the Activity Program Guidelines and Programming Guide(s). * Plan and ...

Belmont Village

Enrichment Leader

Glenview, IL · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

Leading and teaching engaging activity programs with small groups or individual residing in our Independent and Assisted Living community * Providing one-on-one engagement with new residents ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsActivity Program Leader JobsActivity Program Leader Jobs in Chicago, IL

Activity Program Leader information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$18

$27

How much do activity program leader jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for activity program leader in Chicago, IL is $18.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $18.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Activity Program Leader vs Activity Coordinator?

AspectActivity Program LeaderActivity Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires certifications in activity planning or recreation, sometimes a relevant degreeOften requires similar certifications or experience in activity planning
Work EnvironmentWorks in community centers, senior living facilities, or recreational programsWorks in similar settings, coordinating activities for various age groups
Employer & IndustryEmployers include senior centers, schools, or recreational organizationsSame as Activity Program Leader, often overlapping roles

The main difference is that an Activity Program Leader often takes a more active role in designing and leading programs, while an Activity Coordinator may focus more on organizing and scheduling activities. Both roles require similar skills and credentials, and they frequently work in the same environments, serving communities through recreational and social programs.

Activity Program Leader jobs near you

Program Leader, IDD Adult Day Services

Aspire of Illinois

Waukegan, IL • On-site

$24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact while having fun along the way? At Aspire's Day Programs, we're seeking passionate individuals to join us in supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As a Program Leader, you'll create engaging programs/activities, provide hands-on support, and foster connections that enrich lives. If you're looking for a fulfilling role where every day is an opportunity to make a difference, apply today and be part of a team that's enhancing lives with compassion and creativity.
The Program Leader is a full-time position supporting adults with disabilities in Aspire's Day Programs. In this role, you will:
Programs:
  • Create educational and engaging programs based on established weekly themes.
  • Present (in-person and virtual) programs to groups of people
  • Lead people supported through activities and interactive experiences
  • Plan, lead, and participate in community experiences and outings

Support:
  • Develop plans and make recommendations for Person-Centered Plans (PCP) that meet people's interests, dreams, skill strengths, and areas of needed skill development.
  • Maintain familiarity with individualized clinical programs and implement them accordingly
  • Monitor people's health, behavior, clothing, and hygiene and take coaching/corrective action when necessary.
  • Transport people as needed according to the schedule.
  • Perform and assist with personal care, including by not limited to, toileting, transferring, feeding, and showering, as needed.

Communication and Collaboration:
  • Ensure proper record documentation by completing and monitoring people's goal tracking.
  • Actively collaborate with interdisciplinary team, working with Academy Managers, Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), Life Consultants and Clinical Team members.
  • Communicate concerns to appropriate team members to support individual needs, goals, and growth.

Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in related field, required.
  • Two (2) years of experience working with adults with intellectual and/or other developmental disabilities, preferred.
  • Valid Illinois Driver's License with good driving record, required.

Competencies
  • Positively engage and interact with people who have intellectual or developmental disabilities.
  • Multi-task and prioritize work in an environment with frequent interruptions.
  • Effectively communicate (orally and written).
  • Write detailed and accurate reports.
  • Build tactful, engaging, and courteous relationships with people supported, employees at all levels, families, and the general public.

Physiological Factors:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.
While performing the responsibilities of this position, the employee is regularly required to:
  • Have physical dexterity including using hands, bending/stooping, walking and climbing stairs. Must be able to reach, push, and pull.
  • Assist people in moving from one position to another including transferring from sitting to standing, repositioning, transferring from one surface to another, or climbing stairs.

Work requires physical exertion and may include lifting/moving up to 75 pounds.
Duties are performed primarily in the Community Day Service Center, residential home, agency office, and within the community.
Work areas are non-smoking.
Full-Time Benefits (regularly scheduled to work more than 37 1/2 hours per week)
  • Health Insurance
  • Benefit Time (Vacation, Sick, Personal)
  • 13 Holidays
  • 403(B) Retirement Savings Plan with matching contribution
  • Disability Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Pet Insurance

Salary Description
$24.00/hour

Apply