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Certified Activities Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Communicarehealth

Certified Activities Director

Berea, OH

$131K/yr

Job Address: 570 North Rocky River Drive Berea, OH 44017 Northwestern Healthcare Center is currently seeking the right individual for the position of Activities Director to manage our activities team!

Communicarehealth

Certified Activities Director

Akron, OH

$130K/yr

Job Address: 200 Wyant Road Akron, OH 44313 Wyant Woods Healthcare Center is currently seeking the right individual for the position of Activities Director to manage our activities team! I f you are ...

Greene Senior Living

Activities Director

Seward, NE

$17.50 - $24/hr

Accreditation as a Certified Activities Director preferred. * Bachelor's degree in recreation therapy or related area. Should be licensed or registered either nationally or by the State in which ...

McKay Manor

Activities Director

Shelbyville, IN · On-site

$20/hr

Accreditation as a Certified Activities Director preferred. * Bachelor's degree in recreation therapy or related area. Should be licensed or registered either nationally or by the State in which ...

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Greene Senior Living

Activities Director

Seward, NE · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Accreditation as a Certified Activities Director preferred. * Bachelor's degree in recreation therapy or related area. Should be licensed or registered either nationally or by the State in which ...

Gem City Nursing & Rehab

Activities Director

Dayton, OH

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

Certified Activity Maestro: We're seeking someone with the accreditation of a Certified Activity Director, armed with the knowledge to orchestrate an unforgettable symphony of engagement.

McKay Manor

Activities Director

Shelbyville, IN · On-site

$18 - $24.75/hr

Accreditation as a Certified Activities Director preferred. * Bachelor's degree in recreation therapy or related area. Should be licensed or registered either nationally or by the State in which ...

Bolivar Operator LLC

Activities Director

Bolivar, TN

$17 - $23.25/hr

Certified Activities Director Are you looking for a rewarding career and a stable company to call home? Pine Meadows Healthcare not only offers you leading market wages, but a rewarding experience to ...

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Certified Activities Director information

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$33K

$126K

$142.5K

How much do certified activities director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for certified activities director in the United States is $125,952.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $141,000.00 and $141,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Certified Activities Director Do?

As a professional who has taken the extra certification steps to become a Certified Activities Director, you will work with a specific population such as the elderly, disabled, or children in camps and other educational programs. Careers in this area are most frequently available in long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, senior residence facilities, and daycare centers. You will develop activities—in accordance with other staff members—geared toward enhancing the population’s life at the core level, as well as teaching participants something new by planning arts and educational classes, helping them recover by scheduling therapeutic sessions or providing entertainment by inviting local artists, authors, and speakers to the facility.

How to get a job as a activity director?

To become a certified activities director, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant experience in activity planning or senior care, and often a certification such as the Certified Activities Director (CAD) credential. Developing strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills is essential, and some positions may require background checks or CPR certification.

What is the difference between Certified Activities Director vs Activities Coordinator?

CriteriaCertified Activities DirectorActivities Coordinator
CredentialsCertification required (e.g., Certified Activities Director)May not require certification, but relevant experience preferred
Work EnvironmentSenior role in senior living, nursing homes, or community centersEntry to mid-level role in similar settings
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in healthcare, senior care, and community organizationsUsed across various recreational and community programs

The Certified Activities Director typically holds a certification and manages more complex programs in senior care settings. Activities Coordinators often assist or support these programs, focusing on organizing activities without necessarily holding certification. Both roles are vital for engaging communities, but the Certified Activities Director usually has greater responsibilities and credentials.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Certified Activities Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Certified Activities Director, you need expertise in program planning, recreational therapy, and a relevant certification such as Activity Director Certification (ADC) or NCCAP credentials. Familiarity with scheduling software, documentation systems, and regulatory compliance tools is typically required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, creativity, and strong leadership abilities help engage participants and manage diverse teams. These skills are vital to designing effective programs that promote well-being, socialization, and quality of life for those in care settings.

What can you do with an activity director certification?

An activity director certification qualifies individuals to plan, organize, and lead recreational activities for settings such as senior living communities, hospitals, or rehabilitation centers. Certified activity directors develop programs that promote social, physical, and mental well-being, often working with diverse populations and utilizing skills in event planning and communication.

What is a Certified Activities Director?

A Certified Activities Director is a professional responsible for planning, organizing, and directing recreational and therapeutic activities for residents in settings like nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or community centers. Their goal is to enhance the quality of life, promote social interaction, and support the emotional and physical well-being of participants. Certification typically involves specialized training and passing a certification exam, ensuring that the director meets industry standards for safety and engagement. Activities may include arts and crafts, games, outings, and educational programs tailored to the needs and interests of participants.

How to be a certified activities director?

To become a certified activities director, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by relevant education such as a degree or certification in recreation, leisure studies, or a related field. Many states or employers require certification from organizations like the National Certification Council for Activities (NCCA) or similar bodies, which often involves completing specific training programs and passing an exam. Gaining experience in activity planning and strong interpersonal skills are also important for success in this role.

What are the most common challenges a Certified Activities Director faces when planning programs for diverse populations?

Certified Activities Directors often encounter the challenge of designing engaging programs that cater to a wide range of interests, abilities, and cultural backgrounds among residents. Balancing individual preferences with group needs requires creativity, strong communication skills, and flexibility. Additionally, adapting activities to meet regulatory requirements and working within budget constraints can add complexity. Collaboration with nursing staff, families, and volunteers is crucial to ensure activities are inclusive, safe, and meaningful.

How much does it cost to become a certified activities director?

The cost to become a certified activities director varies depending on the certification program, but typically ranges from $200 to $600 for training courses and exams. Additional expenses may include study materials, background checks, and renewal fees for maintaining certification. Certification programs often require completing coursework, passing an exam, and gaining relevant experience in activity planning or recreation management.
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Certified Activities Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Certified Activities Director job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,952 per year, or $60.6 per hour.

Certified Activities Director

Communicarehealth

Berea, OH

$131K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Job Address:

570 North Rocky River Drive Berea, OH 44017


Northwestern Healthcare Center is currently seeking the right individual for the position of Activities Director to manage our activities team! If you are a highly energetic, creative thinker with strong leadership skills, we invite you to join our team and help bring enjoyment to the lives of our residents!

Qualified candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation or related field or have completed the 90 hour course for activities professionals and continuing education. Prior management experience is required. This position may require driving, so an active driver's license with a good driving record is required.

Job duties may include:

  • Plan, develop, coordinate, and evaluate all diversified resident-centered activities as needed
  • Involve residents in planning individualized activities programs, oversee residents' participation, and advocate for residents regarding their needs, preferences, interests, and rights
  • Participate in meetings including resident council meetings, family council meetings, department head meetings, and other committee meetings as required
  • Maintain records and reports related to activities
  • May participate in fundraising events
  • Promote positive relationships with individuals, businesses, and organizations in the community through outings and activities provided by volunteers
  • Identify need for and perform disciplinary action as required

We have a great knowledgeable staff, and we are looking for someone that wants to be a part of an experienced, caring team. This is a full time, salaried position which will enjoy competitive wages, benefits, and PTO plans.

Qualifications:

  • Must be knowledgeable of activity practices, standards of practice, state practice acts and procedures, as well as laws, regulations, and guidelines that pertain to long-term care.
  • Prior management, supervisory, or leadership experience, preferably in a healthcare environment.
  • Bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation (preferred) or related field or 90-hr. course for activity professionals and continuing education.
  • Must have the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
  • Must be able to deal tactfully with team members, other staff, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies, and the general public.
  • Must be able to plan, organize, and conduct a variety of activities.
  • Must be willing to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing activity practices.
  • May be required to possess an active state driver's license.

Benefits

As a CommuniCare employee you will enjoy competitive wages and PTO plans. We offer full time employees a menu of benefit options from life and disability plans to medical, dental, and vision coverage from quality benefit carriers. We also offer 401(k) with employer match and Flexible Spending Accounts.

About Us

A family-owned company, we have grown to become one of the nation's largest providers of post-acute care, which includes skilled nursing rehabilitation centers, long-term care centers, assisted living communities, independent rehabilitation centers, and long-term acute care hospitals (LTACH). Since 1984, we have provided superior, comprehensive management services for the development and management of adult living communities. We have a single job description at CommuniCare, "to reach out with our hearts and touch the hearts of others." Through this effort we create "Caring Communities" where staff, residents, clients and family members care for and about one another.

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