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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 ...

Mission Health Communities

Activities Director

Downs, KS · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Certified Activities Director Downs Care and Rehab of Downs, KS is looking to hire a full-time Certified Activities Director to join our team. Do you want to be part of a dynamic and caring clinical ...

Mission Health

Activities Director

Downs, KS · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

) Downs Care and Rehab of Downs, KS is looking to hire a full-time Certified Activities Director to join our team. Do you want to be part of a dynamic and caring clinical team ? If so, please read on!

Downs Care and Rehab

Activities Director

Downs, KS

$18 - $20/hr

Downs Care and Rehab of Downs, KS is looking to hire a full-time Certified Activities Director to join our team. Do you want to be part of a dynamic and caring clinical team ? If so, please read on!

Mission Health

Activities Director

Downs, KS · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Downs Care and Rehab of Downs, KS is looking to hire a full-time Certified Activities Director to join our team. Do you want to be part of a dynamic and caring clinical team ? If so, please read on!

New

AVIR Health Group

Activities Director

Fredericksburg, TX · On-site

$17.50 - $23.75/hr

Certified Activity Director Opportunity AVIR Health Group is looking for a qualified Certified Activity Director to join our family! We are searching for a resident and family-focused Certified ...

New

Avir Health Group

Activities Director

Fredericksburg, TX · On-site

$17.50 - $23.75/hr

Certified Activity Director Opportunity AVIR Health Group is looking for a qualified Certified Activity Director to join our family! We are searching for a resident and family-focused Certified ...

New

Avir Health Group

Certified Activity Director

Texarkana, TX · On-site

$126K/yr

Certified Activity Director AVIR Health Group is looking for a qualified Certified Activity Director to join our family! We are searching for a resident and family-focused Certified Activity Director ...

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Certified Activities Director information

See salary details

$33K

$126K

$142.5K

How much do certified activities director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 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.

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?

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 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.

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 course fees and exam costs. Additional expenses may include study materials and continuing education to maintain certification. Certification programs often require a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant experience in activities or recreation.

What degree do I need to be a Certified Activities Director?

A Certified Activities Director typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent, with many employers preferring or requiring a bachelor's degree in fields such as recreation, leisure studies, or a related area. Certification from a recognized organization, such as the National Certification Council for Activities (NCCA), often requires relevant education and experience in activity planning and senior care environments.
More about Certified Activities Director jobs
What cities are hiring for Certified Activities Director jobs? Cities with the most Certified Activities Director job openings:
What states have the most Certified Activities Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Certified Activities Director jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Certified Activities Director jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Certified Activities Director jobs are:
Certified Activities Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Certified Activities Director job openings in the United States as of August 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

Deer Meadows

Philadelphia, PA

$138K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Deer Meadows is growing our team.

Make an impact: We are dedicated to providing quality continuing care and support services while respecting the dignity and sanctity of all individuals regardless of their race, gender, religion, national origin, or creed. Our dedication to the mission will allow you to make an impact with our residents and staff.

Join a team:  Experience what being a part of the Deer Meadows family feels like. Be inspired by your leaders, encouraged by your team and be supported while working with us. At Deer Meadows we have compassion for our residents AND our staff. 

Advance your Career: We significantly invest in ongoing training and development of our staff and encourage our team to participate in all opportunities. Be mentored and grow as leader from the very start of your career journey with us.Plans, organizes, develops and directs the overall operation of the Activity Department . Assures that an on-going program of activities is designed to meet the interests and physical, mental and psychosocial well being of each resident. 

The Activities Director plans, organizes, develops and directs the overall operation of the Activity Department. Assures that an on-going program of activities is designed to meet the interests; physical, mental and psychosocial well being of each resident.

  • Develops and maintains a good working rapport with other departments in the facility to assure that administrative services and activities can be properly supported.
  • Ensures compliance of current federal and state regulations as well as professional standards for the facility and activities program.
  • Maintaining a calendar of activities and effectively communicating it to residents
  • Assists in the development, administration and coordination of department policies and procedures
  • Coordinating and communicating with staff members
  • Overseeing group activities
  • Posting a monthly calendar of events
  • Arranging travel to off-site activities
  • Ensuring that staff and participants follow all safety protocols
  • Submitting budgetary recommendations for equipment and supplies
  • Monitoring patient health and providing reports to caregivers
  • Ensures all charted activity progress notes are informative, descriptive, accurate and current.

Requirements

  • Must be activities/ recreation certified
  • Bachelors degree or relevant experience, minimum three years experience in long term care.
  • CPR and First Aid are required within 90 days of employment, as provided by DMRC, to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and care standards.
  • Physical Requirements: Employee must be physically and mentally able to perform essential job functions which may require constant standing and walking; some lifting up to 50 pounds, and pushing carts and wheelchairs. Verbal ability to orient services to residents of varying abilities of mental and physical functioning and interests.

Benefits

  • PTO & Sick Leave
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance
  • 401k
  • Same Day Pay