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Certified Activities Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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!

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 ...

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 ...

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 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!

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!

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 ...

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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 ...

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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 9, 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.
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:
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

Riverwood Health and Rehabilitation

Starke, FL

$27 - $32/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Certified Activities Director

Job Summary:

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Certified Activities Director to join our team at Riverwood Health and Rehabilitation in Starke, Florida, United States. As a Certified Activities Director, you will be responsible for creating and implementing engaging activities and programs for our residents, promoting independence, socialization, and overall well-being. If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of others and are committed to delivering exceptional care, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding opportunity.

Responsibilities:

  • Design and implement a variety of activities and programs catering to the diverse interests and abilities of our residents, including cultural events, educational programs, recreational activities, and social events

  • Develop and maintain relationships with community organizations and vendors to facilitate access to off-site activities and outings

  • Collaborate with our interdisciplinary team to ensure activities align with resident goals and preferences

  • Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of activities and make adjustments as needed

  • Maintain accurate records and reports of activities, participation, and resident feedback

  • Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and facility policies

About the Role:

As a Certified Activities Director at Riverwood Health and Rehabilitation, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our residents. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional care and support, and we are committed to promoting a culture of compassion, respect, and inclusivity. If you share our values and are passionate about delivering high-quality care, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding opportunity.

Requirements:

  • Certification as an Activities Director (AD) or willingness to obtain within a specified timeframe

  • High school diploma or equivalent required; degree in Recreation Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or related field preferred

  • 1+ year of experience in activities programming or a related field

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills

  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities

  • Familiarity with regulations and standards related to assisted living and rehabilitation settings

Why Choose Us:

At Riverwood Health and Rehabilitation, we are committed to providing exceptional care and support to our residents. Our team is dedicated to promoting independence, socialization, and overall well-being, and we are passionate about delivering high-quality care. We offer a supportive and inclusive work environment, opportunities for professional growth and development, and a competitive compensation package.

How to Apply:

If you are a motivated and compassionate individual who is dedicated to delivering exceptional care, please apply for this exciting opportunity to join our team as a Certified Activities Director.