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Certified Activities Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Activities Director

Overland Park, KS · On-site

$18 - $24.50/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 ...

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 ...

Activities Director

Nebraska City, NE

$17 - $23.25/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 ...

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 ...

Activities Director

Overland Park, KS

$18.50 - $25.25/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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Certified Activities Director information

See salary details

$33K

$126K

$142.5K

How much do certified activities director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 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 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 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 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 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.

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.

How much does a Certified Activities Director make?

The average salary for a Certified Activities Director in Ohio is approximately $35,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on experience, certification level, and the work setting such as senior centers or healthcare facilities. Salaries can vary based on location, employer, and additional skills like activity planning or certification credentials.

What can you do with a Certified Activities Director certification?

A Certified Activities Director can plan, organize, and lead recreational and social activities for residents in settings such as senior centers, nursing homes, or assisted living facilities. The certification demonstrates expertise in activity planning, resident engagement, and often requires knowledge of safety and compliance standards.

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:

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, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% 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 Activity Director

Avir Health Group

Dripping Springs, TX • On-site

$149K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

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 Activity Director that is a team builder and excited about the opportunity to assist in building a facility culture. The primary purpose of your job position is to plan, organize, develop, and direct the overall operation of the Activity Department in accordance with current federal, state, local standards, guidelines, regulations, and our established policies and procedures. If you are team-oriented, driven, and excited about the opportunity to care for our residents, then we have the perfect opportunity for you!

Must be a certified Activity Director for LTC/SNF.

New grads and walk-ins are welcome daily!

Exciting Benefits for Certified Activity Director:

  • Competitive compensation.
  • Daily Pay - access your earned wages before payday!
  • 401k with a match!
  • Company paid holidays and Paid Time Off (PTO) Program.
  • Health insurance for the entire family!
  • Scrubs on Wheels.
  • Voluntary Benefits reviewed and provided at your one-on-one benefit meeting.
  • Exceptional Corporate Support.

Qualifications for Certified Activity Director:

  • Activity Director Certification preferred.
  • Previous nursing home experience preferred.
  • Previous supervisory experience preferred.

About the Company:

We strive to create an environment where people feel safe, heard and understood. Our leadership teams embrace our "Your Voice" philosophy.

Avir Health Group is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.