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Dementia Program Director Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

Dementia Program Director information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$46.1K

$53.3K

$64.4K

How much do dementia program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for dementia program director in Rio Rancho, NM is $53,261.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,400.00 and $56,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Dementia Program Director do?

A Dementia Program Director oversees the planning, development, and implementation of programs designed to support individuals living with dementia and their families. They manage staff, ensure regulatory compliance, and coordinate activities that promote cognitive engagement and quality of life for residents. Additionally, they provide education and training to caregivers and staff, work with healthcare teams, and ensure care plans meet best practice standards for dementia care.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Dementia Program Director?

To thrive as a Dementia Program Director, you need expertise in dementia care, program development, and regulatory compliance, often supported by a background in nursing, social work, or healthcare administration. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), care planning software, and certifications such as Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) are typically required. Outstanding leadership, communication, and empathy are essential soft skills for leading teams and supporting patients and families. These competencies ensure the delivery of high-quality, person-centered care and effective program management in dementia care settings.

What are some common challenges a Dementia Program Director may face when implementing new care initiatives?

As a Dementia Program Director, one of the main challenges is ensuring that new care initiatives are tailored to meet the evolving needs of residents while also securing buy-in from staff and family members. Balancing regulatory compliance, budget constraints, and the need for ongoing staff training can also be demanding. Additionally, adapting programs to address varying stages of dementia and maintaining a supportive, compassionate environment for both residents and caregivers are ongoing considerations. Effective communication, patience, and flexibility are essential to overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Dementia Program Director vs Memory Care Coordinator?

AspectDementia Program DirectorMemory Care Coordinator
CredentialsRelevant certifications (e.g., Alzheimer's Association certifications), experience in dementia careSimilar certifications, often with focus on memory support and patient engagement
Work EnvironmentLeads programs in senior living communities, healthcare facilities, or nonprofit organizationsWorks closely with residents and families in memory care units or facilities
Employer & IndustrySenior care providers, healthcare organizations, nonprofitsMemory care facilities, assisted living communities, healthcare providers

The main difference is that the Dementia Program Director oversees entire dementia care programs, including staff management and program development, while the Memory Care Coordinator focuses on direct resident support and daily care within memory care units. Both roles require specialized knowledge of dementia, but the Program Director has broader administrative responsibilities.

What job categories do people searching Dementia Program Director jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for?

The top searched job categories for Dementia Program Director jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:

What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Dementia Program Director jobs?

Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Dementia Program Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Dementia Program Director job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,261 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Memory Care Leader

Santa Fe, NM • On-site

$18.96/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

JOIN TEAM TRILOGY
At Trilogy, you'll experience a caring, supportive community that values each team member. We prioritize meaningful relationships, genuine teamwork, and continuous growth. With the stability of long-term care, competitive pay, and exceptional benefits, Trilogy offers a work environment where you're supported, appreciated, and empowered to thrive in your career. If you're ready to join a team committed to your success, Trilogy is where you belong and thrive!
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Memory Care Leader is responsible for the daily functions of our Legacy Lane neighborhood, a memory care program, ensuring that dementia care practices are fully implemented and that they support the wellbeing of residents living with cognitive impairment.
Key Responsibilities
  • Collaborate with the Executive Director and leadership team to oversee the daily operations of the Legacy Lane programs on the health campus, ensuring alignment with dementia care best practices.
  • Lead initiatives to educate campus staff and the community on dementia care topics, serving as the Dementia Champion for the campus and a resource for staff and families.
  • Support efforts to maintain the appropriate resident population according to the company's memory care move-in/move-out criteria.
  • Participate in Resident First Meetings and develop personalized Service Plans for memory care residents, guiding family members through the care continuum within the campus.
  • Maintain open communication with the campus staffing coordinator to ensure consistent and specialized dementia care staffing for the memory care unit.
  • Conduct interviews for potential Legacy team members, ensuring candidates possess the necessary skills and compassion to work with residents with dementia.
  • Ensure a dementia-safe environment by conducting daily rounds in resident rooms and the Legacy Lane area to monitor safety and security.

Qualifications
  • Associate's degree preferred
  • One (1) to three (3) years of relevant experience preferred

LOCATION
US-NM-Santa Fe
Kingston Residence of Santa Fe
2400 Legacy Court
Santa Fe
NM
BENEFITS
Our comprehensive Thrive benefits program focuses on your well-being, offering support for personal wellness, financial stability, career growth, and meaningful connections. This list includes some of the key benefits, though additional options are available.
  • Medical, Dental, Vision Coverage - Includes free Virtual Doctor Visits, with coverage starting in your first 30 days.
  • Get Paid Weekly + Quarterly Increases - Enjoy weekly pay and regular quarterly wage increases.
  • Spending & Retirement Accounts - HSA with company match, Dependent Care, LSA, and 401(k) with company match.
  • PTO + Paid Parental Leave - Paid time off and fully paid parental leave for new parents.
  • Inclusive Care - No-cost LGBTQIA+ support and gender-affirming care coordination.
  • Tuition & Student Loan Assistance - Financial support for education, certifications, and student loan repayment.

TEXT A RECRUITER
Mel (608) 570-7831
ABOUT TRILOGY HEALTH SERVICES
Since our founding in 1997, Trilogy has been dedicated to making long-term care better for our residents and more rewarding for our team members. We're proud to be recognized as one of Fortune's Best Places to Work in Aging Services, a certified Great Place to Work, and one of Glassdoor's Top 100 Best Companies to Work. At Trilogy, we embrace who you are, help you achieve your full potential, and make working hard feel fulfilling. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to diversity and inclusion, and we prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
NOTICE TO ALL APPLICANTS (WI, IN, OH, MI & KY): for this type of employment, state law requires a criminal record check as a condition of employment.