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Dementia Program Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Claiborne Senior Living is seeking a compassionate and innovative Dementia Care Director to lead ... Lead a specialized memory care program * Make a measurable impact on residents and families

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How much do dementia program director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for dementia program director in the United States is $56,625.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $60,000.00 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, and why are they important?

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.

More about Dementia Program Director jobs
What cities are hiring for Dementia Program Director jobs? Cities with the most Dementia Program Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Dementia Program jobs? The most popular types of Dementia Program jobs are:
What states have the most Dementia Program Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Dementia Program Director jobs include:
Director Of Memory Care

Director Of Memory Care

Atria Senior Living

Newhall, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Holiday by Atria rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Overview

We create communities where employees thrive in their work, helping our residents thrive in their homes.

Atria Senior Living's family of brands has openings for individuals looking for a career with outstanding benefits, including:

  • Paid holidays and PTO
  • Community employees may receive annual anniversary rewards dependent on classification.
  • Benefits package also includes Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
  • Retirement Savings Plan / 401(k) employer match
  • Tuition reimbursement (U.S Based Communities)

*Enrollment in benefits varies by employee classification; anniversary reward amounts vary by location

As a valued team member at Atria, you'll work in a supportive environment that provides advancement opportunities and promotes a healthy work-life balance. Apply now!

Responsibilities

The Life Guidance Director ensures that the Company's philosophy is implemented and practiced within the Life Guidance neighborhood of the community.

  • Maintain a positive and energetic environment for residents with dementia.
  • Manage and supervise clinical and non-clinical Life Guidance (LG) staff, including the LGRSA and LGPS. Properly schedule and delegate assignments, provide direction, complete performance reviews (including input on pay adjustments), recruit, hire, and provide corrective action consistent with company policy, as well as provide support, direction, feedback, and training for such staff. Properly schedule clinical and non-clinical staff for their proper shifts.
  • Execute and organize the daily programs for the Life Guidance neighborhood, including all required programs in the daily calendar of events, and ensure it is being implemented twenty-four (24) hours a day and seven (7) days a week. Work with the Support Center to provide community-specific programming options.
  • Ensure each Life Guidance staff member has completed New Hire Orientation within the required time frame.
  • Lead, direct, assist staff, and encourage learning by modeling the proper approaches and communication techniques.
  • Conduct the monthly dementia in-service for all staff and maintain the necessary records to reflect the completion of training.
  • Build relationships with new residents by effectively utilizing the proper new resident onboarding tools and assessments.
  • Manage and maintain the budget for the Life Guidance Program using the virtual checkbook.
  • Maintain a supportive relationship with resident's families and caregivers.
  • Serve as the dementia care expert for the community, supporting the Community Sales Director (CSD) by promoting referrals, giving tours, encouraging online reviews, and participating in outreach events.
  • Collaborate with Engage Life on community-wide programming.
  • For clinical-related matters, partner with the Resident Service Director in maintaining active community and professional ties with clinical and non-clinical contacts, as well as acting as a contact for issues related to resident care within the community.
  • Partner with Culinary Services to ensure all table settings are properly set, procedures are followed, and daily snacks are distributed in a timely manner.
  • Partner with the Resident Services Director in developing a schedule that can provide coverage throughout the community.
  • Deliver and attend required trainings, such as virtual learning sessions, and monthly Director meetings.
  • Drive personal and/or Company vehicle from community to social and other various destinations.
  • Support directly with residents' Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) as needed.
  • Collaborate with community leaders on the Resident Needs Review (RNR), being the staff representative for Life Guidance residents.
  • Responsible for interviewing, hiring, training, developing, and evaluating all non-clinical staff.
  • May perform other duties as needed and/or assigned.
Qualifications
  • Associate or Bachelor's Degree in Social Services, Behavioral Health, Therapeutic Recreation, Nursing, or related field required.
  • Two (2) to four (4) years of experience caring for people with dementia and developing and facilitating activity programs, preferably as a manager with a specialized dementia program.
  • Knowledgeable about the disease process, the changes associated with dementia illnesses, how they affect the individual's ability to function, and the adaptive strategies that help maintain a resident's abilities.
  • Experience facilitating family and caregiver support programs.
  • Experience performing budget analysis, review, and control.
  • Past experience supervising staff.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Good computer skills, including virtual communication such as Microsoft Teams, to participate in various meetings and trainings.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license.
  • Position requires driving responsibilities (may use Company provided vehicle and/or personal vehicle).
  • Must satisfactorily meet and be in compliance with Company motor vehicle policy standards.
Salary RangeRange from $70,990.40/yr - $81,638.96/yr, dependent on prior work history and experienceEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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