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Memory Care Program Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Memory Care Director The Whitford in Dublin, California Full-Time Expected Start Date: July/August ... Program Leadership Lead the implementation, development, and continuous improvement of The Whitford ...

Program Leadership Lead the implementation, development, and continuous improvement of The Whitford ... As the founding Memory Care Director, you'll help shape the culture, develop innovative programming ...

Memory Care Director

San Diego, CA · On-site

$75K - $81K/yr

Recognition Programs * Student Loan Refinancing * Pet Insurance * Employee Assistance Program * Emergency Financial Assistance The Memory Care Director at Ivy Park Escondido leads a Whole living ...

Memory Care Director

Escondido, CA · On-site

$75K - $81K/yr

Recognition Programs * Student Loan Refinancing * Pet Insurance * Employee Assistance Program * Emergency Financial Assistance The Memory Care Director at Ivy Park Escondido leads a 'Whole living ...

$72K - $80K/yr

Recognition Programs * Student Loan Refinancing * Pet Insurance * Employee Assistance Program * Emergency Financial Assistance The Memory Care Director at Oakmont leads a Whole living approach to ...

Recognition Programs * Student Loan Refinancing * Pet Insurance * Employee Assistance Program * Emergency Financial Assistance The Memory Care Director at Oakmont leads a Whole living approach to ...

Memory Care Director

Fullerton, CA · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Recognition Programs * Student Loan Refinancing * Pet Insurance * Employee Assistance Program * Emergency Financial Assistance The Memory Care Director at Oakmont leads a 'Whole living' approach to ...

Memory Care Director

Camarillo, CA · On-site

$76K - $78K/yr

Recognition Programs * Student Loan Refinancing * Pet Insurance * Employee Assistance Program * Emergency Financial Assistance The Memory Care Director at Oakmont leads a 'Whole living' approach to ...

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Memory Care Program Director information

See California salary details

$34.5K

$68.1K

$102.6K

How much do memory care program director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for memory care program director in California is $68,116.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,300.00 and $79,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectMemory Care Program DirectorMemory Care Coordinator
CredentialsRelevant certifications (e.g., Alzheimer's certification), experience in memory careOften similar certifications, focus on assisting and coordinating care
Work EnvironmentOversees entire memory care programs, manages staff, develops policiesSupports daily activities, assists residents, coordinates with staff
Employer & IndustrySenior living communities, assisted living facilitiesMemory care units within assisted living or nursing homes
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles, program managementFocus on daily resident care and support

The Memory Care Program Director typically oversees the entire memory care program, managing staff and developing policies, while the Memory Care Coordinator focuses on supporting residents' daily needs and assisting staff. Both roles require relevant certifications and are found in similar senior living environments, but they differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are Memory Care Program Directors?

Memory Care Program Directors are professionals responsible for overseeing specialized care programs for individuals with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or other memory-related conditions. They manage daily operations, supervise staff, and ensure that residents receive high-quality, person-centered care. Their duties also include coordinating activities, developing care plans, providing staff training, and working closely with families to support residents’ well-being. The director plays a crucial role in maintaining regulatory compliance and fostering a safe, engaging environment tailored to residents’ cognitive needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Memory Care Program Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Memory Care Program Director, you need expertise in dementia care, program development, and a background in healthcare or gerontology, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in senior living. Familiarity with electronic health records, care planning software, and dementia-specific certifications like CDP (Certified Dementia Practitioner) are typically required. Outstanding leadership, compassionate communication, and problem-solving skills set top candidates apart in this role. These competencies ensure the delivery of high-quality, person-centered care and effective team management in a specialized memory care environment.

What are some unique challenges Memory Care Program Directors face when managing staff and residents?

Memory Care Program Directors often encounter challenges such as balancing the emotional needs of residents with dementia and supporting staff facing burnout from demanding care situations. They must foster a positive, patient-centered environment while ensuring staff receive regular training in dementia care best practices. Additionally, Directors need to coordinate with healthcare professionals, families, and team members to develop individualized care plans that adapt to residents’ changing needs.
What are popular job titles related to Memory Care Program Director jobs in California? For Memory Care Program Director jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Memory Care Program Director jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Memory Care Program Director jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Memory Care Program Director jobs? Cities in California with the most Memory Care Program Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Memory Care Program Director job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,116 per year, or $32.7 per hour.

Memory Care Director

Momentum Senior Living

Dublin, CA • On-site

$70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Description:

Memory Care Director

The Whitford in Dublin, California
Full-Time

Expected Start Date: July/August 2026 to support community opening preparations.

Annual Salary: Starting at $70,000 based on experience and qualifications.


Help Create an Exceptional Memory Care Community

The Whitford is a brand-new luxury Senior Living community opening in September 2026 in Dublin, California. Offering Assisted Living and Memory Care, The Whitford is designed to redefine senior living through exceptional hospitality, personalized care, and meaningful connections.

Managed by Momentum Senior Living, The Whitford offers the unique opportunity to join a founding leadership team and help build a compassionate, innovative Memory Care neighborhood from the ground up. We are seeking an experienced and passionate Memory Care Director to lead our specialized dementia care program and create an engaging, purpose-filled environment where residents can thrive.

Position Summary

The Memory Care Director is responsible for the development, implementation, and ongoing success of The Whitford's person-centered Memory Care program. This leadership role oversees all aspects of the community's specialized dementia programming, ensuring residents receive individualized, therapeutic care that promotes dignity, purpose, engagement, and the highest possible quality of life.

Working collaboratively with the Executive Director, Health & Wellness Director, Life Enrichment team, and other department leaders, the Memory Care Director leads staff education, resident programming, family support, and quality improvement initiatives while fostering a culture of compassion and excellence.


Essential Job Responsibilities:

Program Leadership

Lead the implementation, development, and continuous improvement of The Whitford's specialized Memory Care program.

Create and maintain a therapeutic, engaging, and person-centered environment for residents living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

Develop individualized service plans and meaningful daily programming based on each resident's personal history, preferences, abilities, and interests.

Evaluate program effectiveness through quality assurance tools, resident outcomes, family feedback, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Identify opportunities to enhance programming, resident engagement, and overall quality of life.

Team Leadership & Staff Development

Recruit, schedule, supervise, coach, mentor, and evaluate Memory Care team members.

Provide ongoing leadership, support, and performance feedback while fostering a positive, collaborative culture.

Conduct new hire orientation and ongoing dementia education for team members throughout the community.

Maintain all required training documentation and ensure compliance with company and regulatory requirements.

Model best practices in dementia care, communication techniques, and person-centered approaches while serving as a clinical and program resource for staff.

Resident Care & Family Support

Conduct resident assessments, life history interviews, and preference evaluations to develop individualized care and engagement plans.

Collaborate with the Health & Wellness Director to address resident care concerns, behavioral interventions, and changing care needs.

Utilize proactive, non-pharmacological approaches to support residents experiencing dementia-related behaviors.

Facilitate family education, caregiver support groups, and ongoing communication with families.

Build trusting relationships with residents, families, and caregivers while serving as an advocate for resident well-being.

Community Collaboration & Operations

Partner with department leaders to ensure coordinated, holistic care for residents.

Assist with staffing and provide leadership support within the Memory Care neighborhood as needed.

Participate in occupancy and census development initiatives by showcasing the value and quality of the Memory Care program.

Monitor departmental budgets and assist with financial planning and expense management.

Participate in community events, outreach activities, and marketing efforts that support Memory Care awareness and growth.

Requirements:


Minimum of three (3) years of experience working with individuals living with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia.

Minimum of one (1) year of leadership experience managing a specialized Memory Care or dementia program.

Current Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) certification preferred.

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Recreational Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Gerontology, Education, Social Services, Nursing, or a related field preferred.

Registered Nurse (RN) or other relevant clinical background is a plus.

Strong understanding of person-centered dementia care, behavioral interventions, and therapeutic programming.

Excellent leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Ability to effectively communicate with residents, families, healthcare providers, vendors, and team members.

Ability to maintain accurate documentation and regulatory compliance.

Flexible schedule, including occasional evenings, weekends, and participation in an on-call rotation as needed.

Valid driver's license and ability to meet company driving requirements if applicable.

Physical Requirements

Ability to move throughout the community promptly, particularly during emergency situations.

Ability to lift up to 50 pounds independently and up to 150 pounds with assistance.

Ability to push and transport residents in wheelchairs as needed.

Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and assist residents with activities as appropriate.

Ability to stand and walk for up to 80% of the workday.

Good visual, hearing, and verbal communication abilities.

Ability to work in environments where exposure to cleaning chemicals and healthcare-related conditions may occur.


Why Join The Whitford?

Opening a new community provides a rare opportunity to build a Memory Care program from the very beginning. As the founding Memory Care Director, you'll help shape the culture, develop innovative programming, mentor an exceptional team, and create meaningful moments that enrich the lives of residents and their families every day.

Momentum Senior Living is committed to supporting its leaders through collaboration, professional development, and opportunities for long-term career growth.


We Offer:

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Paid time off and paid holidays
  • Leadership training and continuing education opportunities
  • Career advancement within a growing senior living organization
  • Supportive and collaborative leadership
  • The opportunity to build a premier luxury Memory Care program from the ground up
  • A meaningful career making a lasting difference in the lives of seniors and their families

If you are a compassionate leader who is passionate about dementia care, team development, and creating purposeful experiences for older adults, we encourage you to apply.


Join The Whitford and help create a Memory Care community where every resident is known, valued, and supported to live with dignity, purpose, and joy.