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Memory Care Program Director Jobs in Durham, NC (NOW HIRING)

Senior Living Hiring

Special Care Coordinator

Cary, NC · On-site

$68K/yr

Develop, implement, and evaluate specialized memory care programs that promote cognitive function ... Partner with the Executive Director and leadership team to support community operations and ...

RXinsider LTD.

Global Program Director

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$200 - $250/hr

The Global Program Director - Enablement, will drive the development, creation and implementation ... care of. * Flexibility for Your Lifestyle: Achieve work-life balance with our hybrid work model ...

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Memory Care Program Director information

See Durham, NC salary details

$33.8K

$66.7K

$100.5K

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

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for memory care program director in Durham, NC is $66,695.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,200.00 and $77,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a memory care program director?

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?

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 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 the most commonly searched types of Memory Care Program jobs in Durham, NC?

The most popular types of Memory Care Program jobs in Durham, NC are:

What job categories do people searching Memory Care Program Director jobs in Durham, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Memory Care Program Director jobs in Durham, NC are:

What cities near Durham, NC are hiring for Memory Care Program Director jobs?

Cities near Durham, NC with the most Memory Care Program Director job openings:

Memory Care Program Director jobs near you

Memory Care Program Coordinator

Brookdale Senior Living, Inc.

Durham, NC • On-site

$17.50 - $23.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Brookdale Senior Living rating

5.2

Company rating: 5.2 out of 10

Based on 536 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

205th of 247 rated social care providers

Job description


Senior Living Community - Memory Care Activities Coordinator Needed
Education and Experience
Bachelor's Degree in therapeutic recreation, gerontology, education or related field. Minimum two years of direct programming experience with older adults and persons with dementia preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Grow your career with Brookdale! Our Clare Bridge Program Coordinators have opportunities for advancement by exploring a new career in positions such as Clare Bridge Program Managers, Resident Programs Coordinators and Business Office Managers.
Make Lives Better Including Your Own.
If you want to work in an environment where you can become your best possible self, join us! You'll earn more than a paycheck; you can find opportunities to grow your career through professional development, as well as ongoing programs catered to your overall health and wellness. Full suite of health insurance, life insurance and retirement plans are available and vary by employment status.
Part and Full Time Benefits Eligibility
  • Medical, Dental, Vision insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Associate assistance program
  • Employee discounts
  • Referral program
  • Early access to earned wages for hourly associates (outside of CA)
  • Optional voluntary benefits including ID theft protection and pet insurance

Full Time Only Benefits Eligibility
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid holidays
  • Company provided life insurance
  • Adoption benefit
  • Disability (short and long term)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Health Savings Account
  • Optional life and dependent life insurance
  • Optional voluntary benefits including accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity Insurance, and legal plan
  • Tuition reimbursement

Base pay in range will be determined by applicant's skills and experience. Temporary associates are not benefits eligible but may participate in the company's 401(k) program.
Veterans, transitioning active duty military personnel, and military spouses are encouraged to apply. To support our associates in their journey to become a U.S. citizen, Brookdale offers to advance fees for naturalization (Form N-400) application costs, up to $725, less applicable taxes and withholding, for qualified associates who have been with us for at least a year.
The application window is anticipated to close within 30 days of the date of the posting.
Responsibilities
Job Summary
In alignment with Brookdale's Resident and Family Engagement philosophy, plans, coordinates and facilitates a calendar of person centered dementia friendly programs that meet specific needs of each and all residents within the dementia care community. Provides person centered programs while engaging residents in meaningful and purposeful dementia care programs within the Brookdale community enhancing their quality of life. Recognizes individual abilities and needs while encouraging independence and ensuring resident habits, historical routines, interests and preferences are honored in the provision of care and programming.
Essential Functions
  1. Designs a 7 day a week person centered program that is engaging, creative and meets the needs and interests of the individual residents. Promotes and engages residents in the 7 domains of well-being programs in a dementia friendly structured environment; including sensory focused small group programming for residents who cannot participate in a larger group setting.
  2. Develops a monthly calendar, in partnership with residents, based on residents' shared interests. Ensures person centered special events and daily path programs are scheduled and executed as scheduled.
  3. Ensures dementia care programs are in compliance with Brookdale Excellence Standards Tool (BEST), Divisional Dementia Care Site visit tool, state, federal, and other regulations and meet Brookdale's mission, policies, procedures and dementia care standards as assigned by the Executive Director.
  4. Collaborates with community leadership educating & providing resources to families and associates regarding Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. This includes how to engage residents and lead programs on an ongoing basis. This includes facilitating and coordinating dementia focused in-services and or events for families or computer based and situation specific training for associates including Understanding Alzheimer's & Dementia Care (UADC), as required by Brookdale.
  5. May provide direct supervision of Clare Bridge Program Assistant/s, as required by Executive Director, which includes assisting with hiring, coaching, and counseling program assistant associate and conducting the documenting corrective action, as needed. Completes job performance evaluations. May act in supervisory capacity in absence of Manager or Executive Director.
  6. Collaborates with community leadership in planning, coordinating, appropriately decorating, and participating in special events including holidays, signature programs, National Walk to End Alzheimer's, family socials, educational and marketing events.
  7. Reports changes in residents' overall health to clinical partner, including changes in behavior; takes actions to address concerns in a timely manner and collaborates with the team in exploring approaches and interventions to address behavioral expressions.
  8. Oversees social media content to ensure alignment with Brookdale's culture, brand, and social media guidance and Brookdale standards.
  9. Plans and schedules programming events outside the community, which may include driving a community motor vehicle.
  10. Maintains and adheres to department monthly budget and expense control and may manage volunteer program.
  11. Performs personal care, housekeeping and dietary responsibilities, as needed, to ensure service quality is maintained in accordance with Clare Bridge Program standards. Has completed training and qualifications based on state regulations to ensure service quality is maintained in accordance with Clare Bridge Program standards.

This job description represents an overview of the responsibilities for the above referenced position. It is not intended to represent a comprehensive list of responsibilities. An associate should perform all duties as assigned by his/ her supervisor.
Qualifications
Education and Experience
Bachelor's Degree in therapeutic recreation, gerontology, education or related field preferred. Minimum two years of direct programming experience with older adults and persons with dementia preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Certifications, Licenses, and other Special Requirements
Must have a valid driver's license and a current 3-year driving abstract with no more than one moving violation as a condition of employment and may be required to obtain a commercial driver's license based on the needs of the community
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
  • Standing
  • Walking
  • Sitting
  • Use hands and fingers to handle or feel
  • Reach with hands and arms
  • Climb or balance
  • Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
  • Talk or hear
  • Ability to lift: Up to 50 pounds
  • Vision
  • Requires interaction with co-workers, residents or vendors
  • Occasional weekend, evening or night work if needed to ensure shift coverage
  • Possible exposure to communicable diseases and infections
  • Potential injury from transferring, repositioning, or lifting residents
  • Exposure to latex
  • Possible exposure to blood-borne pathogens
  • Possible exposure to various drugs, chemical, infections, or biological hazards
  • Subject to injury from falls, burns, odors, or cuts from equipment
  • Requires Travel: occasionally

Management/Decision Making
Uses limited independent judgment to make decisions based on precedents and established guidelines. Solves problems using standard procedures and precedents. Knows when to refer issues to supervisor and when to handle them personally.
Knowledge and Skills
Has a working knowledge of a skill or discipline that requires basic analytic ability. Has an overall understanding of the work environment and process. Has working knowledge of the organization. Basic typing skills are essential along with basic knowledge of PC's and word processing software, preferably in the Microsoft Windows environment.
Brookdale is an equal opportunity employer and a drug-free workplace.
About Us
Brookdale is a Great Place to Be:
  • Gracious hospitality and neighborliness for our residents and families.
  • Home-like feel and all-around comfort for residents and visiting family members.
  • Entertaining events and gatherings so our residents can find connections in groups and 1:1 settings.
  • Industry leader in clinical care.
  • Nationwide company with 589 communities as of November 30, 2025, offering many opportunities to grow and learn as a sales professional.
  • Extensive corporate support including a robust training program.

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