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Resident Activity Director Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Activity Aide

Cary, NC · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

The Activity Aide supports the efforts of the Operations Manager and Clinical Director in assessing residents' interests, needs, and abilities, and providing quality activities. They are responsible ...

The Activity Aide supports the efforts of the Operations Manager and Clinical Director in assessing residents interests, needs, and abilities, and providing quality activities. They are responsible ...

Develop monthly activity calendars that are engaging, diverse, and aligned with residents ... Certified Activity Director (ADC) or Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) is a plus ...

Life Enrichment Coordinator

Cary, NC · On-site

$12 - $20/hr

Develop monthly activity calendars that are engaging, diverse, and aligned with residents ... Certified Activity Director (ADC) or Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) is a plus ...

Resident Care Associate

Durham, NC · On-site

$14.25 - $17/hr

... Director, Pearl Director or the Assistant Family Experience Director. PURPOSE Resident Care ... Initiates, assigns, and assist with activities, as appropriate * Check all assigned residents daily ...

Resident Care Associate

Durham, NC · On-site

$14.25 - $17/hr

... Director, Pearl Director or the Assistant Family Experience Director. PURPOSE Resident Care ... Initiates, assigns, and assist with activities, as appropriate * Check all assigned residents daily ...

Resident Care Associate

Durham, NC · On-site

$14.25 - $17/hr

... Director, Pearl Director or the Assistant Family Experience Director. PURPOSE Resident Care ... Initiates, assigns, and assist with activities, as appropriate * Check all assigned residents daily ...

Full-Time Resident Assistant

Apex, NC · On-site

$16.54 - $20.01/hr

... Services Director (RSD) in Assisted Living areas, maintaining a positive physical and social ... residents with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting ...

Assistant Resident Manager

Four Oaks, NC · On-site

$12.50 - $13.50/hr

... direct supervision to all clinical staff. Facilitates or appoint a facilitator for clinical ... education activity. Completed Staff Development and Education Record Forms are maintained by the ...

Assistant Resident Manager

Four Oaks, NC · On-site

$12.50 - $13.50/hr

... direct supervision to all clinical staff. Facilitates or appoint a facilitator for clinical ... education activity. Completed Staff Development and Education Record Forms are maintained by the ...

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Resident Activity Director information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$11

$22

$40

How much do resident activity director jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for resident activity director in Raleigh, NC is $22.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.74 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to get a job as an activity director?

To become an activity director, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience in activities planning or senior care. Relevant skills include strong communication, organization, and creativity, and some positions may require certification in activities or recreational therapy. Gaining experience through volunteering or entry-level roles can improve job prospects in this field.

What is the highest paying job in a nursing home?

In a nursing home, the highest paying roles are typically administrative positions such as the Nursing Home Administrator or Director of Nursing, which require advanced degrees and licensing. These roles oversee facility operations and staff, and often have higher salaries compared to direct care positions like nurses or activity directors.

How does a Resident Activity Director collaborate with other staff to enhance residents' experiences?

A Resident Activity Director works closely with nursing staff, dietary teams, and facility management to ensure that activities align with residents' needs and preferences. Regular communication with caregivers helps tailor programs for physical, cognitive, and emotional support. The director also coordinates with volunteers and community partners to bring in diverse activities, enhancing the overall quality of life for residents. This collaborative approach ensures a well-rounded, engaging environment for everyone in the facility.

Do you need a degree to be an activities director at a nursing home?

A degree is not always required to be an activities director at a nursing home, but many employers prefer candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent. Relevant skills include organization, communication, and creativity, and some states may require certification in activities or recreational therapy. Certification programs can enhance job prospects and demonstrate professional competence.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Resident Activity Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Resident Activity Director, you need a background in recreation, social work, or gerontology, often supported by a degree and certification such as Activity Director Certified (ADC). Familiarity with activity scheduling software, compliance regulations, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong organizational abilities, creativity, and interpersonal communication help build engaging programs and foster a sense of community among residents. These skills ensure residents experience meaningful activities that enhance well-being and satisfaction within care facilities.

What are Resident Activity Directors?

Resident Activity Directors are professionals responsible for planning, organizing, and leading recreational and social activities for residents in settings such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and retirement communities. Their goal is to enhance the quality of life for residents by providing engaging programs that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. They often coordinate events, outings, games, and creative projects while also considering the individual interests and needs of each resident. In addition, they may work with other staff to ensure activities are safe and accessible to everyone.

What does an activity director do?

An activity director plans, organizes, and oversees recreational and social activities for residents in settings such as senior living communities or rehabilitation centers. They assess residents' interests, coordinate events, and ensure activities promote engagement and well-being, often requiring good communication skills and knowledge of activity planning. The role may involve working with staff and families to create a supportive environment.

What is the difference between Resident Activity Director vs Recreation Therapist?

AspectResident Activity DirectorRecreation Therapist
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or equivalent; some roles prefer a certification in activity planning or recreationRequires a bachelor's degree in recreation therapy, therapeutic recreation, or a related field; certification may be preferred
Work EnvironmentAssists seniors in nursing homes or assisted living facilities with engaging activitiesProvides therapeutic recreation services in healthcare settings, including hospitals and rehab centers
Employer & IndustryLong-term care facilities, senior living communitiesHealthcare facilities, hospitals, rehabilitation centers

The main difference is that Resident Activity Directors focus on organizing recreational activities for seniors, often with less formal healthcare training, while Recreation Therapists provide therapeutic interventions to improve patients' physical and mental health, requiring specialized degrees and certifications.

What are popular job titles related to Resident Activity Director jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Resident Activity Director jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Resident Activity Director jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Resident Activity Director jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Resident Activity Director jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Resident Activity Director job openings:

Director of Celebrations - Activities Director

TerraBella Durham

Durham, NC

$18.25 - $25/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

TerraBella Senior Living proudly serves thousands of residents and families offering a full range of lifestyle and care options including Active Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and short-term Respite. With a foundation rooted in purpose, hospitality, and connection, TerraBella fosters communities where both residents and Team Members thrive.

As part of one of the largest senior living organizations in America, TerraBella communities have earned Great Place to Work certifications from 2022-2026. At TerraBella, culture, growth, and heart define who we are. We continually aspire and invest in learning and development opportunities that support our team members' professional growth, ensuring every team member has the tools to build a meaningful and rewarding career.

TerraBella Senior Living is looking for a Director of Celebrations to join our community in Durham, NC.

In this role you will develop and oversee resident services, including planning and coordinating opportunities for residents that promote a level of health, wellbeing, engagement and growth

Responsibilities:

  • Plans, schedules and conducts lifestyle programs that provide physical, intellectual, social, emotional and spiritual opportunities for the residents.
  • Plans appropriate programs for holidays and special events.
  • Recruits and develops additional resources for services to the residents. Initiates correspondence including public relations communications with outside organizations, service groups and volunteers.
  • Advises and motivates residents regarding appropriate individual and group activities based on resident interests and opportunities for growth.
  • Prepares and organizes a calendar of events. Submits the calendar to the Executive Director for final approval. Posts and distributes the calendar.
  • Develops and prints the community newsletter.
  • Provides leadership of lifestyle program.
  • Coordinates the community library.
  • Purchases and maintains equipment and supplies in accordance with budgetary guidelines.
  • Prepares preliminary draft of Celebrations Operating Budget.
  • Organizes and supervises a volunteer staff.
  • Addresses resident groups and other groups on subjects of common interest.
  • Maintains a database and prepares reports on resident quality assurance assessments, participation and satisfaction.
  • Supervises staff of Recreation and Event Coordinators across the multiple levels of service in a retirement community.
  • Participates in community in-services.
  • Demonstrates competence in Federal, State and Local regulations, requirements for skilled nursing, assisted living and/or independent living as applicable; ensures compliance.
  • Develops, facilitates and analyzes resident surveys to determine ongoing activities are in place that meet the resident interests.
  • Plans, coordinates and facilitates appropriate mixed group activities.
  • Develops and facilitates daily displays of activities on bulletin boards and/or kiosks in lobbies, elevators, dining rooms and other resident and team member communication centers.
  • Maintains a robust public relations program in support of the activities programming and community relations.
  • Implements and facilitates a volunteer recognition program.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Directly supervises employees in the Celebrations Department. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees.

Qualifications:

  • Associate degree in Recreation, Therapeutic Recreation, Education, Gerontology, Social Work, Adult Education.
  • Three to five years related experience.
  • Two years supervisory/management experience.

Why Join Us

Discovery Senior Living Earned Coveted Great Place to Work Certification for 2025-2026!

A large part of what makes Discovery different from other companies in this industry is our willingness to embrace change. At Discovery Senior Living, we are constantly challenging how we are doing things to ensure the lifestyle we are offering our residents is absolutely the greatest value proposition in the marketplace. It's just as important to us that the environment and culture for our team members are constantly refreshed. In addition, embracing and even encouraging change brings a never-ending supply of new energy to our business and our culture. That energy translates to other far-reaching positive impacts on our residents as well as our team members.

Find out what makes working at Discovery unique in the world of senior living.  Discover Your Purpose!

Our Culture & Values

So often, what brings people together is deeply rooted in who we are and what we stand for. At Discovery Senior Living, we're unified by certain, core values, which we call our "Pillars of Excellence." They make up the fabric of our company, and include TEAMWORK, INTEGRITY, PERFORMANCE, ACCOUNTABILITY, COMPASSION, HARD WORK and CREATIVITY.

Individually, they are our virtues, and together, they make up a roadmap which helps us foster innovation and success.

Benefits You'll Enjoy

For eligible employees, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes competitive pay, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, paid time off and holidays, a 401(k) with employer match, paid training and career growth opportunities, wellness-related benefits, and additional support through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP). 

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members. EOE D/V

A Note to Applicants

This job description outlines the general nature and level of responsibilities for this role and is not an exhaustive list of all duties. Qualified individuals with disabilities, as defined by the ADA, must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation, as determined on a case-by-case basis.

Agency Policy

We do not accept unsolicited resumes from staffing agencies. Please refrain from contacting hiring managers directly.

Employment Scam Warning

We only post jobs on our official careers site and accept applications through that platform. We do not conduct interviews via text or social media or ask for personal or banking information.

Regulatory Compliance & Background Screening

Discovery Senior Living complies with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulatory requirements governing hiring practices, background screening, and workforce eligibility. Employment may be contingent upon successful completion of state-mandated and/or federally required background screenings, which may include criminal history checks, fingerprint-based screening, Level 2 background screening, registry verification, and other screenings required for healthcare and senior living roles with direct or indirect resident access.

Certain positions may be subject to additional requirements under federal programs, including CMS, Medicare, and Medicaid regulations, as well as state-specific licensing or regulatory agencies. Screening requirements vary by role and jurisdiction, and candidates must meet all applicable standards as a condition of employment. These measures support regulatory compliance and help maintain a safe, secure environment for residents, families, and team members.

Employment in Florida is contingent upon completion of a Level 2 background screening in accordance with Florida AHCA requirements. Applicants will be required to complete fingerprinting and background screening through the AHCA Clearinghouse. For more information, please visit: https://info.flclearinghouse.com.

Thank you for your interest in TerraBella Senior Living careers.  If you have any questions about the position you are applying for, please contact the community directly. 

No agencies, please. We do not accept any unsolicited resumes from agencies under any circumstances. We receive inquiries from agencies daily. Agencies should not direct any inquiries or emails to hiring managers. Thank you.

EOE D/V