Resident Activity Director Jobs in Shellsburg, IA

At Better Living, we believe every stage of life should be filled with purpose, dignity, and joy.

We’re not just a senior living management company—we’re a team driven by compassion, grounded in hospitality, and committed to doing what’s right for residents, families, and staff. Our communities are built on meaningful connections, personalized support, and everyday moments that matter.

This is senior living, only better.

Benefits:

• Compensation: 
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• 401 (K) matching
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee assistance programs

Position Summary

The Life Enrichment Director at Better Living is the heartbeat of our community. This role goes beyond planning activities — it’s about creating joy, fostering connection, and elevating every moment for our residents. The Life Enrichment Director designs and leads meaningful, engaging experiences that honor each resident’s life story, abilities, interests, and purpose.
At Better Living, life enrichment isn’t optional — it’s essential. We believe residents deserve days filled with laughter, dignity, choice, and moments that matter.

Why You’ll Love This Role

• You get to create joy for a living
• You’ll help residents rediscover hobbies, passions, and purpose
• No two days are the same
• You’ll be encouraged to bring creativity, personality, and heart
• You’ll be supported by a culture that believes in loving generously and serving passionately

Key Responsibilities

Program Development & Engagement

• Plan and lead a robust calendar of daily, weekly, and monthly life-enrichment experiences
• Design programs that support physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and spiritual well-being
• Ensure activities are inclusive, engaging, and adaptable for all levels of ability
• Create experiences — not just events — that encourage resident choice and participation
• Incorporate music, movement, art, games, outings, celebrations, and purpose-driven activities

Resident-Centered Focus

• Get to know residents personally through life stories, interests, and preferences
• Adapt programming to reflect resident feedback and evolving needs
• Encourage resident leadership, clubs, committees, and peer-to-peer involvement
• Support dignity, independence, and meaningful engagement for every resident

Memory Care Support

• Partner with the care team to support residents living with dementia through purposeful, sensory-rich programming
• Implement structured daily routines that promote comfort, familiarity, and success
• Use redirection, validation, and relationship-based engagement strategies
• Align programs with Better Living’s Better Days Memory Care philosophy

Community & Culture

• Actively model and promote the Better Living mission and values
• Bring energy, positivity, and creativity to the community atmosphere
• Partner with other department leaders to create engaging cross-department experiences
• Welcome families and guests and encourage participation in community life
• Represent Better Living positively during tours, events, and community outreach

Administration & Compliance

• Maintain an accurate activity calendar and documentation as required by Better Living standards and as required by state regulations
• Track participation and engagement
• Manage activity supplies, budget, and donations
• Ensure programs meet licensing and regulatory requirements
• Complete required training and attend team meetings

Technology Skills & Digital Engagement

The Life Enrichment Director uses technology confidently to support resident engagement, communication, and departmental organization. This includes:
• Proficiency with Microsoft Teams, Outlook, SharePoint, and digital calendars
• Ability to learn and navigate senior-living software systems, including TSO and    documentation platforms
• Comfort using tablets, smart devices, and virtual platforms to enhance resident experiences (virtual tours, music apps, video calls, interactive games)
• Skill in creating visually appealing newsletters, calendars, and communication materials using approved digital templates
• Ability to assist residents with simple technology tasks in a patient, supportive manner
• Strong digital organization habits, including file management and timely documentation
• Willingness to adopt new tools and systems as Better Living continues to strengthen digital competency across communities

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree Preferred
• Experience in activities, recreation, life enrichment, or a related field preferred
• Technology experience and the willingness to learn new software platforms
• Experience in senior living, assisted living or memory care strongly preferred
• Passion for working with older adults and creating meaningful experience
• Strong communication, organizational and time management skills
• Creative, outgoing and flexible personality
• Ability to work some evenings, weekends and holidays as needed

What Success Looks Like

• Residents are engaged, smiling, and connected
• Families see joy, purpose, and meaningful days
• Programs reflect resident voices — not just a calendar
• The community feels alive, welcoming, and warm
• Life enrichment is woven into daily life, not treated as an add-on

Better Living Promise

At Better Living, we don’t believe in “keeping residents busy.”
We believe in helping them live fully.
If you are creative, compassionate, energetic, and ready to make every day brighter — we would love to meet you.

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind 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.