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Vibrant Life Director Jobs in Rutherford, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Provide case management and direct patient care * Administer comprehensive skilled care * Ensure ... Where the Job Meets Lifestyle Experience the vibrant life of New York City, offering endless ...

The Director of Student Life serves as the architect of student experience - leading, designing ... build a vibrant, energized environment. While strong relationships with students are essential ...

Under new ownership as of February 2025, we are dedicated to building a vibrant, resident-centered ... Generous PTO - Work-life balance is important. * Comprehensive Benefits - Health, dental, and ...

Area Director Area Director I Summary: Through spiritual leadership and proper management, lead in ... Develop a yearly personal growth plan that fosters a vibrant spiritual life including time for ...

Area Director Area Director I Summary: Through spiritual leadership and proper management, lead in ... Develop a yearly personal growth plan that fosters a vibrant spiritual life including time for ...

Area Director Area Director I Summary: Through spiritual leadership and proper management, lead in ... Develop a yearly personal growth plan that fosters a vibrant spiritual life including time for ...

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Vibrant Life Director information

See Rutherford, NJ salary details

$31.1K

$177.9K

$257.9K

How much do vibrant life director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for vibrant life director in Rutherford, NJ is $177,924.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,900.00 and $257,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Vibrant Life Director?

A Vibrant Life Director is a professional typically employed in senior living communities or assisted living facilities. Their primary responsibility is to plan, coordinate, and implement engaging activities and programs that promote residents’ physical, mental, and social well-being. They work closely with residents to understand their interests and ensure a vibrant, fulfilling lifestyle. This role often includes organizing events, outings, fitness programs, and social gatherings, aiming to enhance residents’ overall quality of life.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a vibrant life director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Vibrant Life Director, you need a background in recreational therapy, event planning, or a related field, often supported by a degree or relevant certification. Familiarity with activity scheduling software, budget management tools, and compliance with senior living regulations is typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, creativity, and leadership are crucial for engaging residents and motivating staff. These abilities ensure the development and delivery of meaningful, enriching programs that enhance residents’ quality of life in senior living communities.

What are some common challenges vibrant life directors face when planning activities for senior living communities?

Vibrant Life Directors often encounter challenges such as accommodating diverse resident interests, physical and cognitive abilities, and ensuring activities are both engaging and safe. Balancing creative programming with regulatory requirements and time constraints can also be demanding. Additionally, coordinating with staff, volunteers, and family members to encourage participation requires strong communication and organizational skills. Overcoming these challenges leads to more meaningful experiences and a positive community atmosphere.

What is the difference between Vibrant Life Director vs Activities Director?

AspectVibrant Life DirectorActivities Director
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, activity-specific certificationsCPR, First Aid, activity certifications
Work EnvironmentSenior living communities, assisted living, nursing homesSenior centers, community centers, senior living facilities
Job FocusEnhancing residents' quality of life through engaging activities and wellness programsPlanning and coordinating recreational activities for seniors

The Vibrant Life Director and Activities Director roles both focus on engaging seniors through activities, often requiring similar certifications like CPR and First Aid. The main difference lies in scope: the Vibrant Life Director emphasizes holistic wellness and quality of life in senior living communities, while the Activities Director primarily plans recreational events. Both roles are vital in senior care settings, but the Vibrant Life Director often has a broader focus on wellness and life enrichment programs.

What are popular job titles related to Vibrant Life Director jobs in Rutherford, NJ?

For Vibrant Life Director jobs in Rutherford, NJ, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Vibrant Life Director jobs in Rutherford, NJ look for?

The top searched job categories for Vibrant Life Director jobs in Rutherford, NJ are:

What cities near Rutherford, NJ are hiring for Vibrant Life Director jobs?

Cities near Rutherford, NJ with the most Vibrant Life Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Vibrant Life Director job openings in Rutherford, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $177,924 per year, or $85.5 per hour.

Associate Director of Residential Life and Special Interest Communities

New York, NY • On-site

Columbia University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 201 - 500 employees

$69K - $77K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 3 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

  • Job Type: Officer of Administration
  • Bargaining Unit:
  • Regular/Temporary: Regular
  • End Date if Temporary:
  • Hours Per Week: 35
  • Standard Work Schedule:
  • Building:
  • Salary Range: $69,300 - $77,000 Annually

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
Position Summary
Residential Life within Undergraduate Student Life (USL) plays a central role in shaping a vibrant co-curricular undergraduate experience where students develop as leaders, build community, and gain the skills and confidence to navigate complexity within Columbia College and Columbia Engineering and beyond. Grounded in USL's commitment to student well-being and community and culture, Residential Life fosters environments where students are supported, challenged, and connected through meaningful engagement and learning beyond the classroom.
The Associate Director is a key member of the Residential Life leadership team and provides strategic leadership for Special Interest and Themed Communities (SICs), residential community development, staff development initiatives, and student leadership experiences across the residential ecosystem. This role advances student learning, belonging, leadership development, academic engagement, well-being, and community and culture by creating intentional residential experiences that support student growth, responsible citizenship, and community engagement.
The Associate Director partners closely with colleagues across Undergraduate Student Life, Columbia College, Columbia Engineering, and University partners to strengthen the undergraduate residential experience and foster inclusive communities where students from diverse identities, backgrounds, and lived experiences can thrive.
This live-in position reports to the Director of Residential Life and supports Residential Life and Undergraduate Student Life within Columbia College and the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science. The Associate Director oversees a residential area of approximately 1,800 students, supervises four Residence Hall Directors, and indirectly supports approximately 49 Resident Advisers. The position provides strategic oversight for Columbia's Special Interest Community program, including community development, leadership development, accountability processes, recruitment, training, assessment, and program evaluation. The Associate Director serves on the emergency response team, supports community accountability efforts, manages departmental resources, and participates in rotational after-hours, weekend, and holiday on-call responsibilities.
Responsibilities
  • Strategic Leadership for Residential Communities and Special Interest Communities
    • Provide strategic leadership for Columbia's Special Interest Community (SIC) ecosystem and assigned residential communities
    • Establish priorities that advance student belonging, leadership development, community engagement, academic success, and responsible citizenship within the residential experience
    • Lead the development, implementation, assessment, and continuous improvement of residential initiatives and intentional communities that support Undergraduate Student Life's priorities related to well-being, community and culture, and student success
    • Utilize assessment data, emerging trends, and student feedback to evaluate effectiveness, identify opportunities for growth, and inform programmatic and operational decision-making
  • Residential Community Development and Student Leadership
    • Provide leadership for residential community development efforts within the assigned residential area
    • Supervise and support Residence Hall Directors in creating inclusive and engaging residential environments that foster belonging, leadership development, academic engagement, student well-being, and community responsibility
    • Guide the development of educational initiatives, community-building efforts, Hall Council activities, and student leadership opportunities that strengthen the residential experience
    • Assess community needs and coordinate with campus partners to integrate relevant resources, programs, and support services into the residential environment
  • Special Interest Community Operations, Advising, and Accountability
    • Provide strategic oversight of the Special Interest Community program, including recruitment, selection, advising, leadership development, training, house management, accountability processes, assessment, and ongoing program enhancement
    • Advise student leaders and communities in support of their goals while ensuring compliance with University policies and expectations
    • Develop and implement training programs, evaluation processes, and educational initiatives that promote community development, leadership growth, responsible citizenship, and positive residential experiences
    • Collaborate with campus partners to strengthen support structures and resources available to Special Interest Communities
  • Staff Development, Supervision, and Organizational Effectiveness
    • Supervise four Residence Hall Directors and provide leadership, coaching, performance management, onboarding, and professional development opportunities
    • Establish expectations, monitor performance, conduct evaluations, and support the growth and success of professional staff
    • Serve as a leader in departmental staff development efforts, including Residential Life onboarding, professional learning initiatives, team-building efforts, and the cultivation of a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing Residential Life team
    • Contribute to organizational effectiveness and the continued development of Residential Life practices and procedures
  • Community Accountability, Student Support, and Crisis Response
    • Promote responsible citizenship, community accountability, and student understanding of University expectations within the residential environment
    • Partner with Student Conduct and Community Standards, Rules Administration, the Office of Institutional Equity, Public Safety, and other University partners to support educational approaches to community standards, conflict resolution, and student development
    • Serve as a member of the Residential Life emergency response team and provide leadership during crises, critical incidents, and community disruptions
    • Participate in the departmental on-call rotation and support Residence Hall Directors in responding to student emergencies, behavioral concerns, health and safety issues, and other complex situations requiring coordinated institutional response
  • Resource Management and Administrative Operations
    • Manage assigned budgets, operational resources, and administrative processes in support of residential communities and Special Interest Communities
    • Monitor expenditures, allocate resources responsibly, and ensure compliance with University policies and procedures
    • Maintain accurate records, assessment data, and program documentation while supporting the effective operation and continuous improvement of Residential Life initiatives
  • Institutional and Undergraduate Student Life Leadership
    • Participate in the continued growth and development of Undergraduate Student Life, Columbia College, Columbia Engineering, and the broader University community
    • Support key student life initiatives and major institutional experiences, including NSOP, Opening Days, orientation, Homecoming, Commencement, traditional campus events, and other significant University programs
    • Contribute to student onboarding and transition efforts and collaborate with colleagues across the University to advance shared priorities related to student well-being, leadership development, academic engagement, community and culture, and student success
    • Serve on committees, working groups, emergency response teams, and other institutional initiatives as requested
    • Attend necessary meetings and communicate relevant information to staff and colleagues
    • Promote efficiency, professionalism, inclusion, and student-centered practice consistent with the purpose and values of Undergraduate Student Life
    • Maintain awareness of University, College, Engineering, and Undergraduate Student Life priorities and the importance of student voice in shaping the undergraduate experience
    • Communicate effectively with supervisors regarding departmental and University matters
  • Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent related experience required
  • Minimum of three to five years' related experience
  • Demonstrated knowledge of residence life, living and learning communities, leadership development, multicultural theory and program development
  • Must have strong communication skills with young adults from diverse backgrounds
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to exercise a high degree of diplomacy and discretion
  • Well-organized administrative skills and computer literacy required. Specifically, must be well versed in using web-based programs, Microsoft Office, and email
  • Must be available for afterhours/weekend/holiday on-call duties on a rotational basis to address any residential emergency

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's Degree in Higher Education, Student Personnel Administration, Counseling or related field preferred
  • Experience working with hall council/Residence Hall Associations, faculty programs, and young adults in an urban setting preferred
  • Experience advising/managing special interest/living-learning communities, including recruitment and selection processes

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran
Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.