Activities Director

American House Senior Living Communities; Sarasota (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

American House Senior Living Communities in Sarasota, FL is seeking an Activities Director to design and lead engaging programs for residents, develop a monthly calendar, coordinate outings, and manage volunteers and vendors while ensuring safety and quality.

The role requires experience in activities programming or senior living, strong communication and organizational skills, a compassionate, energetic approach, and the ability to lead teams and manage multiple projects.

Qualifications

• Degree in Recreational Therapy, CTRS, or Activity Director certification preferred; relevant experience may substitute.
• Experience in activities programming, event planning, or senior living.
• Strong communication, organizational, and customer service skills.
• Positive, energetic, compassionate approach with older adults.
• Experience with dementia preferred.
• Ability to lead groups, train staff and volunteers, manage multiple projects.
• Proficiency with technology and event planning tools.
• Valid driver's license required.
• CDL may be required within 90 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Plan and run daily, weekly, and monthly resident programs and events.
• Develop wellness-focused activities across seven dimensions.
• Coordinate outings, transportation, and guest speakers.
• Engage residents, families, volunteers, vendors, and partners.
• Welcome new residents to programs and services.
• Promote activities via newsletters and digital boards.
• Manage activity calendars and participation tracking.
• Recruit, train, supervise volunteers and staff.
• Support Memory Care programming and resident engagement.
• Maintain seasonal decorations and department budgets.
• Ensure policy compliance and safety standards.
• Provide transportation for residents and outings as needed.
• Be a positive ambassador at events.

Skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Customer service

Team training

Multitasking

Technology proficiency

Event planning

Staff management

Education

Degree in Recreational Therapy or CTRS or Activity Director certification

Tools

Office software

Event planning tools

Job description

Activities Director

The Activities Director is responsible for creating and leading engaging programs, events, and experiences that enrich the lives of senior living residents. This role develops a dynamic monthly activity calendar, coordinates community events and outings, manages volunteers and vendors, and promotes resident engagement through meaningful wellness-focused programming.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and execute daily, weekly, and monthly resident programs and events.


• Develop activities that support the seven dimensions of wellness: emotional, environmental, intellectual, occupational, physical, social, and spiritual well-being.


• Coordinate community outings, transportation, entertainment, guest speakers, and special events.


• Build positive relationships with residents, families, volunteers, vendors, and community partners.


• Welcome and orient new residents to community programs and services.


• Promote activities through newsletters, community communication boards, and digital platforms.


• Manage activity calendars, event schedules, and resident participation tracking.


• Recruit, train, and oversee volunteers and Life Enrichment staff.


• Support Memory Care programming and resident-centered engagement initiatives.


• Maintain seasonal and holiday decorations throughout the community.


• Manage department budgets, petty cash, and approved purchases.


• Ensure compliance with company policies, safety standards, and quality service expectations.


• Provide transportation for residents and community outings as needed.


• Serve as a positive ambassador of the community at events and public functions.

Qualifications

• Degree in Recreational Therapy, Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), or Certified Activity Director preferred; relevant experience may be substituted.


• Previous experience in activities programming, event planning, recreation, hospitality, senior living, or a related field.


• Strong communication, organizational, and customer service skills.


• Positive, energetic, and compassionate approach to working with older adults.


• Experience working with individuals with dementia preferred.


• Ability to lead groups, train staff and volunteers, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.


• Proficiency with technology, software applications, and event planning tools.


• Valid driver's license required.


• Must be at least 21 years of age and able to obtain a CDL within 90 days of hire, if required.

Preferred Skills

• Senior living or healthcare experience.


• Event planning and vendor management experience.


• Budget management and program development experience.


• Strong leadership and team-building abilities.

Why Join Us?

• Make a meaningful impact in the lives of older adults every day.


• Lead creative programs that foster connection, wellness, and engagement.


• Work in a supportive, resident-focused environment.


• Opportunities for professional growth and development.

Job Type: Full-Time Schedule: Weekdays with occasional evenings, weekends, and special events as needed.

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Company Overview

Founded in 1979, American House Senior Living Communities' vision is to provide high-quality housing for senior at a price affordable for retirees and their families. That vision of excellence has endured for nearly 40 years and expanded to serve residents at a number of senior housing communities. Our mission is to enrich the lives of those we serve, providing an environment that fosters meaningful relationships. Our vision is to be an innovative senior housing company that created sustainable excellence and stakeholder value, with an unparalleled commitment to passionate care provided by compassionate people.