Activity Director

Viva-Senior-Living; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Viva Senior Living is seeking an energetic Activity Director to lead our activities program and create a welcoming environment where residents can thrive. You will plan diverse activities that promote social connection, wellness, creativity, and lifelong learning, while learning residents' interests and coordinating with families.

As part of the role, you will manage calendars, coordinate events and transportation, and contribute to a vibrant community culture that supports dignity and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience in activities, recreation, senior living, hospitality, event planning, or related field preferred.
• Experience working with older adults is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Create, plan, organize, and lead a diverse calendar of activities, events, and programs.
• Develop programs that promote resident engagement, socialization, wellness, independence, and quality of life.
• Get to know residents by learning about their interests, hobbies, backgrounds, and life experiences.
• Provide group and one-on-one activities for residents, including those who prefer quieter or individualized engagement.
• Coordinate transportation and assist with resident transportation to activities and events.
• Plan and coordinate holiday celebrations, themed events, birthday parties, and community-wide celebrations.

Skills

Creative

Energetic

Compassionate

Communicator

Organized

Flexible

Leadership

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Bring Joy, Purpose, and Connection to Every Day

Are you a creative, energetic, and compassionate leader who loves working with seniors? Do you have a passion for creating meaningful experiences, building relationships, and turning ordinary days into something special?

Viva Senior Living is looking for an Activity Director to lead our activities program and create an engaging, fun, and welcoming environment where residents can thrive. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys being hands-on, thinking outside the box, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of seniors.

As our Activity Director, you will have the opportunity to create programs and events that encourage social connection, physical wellness, creativity, lifelong learning, spiritual well-being, and fun!

What You'll Do

As the Activity Director, you will lead and oversee all aspects of the community's activities and lifestyle programming. Your responsibilities will include:

• Create, plan, organize, and lead a diverse and engaging calendar of activities, events, and programs.
• Develop programs that promote resident engagement, socialization, wellness, independence, and quality of life.
• Get to know residents personally by learning about their interests, hobbies, backgrounds, preferences, and life experiences.
• Provide both group and one-on-one activities for residents, including those who prefer quieter or individualized engagement.
• Reach out to residents who may be confined to their rooms or less likely to participate and find meaningful ways to connect with them.
• Plan and coordinate holiday celebrations, themed events, birthday parties, special programs, and community-wide celebrations.
• Organise outings, trips, group events, and visits to places of worship.
• Coordinate transportation and assist with resident transportation to scheduled activities and events.
• Develop and distribute a monthly activities calendar and communicate upcoming events through calendars, flyers, bulletin boards, and other communication channels.
• Keep residents, families, and team members informed and excited about upcoming programs and special events.
• Create and publish the community newsletter featuring resident highlights, birthdays, upcoming events, photos, recipes, stories, humor, and other engaging content.
• Coordinate a welcoming experience and special events for new residents to help them feel at home and connected to the community.
• Support resident council meetings and encourage residents to have a voice in their community.
• Coordinate opportunities for spiritual engagement and connections with clergy and faith communities.
• Track activities, participation, and resident feedback to continually improve programming.
• Maintain current information regarding community resources, services, and programs available to residents and families.
• Lead, mentor, and support activities team members and collaborate with the community's bus driver and other departments.
• Work closely with all team members to encourage resident participation and create a vibrant, engaging community culture.
• Manage the activities department budget and utilize resources creatively and responsibly.
• Bring fresh ideas, creativity, and flexibility to programming based on the changing interests and needs of residents.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is someone who is:

• Creative and innovative with the ability to develop exciting and meaningful programs.
• Energetic and engaging with a genuine passion for working with seniors.
• Compassionate and resident-focused, always treating residents with dignity, respect, and kindness.
• Comfortable leading group activities, events, celebrations, exercise programs, and one-on-one engagements.
• An excellent communicator who works well with residents, families, and team members.
• Organized and able to manage calendars, events, transportation, staff responsibilities, and departmental priorities.
• Flexible and able to adapt activities to meet the changing needs, abilities, and interests of residents.
• A positive leader who can motivate and support team members.
• Comfortable using creativity to turn everyday moments into meaningful experiences.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Previous experience in activities, recreation, senior living, hospitality, event planning, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience working with older adults is a plus.
• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.
• Must demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and the ability to work collaboratively with others.
• Must be committed to maintaining the dignity, rights, and individuality of every resident.
• Ability to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations and company policies.
• Must meet applicable health and TB screening requirements.

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to:

• Move throughout the community during the workday.
• Push, pull, move, and/or lift up to 25 pounds.
• Assist residents as needed during activities, outings, transportation, and emergency situations.
• Work with residents who may be elderly, ill, disabled, emotionally upset, or occasionally agitated.
• Meet the physical and sensory requirements necessary to safely perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Why Join Viva Senior Living?

At Viva Senior Living, we believe that every day should offer opportunities for connection, purpose, laughter, and meaningful experiences. As our Activity Director, you will play a vital role in creating the atmosphere that makes our community feel like home.

If you are ready to bring your creativity, energy, and heart to a role where you can truly make a difference, we would love to meet you!