Director Resident Experience-RED

Socket.dev; Davenport (IA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401(k)

Pet insurance

Unlimited PTO

Job summary

Forefront is dedicated to enhancing lives through exceptional culinary and support services. The Director of Resident Experience leads teams in a healthcare environment, building a vibrant, healing community that reflects Tenacity, Integrity, Creativity, Service Excellence, Safety, and Caring.

You will shape the resident experience through the 7 Dimensions of Wellness and collaborate with culinary, wellness, nursing, and operations to provide outstanding services.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Recreation Therapy, Social Work, Hospitality, Gerontology, or related field (preferred).
• 3–5 years leadership experience in senior living, hospitality, or wellness programming.
• Experience working with older adults across IL/AL/Memory Care environment.
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills.
• Creativity in program design and event planning.
• Budget management and vendor oversight.
• Experience with resident engagement software.
• ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification Required or must be obtained within 90 days of employment.
• Salary: $70,000 to $80,000.

Responsibilities

• Lead resident engagement and programs based on the 7 Dimensions of Wellness.
• Develop monthly calendars of social, educational, cultural, fitness and purpose-driven activities.
• Personalize engagement plans based on residents’ interests and history.
• Oversee clubs, outings, volunteer opportunities, and signature events.
• Ensure facilities compliance with regulatory requirements and safety standards.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Relationship-building

Creativity

Budget management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Recreation Therapy

Bachelor's degree in Social Work

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality

Gerontology

Tools

Resident engagement software

Job description

Forefront is dedicated to enhancing lives through exceptional culinary and support services. As a leader on our team, you play a vital role in driving operational success within a healthcare environment. Through our core values Tenacity, Integrity, Creativity, Service Excellence, Safety, and Caring, you will lead teams, ensure high-quality service delivery, and help create a clean, safe, and healing environment for all.

If you are passionate about leading people, developing teams, and making a meaningful impact, we invite you to join us.

Why You’ll Love Leading With Us:

• Supportive Culture: Collaborate with a leadership team that values input, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Growth-Focused: Access to leadership development, Lean Six Sigma opportunities, and career advancement pathways
• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), pet insurance, and unlimited PTO

The Director of Resident Experience is responsible for creating a vibrant, engaging, and purpose-driven community culture that supports the social, emotional, physical, intellectual, spiritual, environmental, and vocational well-being of residents.

This role leads life enrichment, resident engagement, volunteer coordination, and hospitality initiatives while partnering closely with culinary, wellness, nursing, and operations teams to ensure every resident feels connected, valued, and at home.

The Director serves as a key ambassador of the community—driving programs, events, and services that foster belonging, independence, and quality of life across all levels of care.

This is an exempt salaried position, with expected hours to include: days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Essential Functions and Duties

Resident Engagement & Programming

• Design and implement a dynamic resident experience program based on the 7 Dimensions of Wellness
• Develop monthly calendars featuring social, educational, cultural, fitness, and purpose-driven activities
• Personalize engagement plans for residents based on interests, abilities, and life history
• Oversee clubs, outings, volunteer opportunities, intergenerational programs, and signature events
• Evaluate participation and satisfaction metrics to continuously improve offerings

Leadership & Team Development

• Recruit, train, and supervise life enrichment and concierge staff
• Lead resident experience meetings and cross-department collaboration
• Manage scheduling, performance coaching, and professional development
• Build a culture of hospitality and service excellence

Resident & Family Relations

• Serve as a primary contact for resident concerns, feedback, and suggestions
• Partner with social services and clinical teams on transitions of care
• Support move-ins, orientations, and new resident onboarding
• Facilitate resident councils and community forums

  Operations & Compliance

  • Develop and manage department budget and purchasing
  • Ensure documentation meets state and regulatory requirements
  • Maintain transportation scheduling and safety standards
  • Oversee vendor relationships and community partnerships

  Marketing & Community Outreach

  • Collaborate with sales/marketing on events, tours, and promotions
  • Build relationships with local organizations, schools, and faith communities
  • Promote the community as a destination for purposeful living

  Travel

  Occasional travel for company meetings by car and/or plane may be required

  General Responsibility as Required for Position

  • Responsible for acting in conformance with all facility and departmental policies and procedures including those relating to Human Resources, Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, Health and Safety regulations, Compliance requirements, Patient Rights, Confidentiality, and HIPAA. Responsible for acting in conformance with accrediting agency standards.
  • Attends department meetings as required.
  • Demonstrates accountability to accept responsibility for personal/professional growth and any required certification/licenses, if applicable.
  • Completes mandatory training and competencies annually.

  Forefront will not discriminate based on race, color, sex, height, weight, disability, national origin, religion, marital status, pregnancy, military service, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or any other protected class in its hiring practices, conditions for transfer or promotion, policies, discipline, discharge, terms, conditions or benefits of employment.

  Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Therapy, Social Work, Hospitality, Gerontology, or related field (preferred)
  • 3–5 years leadership experience in senior living, hospitality, or wellness programming
  • Experience working with older adults across IL/AL/Memory Care environment
  • Strong relationship-building and communication skills
  • Creativity in program design and event planning
  • Budget management and vendor oversight
  • Experience with resident engagement software
  • Compassionate, mission-driven leadership style
  • ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification Required or Must be obtained within 90 days of employment
  • Salary: $70,000 to $80,000