Life Enrichment Director: Create Joy & Connection

Better Living; Fort Madison (IA); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off and holidays

401 (K) matching

Professional development opportunities

Employee assistance programs

Job summary

Better Living in Fort Madison, IA seeks a Life Enrichment Director to craft joyful daily experiences aligned with residents’ life stories, abilities, and interests.

This role leads program development, memory care support, and resident-centered activities, using music, art, movement, and community engagement to enhance dignity and purpose every day. Candidates should bring creativity, compassion, and adaptability, with tech savvy to manage calendars and care-team collaboration.

Qualifications

• Experience in activities, recreation, life enrichment, or a related field preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Technology experience and the willingness to learn new software platforms.
• Experience in senior living, assisted living or memory care strongly preferred.
• Creative, outgoing and flexible personality.
• Ability to work some evenings, weekends and holidays as needed.

Responsibilities

• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• Skill in creating visually appealing newsletters, calendars, and communication materials
• 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

Skills

Microsoft Teams

Outlook

SharePoint

Digital calendars

TSO software

Senior living software

Tablets

Video calls

Newsletter design

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Job description

Better Living in Fort Madison, IA seeks a Life Enrichment Director to craft joyful daily experiences aligned with residents’ life stories, abilities, and interests.

This role leads program development, memory care support, and resident-centered activities, using music, art, movement, and community engagement to enhance dignity and purpose every day. Candidates should bring creativity, compassion, and adaptability, with tech savvy to manage calendars and care-team collaboration.