Recreation Director / Activities Director – Assisted Living

Bentley Commons; Lynchburg (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

Flexible scheduling

Job summary

Bentley Commons seeks an energetic Recreation Director to lead resident activity programming in our assisted living community. You will plan a diverse calendar and directly facilitate activities to support physical, social, emotional, and creative well-being.

The role requires strong organization, relationship-building with residents, families, staff, and community partners, plus managing outings, events, and volunteer engagement to ensure meaningful participation.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in recreation, activities, senior living, hospitality, healthcare, education, events, or a related field.
• Experience working with older adults is strongly preferred.
• Assisted living or memory care experience is preferred.
• Strong organization and time-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, and implement a diverse calendar of resident activities and programs.
• Lead and facilitate activities directly when needed.
• Coordinate outings, transportation, and community events.
• Develop relationships with residents, families, staff, volunteers, and community partners.
• Maintain activity documentation and participate in resident assessments as required.
• Support resident choice, independence, and meaningful engagement.

Skills

Resident engagement

Event planning

Communication

Team leadership

Tools

Computer skills

Job description

Compensation:
Starting at (salary or pay range)

About the Community

We areseeking an energetic, creative, and resident-focused Recreation Director / Activities Director to lead our engagement and activity programming.

This role is responsible for developing and coordinating a meaningful, well-rounded activity program that supports residents’ physical, social, emotional, intellectual, creative, spiritual, and recreational interests.

The ideal candidate is outgoing, organized, enthusiastic, and comfortable building relationships with residents, families, employees, volunteers, and community partners.

Position Details

• Job Type: Full-time

• Work Setting: Assisted living community

• Work Location: In person

• Reports To: Executive Director

Resident Programming & Engagement

• Plan, develop, and implement a diverse calendar of resident activities and programs

• Provide programming that supports physical, social, recreational, educational, creative, spiritual, and emotional well-being

• Lead and facilitate activities directly when needed

• Encourage and invite residents to participate in programs based on their interests and abilities

• Develop activities that support both group participation and individual interests

• Create opportunities for residents to remain engaged with the surrounding community

• Plan special events, celebrations, holiday programs, entertainment, and themed activities

• Coordinate programs that support resident choice, independence, and meaningful engagement

• Adjust programming based on resident feedback, participation, interests, and changing needs

• Promote activities throughout the community in a way that encourages participation

Resident Assessments & Service Planning

• Complete required activity or recreation assessments for new residents

• Maintain and update resident activity preferences and participation information as required

• Provide input into resident service plans related to interests, engagement, and recreational needs

• Monitor resident participation and identify residents who may benefit from additional encouragement or individualized programming

• Coordinate with Wellness and other community departments regarding changes that may affect resident participation

• Maintain required activity documentation and records

Calendar, Communication & Events

• Develop and maintain the monthly activity calendar

• Prepare activity announcements, flyers, newsletters, and other resident communications

• Coordinate scheduling and use of common areas for programs and events

• Maintain organized schedules for community activities and outings

• Coordinate food and refreshment needs with Dining Services for events and programs

• Plan and coordinate community decorations for holidays, seasons, and special events

• Maintain appropriate activity supplies and submit purchasing requests as needed

• Support marketing events, open houses, and community functions

Outings & Transportation

• Plan and coordinate resident outings, group trips, and community excursions

• Arrange transportation for scheduled activities and events

• Maintain the activity transportation schedule

• Drive community vehicles when required and properly authorized

• Assist residents entering and exiting vehicles and support mobility needs appropriately

• Chaperone resident outings and ensure resident safety throughout community trips

• Follow all transportation, vehicle safety, and community procedures

Team Leadership

• Lead and support Recreation or Activities team members when applicable

• Assist with interviewing, onboarding, training, scheduling, and development of activity staff

• Train and encourage other community employees to support resident activities and engagement

• Delegate activity responsibilities appropriately

• Provide guidance and feedback to employees assisting with programs

• Promote teamwork between Recreation, Wellness, Dining, Housekeeping, Maintenance, Sales, and other departments

• Participate in community leadership meetings and resident-focused discussions

Volunteers & Community Partnerships

• Develop relationships with local schools, organizations, religious groups, entertainers, clubs, and other community partners

• Recruit, coordinate, and support community volunteers

• Identify meaningful volunteer opportunities for residents

• Coordinate resident volunteer activities within the community and surrounding area

• Maintain appropriate volunteer records and documentation

• Provide orientation and guidance to volunteers

• Develop recognition opportunities for volunteers and resident participants

• Identify new partnerships and programs that enrich the resident experience

Resident & Family Experience

• Build strong relationships with residents and families

• Listen to resident feedback and incorporate preferences into programming

• Support resident councils, committees, or other resident-led groups as appropriate

• Respond professionally to resident and family questions or concerns regarding activities

• Maintain a visible and approachable presence throughout the community

• Promote a positive, engaging, and welcoming atmosphere

What We're Looking For

• Previous experience in recreation, activities, senior living, hospitality, healthcare, education, events, or a related field

• Experience working with older adults is strongly preferred

• Assisted living, memory care, or senior living experience is preferred

• Previous leadership or supervisory experience is preferred

• Creative, energetic, and enthusiastic approach to resident engagement

• Strong organization, planning, and time-management skills

• Ability to develop and maintain a varied monthly activity calendar

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Ability to comfortably lead groups and speak in front of residents

• Ability to build relationships with residents, families, employees, volunteers, and community partners

• Ability to adapt activities to different physical, cognitive, and social abilities

• Strong computer skills and ability to create calendars, newsletters, flyers, and other communications

• Ability to manage multiple events, schedules, and priorities

• Dependable attendance and strong follow-through

• Ability to work independently while collaborating with the community leadership team

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and remain active throughout the workday

• Ability to safely lift, push, pull, or carry up to (physical requirement) pounds

• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record may be required when responsible for community transportation

• Ability to successfully complete required background checks and employment requirements

Benefits

• Medical insurance for eligible employees

• Dental insurance

• Vision insurance

• Life insurance

• Paid time off for eligible employees

• 401(k)

• 401(k) matching

• Employee assistance program

• Employee referral program

• Paid training

• Retention incentives

• Flexible scheduling where available

• Supportive and team-oriented work environment

• Meaningful work serving older adults

The Recreation Director plays an important role in creating a vibrant community where residents have meaningful opportunities to connect, participate, learn, celebrate, and enjoy each day.

We are looking for someone who brings creativity, energy, organization, and a genuine interest in helping older adults remain active and engaged.

We are an equal opportunity employer.