Director of Life Enrichment/Activities

Director of Life Enrichment/Activities

Full-time with Benefits

Job Salary:

• $50,000 - $57,500

Job Overview / Summary

As one of Kansas City’s legacy senior living providers and a premier Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), Village Shalom is seeking an experienced, energetic, and visionary Director of Life Enrichment to lead, elevate, and expand resident engagement across the full continuum of care.

This role requires a hands-on, proactive leader with demonstrated experience in varied levels of care.The ideal candidate is a self-starter who brings creativity, initiative, accountability, and a strong commitment to resident-centered, meaningful programming. The position is well-suited for an individual who thrives in building programs, motivating teams, and elevating a department through innovation, structure, and purposeful engagement. The Director of Community Life plays a critical role in enhancing residents’ daily experiences, sense of purpose, and overall well-being—making this position central to the culture and success of a CCRC.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities of the Life Enrichment Director

Program Development & Resident Engagement

• Develop, implement, and oversee a robust, innovative Life Enrichment program across all levels of care (Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing, and Rehab).
• Create engaging monthly calendars that balance cognitive, physical, social, creative, and spiritual activities.
• Coordinate special events, celebrations, outings, intergenerational programs, and community partnerships.
• Ensure programming supports rehabilitation goals in collaboration with therapy and nursing teams.

Leadership & Staff Oversight

• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate Life Enrichment staff and volunteers.
• Provide strong leadership, coaching, and accountability to elevate staff performance and initiative.
• Foster a culture of creativity, ownership, and resident-focused service.

Regulatory Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to activity programming (including CMS and state survey requirements).
• Maintain accurate assessments, documentation, attendance records, care plan inputs, and evaluations.
• Actively participate in interdisciplinary care plan meetings and quality assurance initiatives.
• Prepare for and respond to regulatory surveys related to Life Enrichment services.

Resident & Family Relations

• Build strong, trusting relationships with residents and families.
• Respond professionally to feedback and concerns regarding engagement and quality of life.
• Support residents during transitions between levels of care, ensuring continuity of engagement and emotional support.

Community Culture & Engagement

• Promote a vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming community culture.
• Support resident councils, committees, and leadership opportunities.
• Represent Village Shalom positively within the broader community.

Qualifications

Education, Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Gerontology, Healthcare Administration, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in Life Enrichment/Activities within senior living or healthcare.
• Experience working in a CCRC or multi-level care environment strongly preferred.
• Prior leadership or supervisory experience required.
• Certified Activity Director (ADC) or willingness to obtain.
• CTRS or other relevant credentials preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Proven leadership ability with a hands-on, proactive management style.
• Understanding of dementia care and person-centered programming.
• Creative, innovative thinker with the ability to energize and grow a department.
• Excellent organization, communication, and documentation skills.
• Ability to engage residents with diverse cognitive, physical, and emotional needs.
• Proficient with scheduling tools, documentation systems, and basic office technology.
• Mission-driven, adaptable, compassionate, and accountable.