What does an activity director do?
Activity directors work at either recreational facilities, like camps and recreation centers, or medical facilities, like nursing and residential care facilities. In either setting, an activity director plans and oversees all of the recreational activities for the facility, manages recreational spaces and supplies, and coordinates with other staff members. They work directly with participants, leading them in activities including sports, arts and crafts, music and dance, or board games. They must communicate well and be able to help people with varying levels of ability to participate safely in activities. In medical facilities, the activity director often works with caregivers to create activities that are beneficial to patients’ particular treatment plans.
Activity director skills and qualifications
A successful activity director candidate will have strong communication and organization skills. Since they will oversee physical activity, basic first aid skills are important as well. The activity director should also be capable of leading groups, resolving conflict and coaching participants. Important skills include:
- Leadership
- Communication and public speaking
- Strong interpersonal skills and conflict management
- Planning and budgeting
- First aid and CPR
Activity director experience requirements
An activity director should have prior experience coordinating activities or events. You might prefer a candidate who has experience volunteering in a nursing home if you are hiring for a long-term care facility or volunteering with children if you are hiring for a summer camp. Medical facilities may also require previous experience in health care.
Activity director education and training requirements
These requirements will vary depending on your facility and your needs. An entry-level position typically requires only a high school diploma or equivalent and offers a few weeks of on-the-job training. However, you might require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in mental health, recreational therapy, recreational studies or social work. All activity directors should be first aid and CPR certified or willing to undergo the necessary training before starting the job, and it is important to background check anyone who works with children or the elderly.
If you would like to hire someone with a little more training, you might prioritize individuals with relevant certifications. The National Certification Council for Activity Professionals and the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Professionals both offer activity director certifications.
Activity director salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for an activity director is $56,496. Starting salary may be dependent on experience, location and company.
Activity director salary expectations
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Common salary:
20.30 HOURLY -
Typical salaries range from
8.55 -36.95 HOURLY - Find more information on Indeed Salaries
*Indeed data –
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Frequently asked questions about activity directors
What qualities make a good activity director?
Activity director careers require strong social skills, because this is very much a people-oriented job. Compassion and caring will go a long way, especially if they will be working with children or the elderly. Their strong organizational skills should be balanced with the flexibility to adapt to the needs of the group.
What does the average day look like for an activity director?
An activity director’s primary will focus on leading groups of people through planned activities. Many activity directors engage in a lot of physical activity and spend plenty of time outdoors. The day-to-day work also includes planning, communicating with staff members, filling out paperwork and creating any reports needed by their overseers.
Do activity directors have different responsibilities in different industries?
Yes, activity directors in medical facilities function as a part of a patient’s treatment plan and often create individual plans for participants. Activity Directors in recreational facilities offer fun activities that help people exercise and socialize. Someone working at a recreation center or park might create events for the broader community rather than a specific group of regular participants.
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