Life Enrichment Director-Assisted Living/Independent Living

Location: Avamere at Bethany - 16360 NW Avamere Ct, Portland, OR 97229

About the Role

We are seeking an energetic, creative, and hospitality-focused Life Enrichment Director to lead an exceptional resident engagement program within our Independent Living community. This individual will design, implement, and oversee a comprehensive calendar of experiences that promote wellness, lifelong learning, social connection, purpose, and joy for our residents. The ideal candidate is a relationship builder who understands that programming in a high-end senior living environment extends beyond activities—it is about creating meaningful experiences that enhance quality of life and reflect the interests, passions, and lifestyles of discerning older adults.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a dynamic monthly calendar of programs, events, classes, outings, and cultural experiences—operating under the Activities budget
• Secure and manage relationships with entertainers, instructors, vendors, and community partners
• Foster resident involvement through clubs, committees, volunteer opportunities, and resident-led programs
• Plan and coordinate signature events, holiday celebrations, educational seminars, entertainment, and special community gatherings
• Build meaningful relationships with residents to understand their interests and personalize engagement opportunities
• Create opportunities that support the physical, intellectual, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being of residents
• Ensure programs reflect the independent lifestyle expectations of residents and their families
• Coordinate transportation and logistics for community outings and excursions
• Manage departmental budgets and maintain fiscal responsibility
• Collaborate with Sales and Marketing to showcase community lifestyle offerings, assisting with prospective resident events and community tours as needed
• Develop partnerships with local organizations, educational institutions, cultural venues, and volunteer groups
• Support resident retention through exceptional programming and engagement
• Maintain accurate participation records and resident engagement metrics
• Evaluate program effectiveness through resident feedback and satisfaction surveys
• Ensure compliance with company policies and applicable regulations
• Attend quarterly LED meetings

Requirements

• Must be 25 years or older to drive company vehicle
• Must have a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record
• High school diploma or equivalent; Bachelor's degree in recreation, hospitality, gerontology, event management, therapeutic recreation, or related field preferred
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in senior living, hospitality, recreation, event planning, or resident engagement
• Experience leading teams and managing budgets
• Strong event planning and project management abilities
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
• Knowledge and experience caring for and interacting with an elder population
• Able to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies, and the public
• Must have or obtain a Food Handlers Card within 30 days of employment
• Experience in Independent Living, luxury hospitality, country clubs, cruise lines, destination resorts, or high-end customer service environments preferred
• Certification such as Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), Activity Director Certification (ADC), or related credential preferred
• Knowledge of wellness programming and active aging principles

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans with low individual and family deductibles (benefits eligible at 30+ hours/week)
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with discretionary employer match
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and premium pay for holidays worked, conditions apply
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Canopy: Free, confidential support for mental health, stress, family needs, and work/life balance
• Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) options, and CERA (Commuter Expense Reimbursement Account)
• Voluntary & Supplemental Insurance Options: Voluntary Life and AD&D, Short- and Long-Term Disability, plus Whole Life, Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, and Legal Services

Schedule

Full-Time, Monday-Friday, daytime hours