Life Enrichment Programming Director

About the role

Charter Senior Living of Oak Openings is seeking a passionate, energetic, and highly organized Life Enrichment Director / Programming Director to lead our resident engagement program. This role goes beyond filling an activity calendar — we want someone who brings residents together, creates engaging programs, plans memorable events, and takes ownership of making each day meaningful. Our community has a fun, collaborative team that enjoys working together, and we're looking for a Life Enrichment leader who shares that enthusiasm.

At Oak Openings, we believe Life Enrichment should be about more than keeping residents busy. It's about helping residents stay connected, discover new interests, celebrate life's moments, and experience joy every day.

Responsibilities

Life Enrichment Programming & Resident Engagement

• Plan, organize, and lead meaningful daily, weekly, and monthly resident activities
• Develop engaging programs that support social connection, creativity, wellness, learning, and purposeful living
• Create activities that reflect residents' interests, abilities, and preferences
• Encourage resident participation and build meaningful relationships
• Adapt programming to meet individual resident needs
• Help residents discover new interests and stay connected with others
• Gather resident feedback and continuously improve programming
• Promote a welcoming, inclusive, and engaging community environment

Event Planning & Coordination

• Plan and coordinate special events, celebrations, entertainment, and themed activities
• Develop and maintain organized activity calendars
• Coordinate event schedules, supplies, decorations, and logistics
• Work with entertainers, volunteers, vendors, and community partners
• Organize resident outings and special experiences as appropriate
• Communicate upcoming programs and events to residents, families, and associates
• Help establish memorable community traditions
• Ensure events are prepared, organized, and executed successfully

Creativity & Program Development

• Introduce fresh ideas and innovative activities
• Develop programming that encourages meaningful resident engagement
• Identify opportunities to enhance existing activities and events
• Create programs that promote resident independence, dignity, and connection
• Collaborate with residents to incorporate their interests and preferences
• Adjust programming based on participation, feedback, and resident needs

Department Leadership & Organization

• Take ownership of the Life Enrichment department and its daily responsibilities
• Maintain organized calendars, schedules, supplies, and programming materials
• Coordinate department resources and spending within established guidelines
• Maintain appropriate activity and participation documentation
• Communicate effectively with community leadership and associates
• Collaborate with nursing, dining, sales, and other departments
• Support volunteers and Life Enrichment associates, as applicable
• Demonstrate dependability, accountability, and strong follow-through

Resident & Family Relationships

• Build positive, trusting relationships with residents and their families
• Encourage residents to participate in meaningful activities and community events
• Welcome new residents and help them feel connected
• Create opportunities for residents to celebrate milestones and personal interests
• Maintain a compassionate, resident-focused approach
• Help make Oak Openings a place where residents feel valued, engaged, and at home

Qualifications

Required

• Genuine passion for working with seniors and enhancing their quality of life
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to independently plan, coordinate, and execute activities or events
• Creative thinking and a proactive, self-motivated approach
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to build positive relationships with residents, families, and associates
• Strong time-management skills and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Dependability and consistent follow-through
• Ability to work collaboratively with community leadership and other departments
• Availability to work Monday–Friday, occasional evenings and weekends for events, and participate in the Manager-on-Duty rotation

Preferred

• Previous Life Enrichment Director, Activities Director, Programming Director, or Activities Coordinator experience
• Previous assisted living, memory care, senior living, or healthcare experience
• Experience planning and coordinating group activities, events, or recreational programs
• Experience developing activity calendars and resident engagement programs
• Experience working with volunteers, entertainers, or community organizations
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience

Senior living experience is preferred, but not required. Candidates with strong event planning, recreation, hospitality, community programming, or related experience are encouraged to apply.

Skills & Attributes

The Three Things We're Looking For:

• A Genuine Heart & Passion for Seniors — This is our most important qualification. We're looking for someone who truly enjoys spending time with seniors and finds fulfillment in helping others experience happiness, connection, and purpose. You are compassionate, patient, approachable, and enthusiastic about creating meaningful experiences. You understand that sometimes the smallest moments can make the biggest difference.
• Strong Organization & Event Planning Skills — You know how to take an idea and turn it into a successful event. You're comfortable managing calendars, coordinating supplies, communicating with participants, and keeping multiple activities organized. You can plan ahead, follow through on commitments, and make sure programs are prepared and executed successfully.
• A Creative, Motivated Self-Starter — You don't wait for someone to tell you what needs to be done. You bring ideas, take initiative, solve problems, and find new ways to engage residents. You're comfortable working independently while collaborating with the community team. We want someone who can create the excitement, organize the details, and make the experience happen.

Who Will Thrive at Oak Openings:

• Truly loves working with seniors
• Brings enthusiasm, creativity, and a positive attitude
• Enjoys making people smile and creating meaningful experiences
• Can independently plan and execute engaging activities
• Is highly organized and dependable
• Takes initiative without needing constant direction
• Has strong event planning and coordination skills
• Enjoys building relationships with residents and families
• Can adapt programming to different interests and abilities
• Works well with a fun, collaborative team
• Communicates clearly and follows through on commitments
• Understands that meaningful Life Enrichment is about connection, purpose, and quality of life

Pay

$20–$25 per hour

Schedule

• Full-Time position
• Primary schedule: Monday–Friday
• Occasional evenings and weekends for special events
• Manager-on-Duty rotation required

Benefits

• Competitive hourly pay
• Pay-on-Demand with ZayZoon
• Free medical insurance plan options
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid training
• Paid time off and holiday pay
• Career growth and advancement opportunities
• Supportive community and company leadership
• A fun, collaborative team environment
• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference every day

Core Values

• Serve with Heart
• Serve with Purpose
• Serve with Courage
• Have Fun While Serving