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What does an Activities Director do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 4 min read

An activities director is responsible for planning and coordinating the leisure activities of a group of people, such as a club, residents of a nursing home, or the passengers on a cruise ship.

Activities Director job duties include:

  • Plan, organize, and direct recreation programs and activities for residents of nursing home, hospital, or other institution, or for members of organization or the general public.
  • Confer with staff members to plan recreation activities.
  • Select appropriate materials and equipment for activities.
  • Demonstrate use of materials and equipment to staff members and participants.
  • Arrange for rental of facilities and equipment when necessary.
  • Promote participation in activities by communicating information about programs to staff members and the public.
  • Maintain records of program participation and costs.
  • Plan and administer special events, such as parties, shows, banquets, dances, and athletic competitions.
  • Evaluate program effectiveness and make changes as needed.
  • Hire, train, and supervise recreation workers and volunteers.

Activities Director Job Requirements

An Activities Director is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the recreation and leisure programs for a facility. They must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in recreation or a related field, as well as certification from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC). They should also have previous experience working in recreation or a related field.

Activities Director Skills

  • Patience
  • Creativity
  • Organization
  • Leadership
  • Communication
  • Flexibility
  • Problem Solving
  • Decision Making
  • Time Management
  • Stress Management
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Conflict Resolution

Related: Top Activities Director Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become an Activities Director

The job of an Activities Director is to plan, organize, and direct the recreation and leisure activities for a group or community. This can include everything from sports teams and clubs to arts and crafts classes and social events. If you have a passion for working with people and enjoy planning and coordinating activities, then becoming an Activities Director may be the perfect career for you!

There are a few steps you can take to become an Activities Director. First, you will need to obtain a bachelor’s degree in recreation, physical education, or a related field. You may also need to have several years of experience working in recreation or a related field. Once you have the necessary education and experience, you can apply for jobs at community centers, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, or other organizations that offer recreation programs.

If you want to advance your career and earn more responsibility, you can pursue a master’s degree in recreation administration or a related field. With further education and experience, you may be able to work as a head Activities Director or manage a large recreation program.

No matter what path you take to become an Activities Director, you will need to have strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate others. You should also be organized, creative, and patient. If you have these qualities and are passionate about working with people and planning activities, then a career as an Activities Director may be perfect for you!

Related: Activities Director Resume Example

Related: Activities Director Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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