Director of Resident Engagement

Enrich the lives of older adults through community, choice, and continuing care in the Director of Resident Engagement role. The Director of Resident Engagement provides strategic and operational leadership for all resident life, engagement, wellness, recreational, cultural, and volunteer programs across the community. 

This position is responsible for creating an exceptional resident experience by cultivating meaningful opportunities for connection, purpose, lifelong learning, physical wellness, and social engagement. The Director oversees program development, departmental operations, team leadership, resident satisfaction initiatives, budget management, and continuous improvement efforts that support resident well-being and quality of life. Find your sense of belonging at Wesley!

You will provide continuing care through these responsibilities. 

Essential functions of this position include the following.

Resident Experience Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive resident engagement strategy aligned with organizational values and resident interests.

• Create a vibrant culture that promotes connection, belonging, dignity, independence, and purpose.

• Lead the design and delivery of programs and events that support the physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions of wellness.

• Ensure activities and services reflect resident preferences, feedback, and changing community demographics.

• Promote a hospitality-focused environment that enhances the resident experience.

Program Development and Management

• Oversee planning, scheduling, and execution of resident activities, special events, outings, educational programs, and wellness initiatives.

• Establish annual programming goals, calendars, and outcomes measures.

• Evaluate resident participation and satisfaction to drive ongoing program improvements.

• Ensure programs are inclusive and accessible to residents with varying abilities and interests.

• Collaborate with dining, wellness, chaplaincy, therapy, and healthcare teams to develop integrated resident experiences.

Leadership and Team Development

• Provide leadership, coaching, development, and performance management for assigned team members.

• Establish clear expectations, accountability measures, and service standards.

• Recruit, train, and retain high-performing team members and volunteers.

• Foster a culture of engagement, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

• Conduct regular team meetings, rounding, feedback discussions, and individual coaching sessions.

Resident and Family Relationships

• Build positive relationships with residents, families, and resident councils.

• Facilitate resident feedback mechanisms, including surveys, focus groups, and committee meetings.

• Address concerns and opportunities promptly and professionally.

• Serve as a visible and accessible leader within the community.

Volunteer and Community Partnerships

• Develop and maintain relationships with volunteers, educational institutions, community organizations, and local partners.

• Expand opportunities for intergenerational programming and community engagement.

• Enhance resident programming through strategic partnerships and volunteer involvement.

Budget and Operations Management

• Develop and manage departmental budgets.

• Monitor spending and ensure responsible stewardship of organizational resources.

• Oversee purchasing, vendor relationships, transportation coordination, and event logistics.

• Ensure compliance with policies, procedures, and safety standards.

Continuous Improvement

• Utilize resident satisfaction data, participation metrics, and feedback to improve services.

• Lead department process-improvement initiatives using Lean principles.

• Develop measurable goals and monitor performance indicators.

• Identify opportunities to enhance efficiency while improving resident outcomes and experiences.

Regulatory and Compliance Responsibilities

• Ensure departmental compliance with applicable regulations, policies, and community standards.

• Maintain required documentation and records.

• Promote resident safety during activities, outings, and special events.

Our requirements and qualifications for success

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Recreation Therapy, Gerontology, Hospitality Management, Event Management, Human Services, Recreation, Business Administration, or related field.

• Five (5) years of progressive leadership experience in senior living, hospitality, recreation, wellness, resident services, or related field.

• Three (3) years of supervisory experience.

• Demonstrated success in program development, resident engagement, and team leadership.

• Strong budget management and organizational skills.

Preferred

• Experience in independent living, assisted living, memory care, or continuing care retirement communities.

• Certification through a relevant professional association.

• Experience leading volunteer programs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong leadership and people-management skills.

• Excellent relationship-building and customer-service orientation.

• Ability to connect with older adults and understand their unique needs and interests.

• Strategic planning and project-management capabilities.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to analyze resident feedback and translate insights into action.

• Competence with Microsoft 365 and resident engagement software systems.

• Commitment to continuous improvement and resident-centered service.

Physical, environmental, and mental requirements

• Bending, stooping, walking, sitting, and standing, intermittently during working hours.

• Frequent use of computer keyboard.

• Near and far vision acuity.

• Subject to frequent interruptions.

• Ability to handle unplanned and potentially stressful situations.

• Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand points being made, asking questions as appropriate.

• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.

• Ability to maintain focus and concentration; actively engage with others despite surrounding distractions.

Salary Range: $29.95 to $43.16 per hour