Area Director of Programming/Activiites within assisted living

Benchmark Senior Living•Waltham, MA

About The Position

We invite you to connect with your calling, find purpose in your career, and gain lifelong relationships through the power of human connection by transforming the lives of seniors! The Area Director of Programming supports Benchmark communities in delivering innovative, engaging, and personalized programming that enhances the quality of life for residents in Assisted Living. This role partners with Programming Directors, Executive Directors and Regional Directors of Operations to implement best in class engagement practices that reflect Benchmark’s values and elevate the resident experience. This position works under the strategic direction of the Senior Director of Community Engagement and Programming Engagement to ensure operational alignment and program consistency across communities.This posiiton will support community locations in MA, VT, NH, and ME, traveling approximately 4 days a week.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Recreation Therapy, Human Services, Gerontology).
Minimum of 3–5 years in programming leadership within Assisted Living or senior living settings.
Strong understanding of person-centered engagement practices and wellness dimensions.
Proficiency in engagement platforms (e.g., Sagely) and documentation processes.
Ability to travel frequently (up to 80%) across assigned region and/or company wide.
Inspires a culture of purpose, inclusion, and joy through programming leadership.
Holds teams accountable to high engagement and documentation standards.
Effectively supports implementation of strategic initiatives with field-level ownership.
Demonstrates emotional intelligence, coaching mindset, and resident-centered thinking.
Communicates clearly across departments and leadership levels.

Nice To Haves

Experience supervising or mentoring multiple communities or teams preferred.

Responsibilities

Execute the strategic vision and programming direction set by the Senior Director of Lifestyle Engagement/VP Operations and Resident Programming.
Partner with Programming Directors to ensure a dynamic, resident-centered calendar aligned with the Six Dimensions of Wellness.
Support implementation of engagement standards that reflect Benchmark’s purpose-driven culture and values.
Monitor programming KPIs (e.g., participation, satisfaction scores) and develop action plans in collaboration with community teams.
Mentor and develop Programming Directors to elevate leadership and resident engagement quality.
Provide feedback on pilot programs and assist with regional implementation and evaluation.
Serve as a communication link between communities and the Senior Director by sharing trends, feedback, and opportunities.
Support execution of cross-functional and interdisciplinary programming experiences with care, dining, and wellness teams.
Ensure compliance with all engagement-related policies, documentation practices, and state regulatory requirements.
Facilitate training sessions, best practice sharing, and peer development among Programming Directors.
Assist in development and rollout of new and Signature Programs
Continuously monitors industry trends and advancements in engagement to maintain our position as an industry leader.
Supports the interview and selection process of new Program Directors.
Demonstrates strong collaboration with the memory care team to uphold excellence across all levels of care.