Director of Life Enrichment
Scarborough, ON
Full-Time, 1 Year Coverage
About the Role:
We are seeking an experienced, compassionate, and innovative Director of Life Enrichment to join our leadership team. This role combines oversight of meaningful resident engagement programs across Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care. You will lead efforts to implement dynamic, person-centered recreational and memory care programming, foster resident wellness, and strengthen interdepartmental collaboration to create a thriving environment for all residents.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in recreation therapy and memory care programming, leadership experience, and excellent communication and organizational skills. Additionally, this role involves overseeing the promotion of our programs and activities on social media platforms, ensuring consistent and engaging content is shared with the broader community.
Key Responsibilities:
Memory Care Program Leadership:
· Develop, implement, and evaluate innovative memory care programs that support the social, physical, emotional, intellectual, vocational, and spiritual needs of residents.
· Spearhead the Memory Care program, ensuring alignment with person-centered care principles.
· Foster collaboration with the care team and other department managers to ensure seamless execution of memory care initiatives.
· Monitor residents' needs daily by observing and documenting changes in behavior, routine, participation, or personal habits to adjust care and programming as needed.
· Communicate and engage effectively with residents, families, volunteers, and external professionals.
Recreational Programming Leadership:
· Plan, organize, and implement daily, weekly, and monthly activity calendars in collaboration with residents’ preferences and needs.
· Ensure diverse, meaningful, and engaging activities for all levels of care (Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care) while maintaining alignment with the Health & Wellness framework.
· Lead resident outings and other social opportunities to foster meaningful connection and engagement.
· Assess and document individual resident participation and engagement levels and adjust programming accordingly.
Social Media & Communications:
· Update and manage the organization’s social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, etc.) to share engaging content related to resident activities, memory care programming, and community events.
· Develop and curate visually appealing posts, including photos, videos, and stories, to highlight the positive experiences of residents and promote engagement with families and the broader community.
· Monitor social media interactions, respond to inquiries, and maintain a consistent and positive online presence that reflects the organization's mission and values.
· Collaborate with the marketing team to align social media efforts with overall communication and branding strategies.
Administrative Leadership:
· Maintain accurate records of participation and evaluations related to recreation and memory care programming.
· Prepare and distribute clear communication tools (newsletters, calendars, posters) to residents and their families to ensure program awareness and involvement.
· Attend and contribute to team and leadership meetings, maintaining alignment with organizational goals and resident needs.
Team & Operational Leadership:
· Supervise and support departmental staff, students and volunteers to ensure smooth execution of programs and initiatives.
· Establish and maintain effective relationships with families, staff, and other departments to support positive resident experiences.
· Train and mentor team members while ensuring alignment with organizational policies and values.
· Manage scheduling, payroll, and other operational duties to ensure effective departmental function.
- Navigate and manage operations in a unionized environment, ensuring compliance with collective bargaining agreements and maintaining positive employee relations.
Qualifications:
Education & Certifications:
· Diploma/certification in Recreation Therapy, Leisure Studies, or equivalent (e.g., Gerontology focus).
· Dementia Care Certification or GPA Certification is strongly preferred.
· CPR and First Aid Certification (current or within 6 months).
· Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Certified an asset, but not required.
Experience:
· Minimum of 3–5 years of leadership experience in recreation, memory care, or healthcare settings, with direct experience supporting residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
· Proven experience in program development and resident engagement strategies.
· Prior experience in a retirement, long-term care, assisted living, or health care/hospitality setting is an asset.
· Experience managing in a unionized environment, with knowledge of collective bargaining agreements, union negotiations, and conflict resolution.
Skills & Attributes:
· Strong leadership, organizational, and time management skills.
· Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
· Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
· Familiarity with planning and executing memory care initiatives with a person-centered approach.
· Ability to foster meaningful connections with residents and families while creating safe and engaging environments.
· Social media proficiency, with an ability to create compelling online content and engage with a diverse audience.
Additional Requirements:
· Valid Driver’s License (G2 minimum) is an asset.
· Proof of at least two (2) doses of a Health Canada approved COVID-19 vaccine.
· Vulnerable Sector Police Check
· Tuberculosis (TB) Screening
What We Offer:
· Competitive annual salary and benefits package.
· Opportunities for professional development and education.
· A supportive team culture with a shared commitment to resident engagement and care.
· The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of residents through innovative and compassionate programming.
We are committed to equitable and accessible hiring practices. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know.
Join our team and lead the way in creating meaningful engagement and memory care services for our residents.
Apply today!
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $50,000.00-$60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care
- Wellness program
Experience:
- Social media management: 1 year (required)
- Senior Retirement: 3 years (required)
- Memory Care: 3 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Degree in Gerontology (required)
- Dementia Care Certification (preferred)
- GPA Certification (preferred)
- CPR and First Aid Certification (required)
Work Location: In person
