Independent Living Recreation & Activities Manager

Independent Living Activities Manager

Life Enrichment

Activities

Activities Director

Life Enrichment Coordinator

Recreation Coordinator

Resident Engagement Coordinator.

Lakewood | Richmond, Virginia

It started with a newspaper. It became a reason to belong.

After his wife of 60 years died following a long illness, he couldn’t imagine leaving the home they had shared. It was filled with memories. His children worried about him living alone and encouraged him to move to Lakewood. Eventually, he reluctantly agreed.

But moving somewhere new doesn't automatically make it feel like home.

He spent his days and nights alone in his apartment, grieving and withdrawn. His family and physician were deeply concerned.

One of our programming professionals began bringing him his newspaper each morning. When he was ready, she stayed to talk. Gradually, he began sharing stories about his wife, his children, and his life.

She discovered that he was a rocket scientist who had worked for NASA on the Apollo program.

As she listened to stories about the challenges he had helped solve, an idea took shape: What if residents could take a trip to see a rocket launch at Cape Canaveral?

She started by asking how he would approach the logistics. She brought him planning challenges and invited his input. As his interest grew, she asked him to join a team meeting.

Before long, he had become an integral part of the planning. He connected with other residents who shared his fascination with space exploration, contributed his expertise, and ultimately went on the trip.

Somewhere along the way, Lakewood began to feel like home.

That's the power of thoughtful programming. It isn't simply about filling a calendar. It's about listening, recognizing what matters to people, and creating opportunities for them to connect, contribute, and rediscover a sense of purpose.

Could you be the person who makes that happen?

The Opportunity

Lakewood is seeking a creative, organized Independent Living Program Manager with at least three years of relevant experience, including experience managing people.

This is an opportunity to build a vibrant community where residents' interests, experiences, talents, and ideas shape the life around them.

What You'll Create

• Engaging experiences that reflect residents' interests, histories, talents, and aspirations.
• A diverse calendar of cultural outings, educational programs, social gatherings, wellness opportunities, entertainment, and special events.
• Opportunities for residents to share their expertise, lead groups, volunteer, and contribute to community life.
• Partnerships with Richmond-area artists, educators, musicians, speakers, and community organizations.
• Welcoming experiences that help residents build friendships and meaningful connections.

How You'll Lead

• Build relationships with residents, listen to their ideas, and use their feedback to shape programming.
• Lead, develop, and support team members through clear expectations, encouragement, and accountability.
• Turn creative ideas into well-executed experiences by managing calendars, budgets, vendors, communications, and logistics.
• Collaborate with colleagues across Lakewood to create a connected, engaging community.
• Evaluate participation and resident feedback, building on successful programs and adapting where needed.

What You Bring

• At least three years of experience in activities, recreation, community programming, hospitality, or event planning, including people management.
• Creativity, curiosity, and the organizational ability to turn ideas into meaningful experiences.
• A natural ability to listen, build trust, and recognize possibilities in people's interests and life experiences.
• Confidence managing people, competing priorities, deadlines, and resources.
• Strong communication skills and familiarity with digital planning and promotional tools.
• A genuine respect for older adults as individuals with knowledge, ambitions, and contributions to share.

Senior living experience is welcome, but not required. Your background might be in arts and culture, hospitality, recreation, higher education, nonprofits, or community events.

What matters most is your ability to bring people together, recognize potential, and make meaningful things happen.

Activities Director, Life Enrichment Coordinator, Recreation Coordinator, and Resident Engagement Coordinator