Regional Life Enrichment Manager

Career Guide

A Regional Life Enrichment Manager leads resident engagement programs across multiple senior living communities. The role sets standards for activities, events, and wellness programming, coaches site teams, and ensures programs support quality of life, safety, and regulatory expectations.

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Key Responsibilities

Set a regional program strategy for resident engagement and wellbeing
Standardize program calendars and quality expectations across communities
Coach and develop Life Enrichment Directors and Activity staff
Support memory care engagement programming and daily routines
Partner with Executive Directors and clinical leaders to align programming with resident needs
Track participation and satisfaction results and turn insights into improvements
Ensure programs meet state regulations and company policies
Manage regional budgets, supplies, and vendor relationships
Support hiring, onboarding, and performance management for life enrichment teams
Create partnerships with local organizations for volunteers, performers, and outreach
Lead training on inclusive programming and resident choice
Support community openings, turnarounds, and special projects as assigned

Top Skills for Success

Program Development

Team Coaching

Staff Training

Quality Assurance

Budget Management

Vendor Management

Stakeholder Management

Change Management

Recruiting

Performance Management

Resident Engagement Planning

Event Planning

Dementia Care Knowledge

Senior Living Regulations

Risk Management

Data Tracking

Communication

Conflict Resolution

Cultural Competence

Community Partnerships

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Regional Life Enrichment Manager

Regional Resident Experience Manager

Regional Memory Care Program Manager

Regional Operations Manager

Transition Opportunities

Director of Resident Experience

Director of Operations

Regional Director of Operations

Senior Living Program Director

Corporate Training Manager

Quality Improvement Manager

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Program MeasurementBudget ForecastingRegulatory ReadinessDementia Communication TechniquesStaff SchedulingVendor NegotiationRegional Travel PlanningExecutive ReportingLearning Program DesignCrisis Response Planning

Development SuggestionsBuild a simple measurement system that ties programming to participation, resident feedback, and retention. Strengthen budgeting by practicing monthly forecasting and variance reviews. Stay current on state requirements and document readiness with checklists and audits. Deepen memory care capability through structured training and mentoring. Improve executive reporting by using clear weekly updates focused on risks, wins, and next actions.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry Level60000 to 75000 USD

Mid Level75000 to 95000 USD

Senior Level95000 to 120000 USD

Growth Trend

Steady demand driven by an aging population and increased focus on resident experience. Hiring levels vary by region, company growth, and community occupancy.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

Brookdale Senior LivingSunrise Senior LivingAtria Senior LivingErickson Senior LivingHoliday by AtriaFive Star Senior LivingSenior LifestyleEnlivantLife Care ServicesGenesis HealthCareCapital Senior LivingCommonwealth Senior Living

Industry Sectors

Assisted LivingMemory CareIndependent LivingSkilled NursingContinuing Care Retirement CommunitiesSenior Living Management Companies

Recommended Next Steps

Review job postings in your target region and list the top 10 recurring requirements

Create a one page program scorecard template for participation, satisfaction, and staffing coverage

Assemble two program examples that show measurable improvement across multiple communities

Complete a recognized dementia care training course and document how you apply it in programming

Practice building a quarterly budget with assumptions for staffing, supplies, and events

Develop a standard onboarding plan for Life Enrichment Directors with training milestones

Build a vendor and community partner list by market with backup options for each community

Prepare interview stories using clear examples of coaching, compliance readiness, and turnaround support