Resident Engagement Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Department

Life Enrichment

Reports To

Director of Life Enrichment

FLSA Status

Full -Time FLSA Exempt — Administrative

Schedule

Full-time, on-site, salaried. Core business hours presence Monday through Friday, with a schedule set by the Director of Life Enrichment to align coverage with the published programming calendar.

Schedule will include some evenings or weekend coverage when needed for special events as meaningful programming and events can occur in the evening or weekend. Schedule Flexibility: Hours are adjusted, not added, when evening or weekend coverage is scheduled. As an exempt position, compensation is a fixed salary and is not calculated by hours worked.

Location

6200 Oregon Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20015

Union Status

Non-Union — Supervisory

Compensation

$60,000 – $83,500 annually, commensurate with experience

Posting Date

August 2026

Position Summary

The Resident Engagement Manager designs and oversees enrichment programming for Knollwood residents across the full continuum of care — Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Support, and Skilled Nursing — with particular focus on the Skilled Nursing and Memory Support populations. The incumbent partners with the Director of Life Enrichment on program strategy and owns day-to-day programming execution, regulatory documentation compliance, interdisciplinary team collaboration, and the direct supervision of the Life Enrichment Coordinator (Independent Living) and the Life Enrichment Assistants.

Programming under this role meets CCRC industry standards for person-centered, relationship-based care and holistic wellness. The incumbent is accountable for advancing the department beyond activity facilitation toward individualized engagement planning that is meaningful, therapeutic, wellness-based, and resident-driven.

Essential Duties & Accountabilities

Person-Centered Programming

•      Plan and facilitate a diverse, evidence-based monthly engagement calendar across the continuum, ensuring programming reflects individual resident assessment data, preferences, cultural background, and life history rather than group convenience.

•      Lead group and individual programming sessions and document resident participation and therapeutic response in the EMR in accordance with CMS requirements at 42 CFR § 483.24(c).

•      Develop dementia-capable programming for Memory Support residents using validated, person-centered approaches, including Montessori-based methods, the Positive Approach to Care model, and sensory engagement.

•       Integrate the eight dimensions of wellness — physical, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, environmental, vocational, and purposeful — into the monthly calendar with intentionality at each care level.

Technology & Innovation

•      Apply technology-enabled engagement tools, including virtual reality experiences, cognitive platforms, and digital connection tools for residents and families, to extend programming reach and quality, particularly for residents with limited mobility.

•      Monitor emerging life enrichment trends, tools, and research, and present recommendations to the Director of Life Enrichment each quarter.

Assessment, Care Planning & Documentation

•      Complete activity assessments at admission, quarterly, and upon significant change in status for assigned residents, and contribute to MDS Section F (Preferences for Customary Routine and Activities) within required timeframes.

•      Participate in interdisciplinary care conferences, present the Life Enrichment perspective on resident engagement goals, and respond to therapeutic programming recommendations from the clinical team.

Team & Volunteer Supervision

•      Directly supervise the Life Enrichment Coordinator (Independent Living) and the Life Enrichment Assistants: assign and responsibly direct work, approve schedules and time records, deliver coaching, conduct performance evaluations, and administer corrective action.

•      Effectively recommend hiring, promotion, transfer, corrective action, and separation decisions for assigned staff, exercising independent judgment in each instance.

•      Coordinate with the Life Enrichment Volunteer Coordinator to integrate volunteers into daily and individual programming and provide feedback on volunteer placement quality.

Key Performance Indicators 

Key Performance Indicator-Target

Assessment Compliance 100% of required activity assessments completed within CMS timeframes for assigned residents

Wellness Dimension Coverage Monthly calendar includes programming across all eight wellness dimensions at each assigned care level

Individual Engagement 1:1 engagement documented for ≥ 10 assigned residents per month who do not regularly participate in group programming

Resident Participation Monthly group participation rate ≥ 65% of assigned residents, excluding residents whose care plan documents a clinical contraindication or a declined-participation preference

MDS Compliance 100% of MDS Section F entries completed accurately and within required timeframes

Technology Integration ≥ 1 technology-enabled programming session documented per month at each assigned care level

Qualifications

Required

•      Bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation, gerontology, social work, or a related field; or an Associate’s degree with three or more years of directly equivalent experience.

•      Minimum of two years of life enrichment or activities experience in a long-term care or CCRC setting.

•      Working knowledge of CMS activity requirements at 42 CFR § 483.24(c) and of MDS Section F documentation.

•      Familiarity with person-centered care models and dementia-capable programming approaches.

Preferred

•      Activity Director Certified (ADC) through the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals, or Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification.

•      Training in Montessori-based dementia programming, the Positive Approach to Care model, or the CARES approach.

•      Experience with technology-enabled engagement platforms for older adults.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Work is performed throughout resident care areas, common spaces, and outdoor grounds across all levels of the continuum. The role requires frequent standing, walking, and movement between care levels and buildings; occasional lifting, carrying, or repositioning of program materials and equipment up to 25 pounds; and the setup and breakdown of program spaces. The incumbent works in an environment with regular resident, family, and staff contact and is subject to Knollwood infection prevention and life-safety requirements. Reasonable accommodation is available for qualified individuals with disabilities upon request to the Office of People Operations.

Confidentiality & Conflict of Interest

The incumbent handles information that is confidential, proprietary, and protected under applicable law, including HIPAA, District of Columbia privacy statutes, and Knollwood's internal information governance standards. Disclosure of residents, employee, finance, or operational information outside authorized channels may result in corrective action up to and including separation of employment. Any actual or perceived conflict of interest must be disclosed promptly to the Head of People Operations or the President & CEO.

Onboarding & Integration

New hires participate in a structured 90-day introductory period designed to support successful onboarding and integration into the role. During this time, employees receive regular check-ins, performance feedback, and guidance from their supervisor and the People Operations team. Performance expectations and key responsibilities are established early to ensure a successful transition and alignment with organizational goals. Successful completion of the introductory period confirms readiness for the role and does not alter at-will employment status.

Performance Standards

This role is evaluated under Knollwood’s performance framework. Expectations are communicated at onboarding, reviewed during the 90-day Introductory Period , and assessed annually. Accountability is direct and documented. Underperformance is addressed through structured coaching conversations

Employment Terms

Employment in this role is at will. Either Knollwood or the employee may end the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause and with or without advance notice, subject to applicable law. This Position Description describes current role expectations and does not constitute a contract of employment.

Equal Opportunity & Accommodation

Knollwood is an equal opportunity employer committed to a workplace free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Reasonable accommodation is available for qualified individuals with disabilities upon request to the Office of People Operations.