Lifestyle Director

Lifestyle Director

The Lifestyle Director is responsible for creating, planning, promoting, and executing engaging programs, events, activities, and experiences that enhance resident satisfaction, foster community engagement, and support the overall lifestyle vision of the community. This role serves as the primary architect of the resident experience by developing diverse recreational, social, educational, wellness, and cultural opportunities that strengthen community connections and increase participation.

The Lifestyle Director works collaboratively with residents, vendors, community partners, and internal departments to ensure a vibrant, inclusive, and well-executed calendar of events that reflects the interests and needs of the community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Community Programming & Event Management

• Develop and manage a comprehensive annual lifestyle and events calendar.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute community events, social gatherings, educational programs, wellness initiatives, clubs, and special activities.
• Research emerging lifestyle trends and implement innovative programming to enhance resident engagement.
• Coordinate event logistics including venue setup, entertainment, catering, rentals, permits, and vendor management.
• Oversee event budgets and ensure fiscal responsibility while maintaining high-quality experiences.
• Evaluate program effectiveness through resident feedback, participation metrics, and satisfaction surveys.

Resident Engagement

• Build strong relationships with residents and community stakeholders.
• Facilitate resident committees, clubs, and volunteer programs.
• Encourage resident involvement and leadership opportunities within community programs.
• Address resident inquiries, concerns, and requests related to lifestyle programming.
• Foster a welcoming and inclusive community culture.

Marketing & Communications

• Promote community events through newsletters, websites, social media platforms, email campaigns, digital signage, and other communication channels.
• Create engaging content and marketing materials to maximize participation.
• Collaborate with marketing teams to showcase community lifestyle offerings and success stories.
• Maintain an accurate and up-to-date community events calendar.

Vendor & Partner Relations

• Develop and maintain relationships with local businesses, entertainers, instructors, sponsors, and community organizations.
• Negotiate contracts and service agreements with vendors.
• Secure sponsorships and partnerships to enhance programming and offset event expenses when appropriate.

Operations & Administration

• Prepare and manage annual operating budgets for lifestyle programming.
• Maintain records, reports, contracts, participation data, and event evaluations.
• Ensure compliance with community policies, safety procedures, and risk management standards.
• Coordinate with maintenance, security, food service, and other departments to support event execution.
• Supervise lifestyle coordinators, activity staff, volunteers, and contractors as assigned.

Compensation & Incentives Competitive salary plus potential performance-based incentives tied to revenue-generating lifestyle initiatives.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Recreation Management, Event Management, Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in community programming, event planning, hospitality, recreation, lifestyle management, or related fields.
• Experience working within homeowner associations, active adult communities, senior living communities, country clubs, resorts, or hospitality environments preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong event planning and project management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and public speaking abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and engage diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Budget management and vendor negotiation experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and digital communication platforms.
• Experience with social media management and content creation preferred.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed for community events.
• Creative, energetic, and customer-service-oriented mindset.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, lift, and carry event materials up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to work both indoors and outdoors during community events.
• Ability to set up and break down event spaces and equipment.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Resident participation and engagement rates.
• Resident satisfaction scores.
• Event attendance and program growth.
• Budget adherence.
• Sponsorship and partnership development.
• Community communication effectiveness.
• Overall enhancement of resident lifestyle experience.

Work Environment

The Lifestyle Director works in a dynamic community setting requiring flexibility, creativity, and a high level of resident interaction. This position often involves non-traditional work hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, to support community events and activities.