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 is responsible for the strategic design, implementation, and oversight of a comprehensive resident engagement program serving residents across Knollwood's full continuum of care, including Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Support, and Skilled Nursing, with primary responsibility for Memory Support and Skilled Nursing populations.

Working in partnership with the Director of Life Enrichment, this position advances the department's vision through the development of innovative, resident-driven engagement opportunities that support holistic wellness, personal growth, and meaningful connection. The Resident Engagement Manager provides leadership for daily events and programming operations, calendar creation, and regulatory compliance and documentation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and budget stewardship.

Success in this role is demonstrated through the creation of exceptional resident experiences that promote physical, cognitive, emotional, social, spiritual, and intellectual well-being while enhancing quality of life across all care settings.

Essential Duties & Accountabilities

Person-Centered Programming

• Develop and oversee a robust calendar of signature experiences, including cultural arts programming, creative arts initiatives, musical performances, lecture series, lifelong learning opportunities, curated excursions, intergenerational events, wellness initiatives, and community partnerships that foster purposeful engagement and vibrant living.
• Facilitate resident involvement in program planning through resident councils, focus groups, surveys, and informal feedback mechanisms to ensure engagement opportunities remain resident-driven and responsive to changing interests.
• Cultivate partnerships with local educational institutions, cultural organizations, artists, musicians, community groups, and volunteers to expand the breadth and quality of resident experiences.
• Ensure programming reflects a hospitality-focused approach that delivers exceptional resident experiences and promotes meaningful social connection, purpose, and belonging.
• 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.

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

• Translate assessment findings into individualized engagement plans that align with resident goals, strengths, lifelong interests, cultural backgrounds, and cognitive and physical abilities.
• Monitor participation patterns and outcomes to evaluate program effectiveness, identify residents at risk for isolation, and implement targeted interventions that support meaningful engagement.
• 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 Programs) 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.
• Provide ongoing mentoring, education, and professional development opportunities for life enrichment team members to ensure the delivery of innovative, evidence-based, and resident-centered programming.
• Promote a culture of creativity, accountability, service excellence, and interdisciplinary collaboration within the Life Enrichment department.
• 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

Program Development, Events & Community Engagement

• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of major community events, celebrations, seasonal programs, resident recognition activities, and special experiences throughout the year.
• Collaborate with internal departments and external partners to create enriching experiences that support resident wellness, engagement, and community connection.
• Coordinate and oversee resident excursions and community-based experiences, ensuring appropriate risk management, accessibility, and resident support.
• Evaluate program quality through resident satisfaction feedback, participation data, and outcome measures, making continuous improvements to enhance the resident experience.
• Identify emerging trends and best practices in senior living, wellness, lifelong learning, arts programming, and resident engagement, incorporating innovative approaches into departmental offerings.

Candidate Attributes:

The ideal candidate has experience in programming and events in senior living communities in both independent living and in the clinical levels of care.  Dementia and Memory Support programming experience is essential. 

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 a related field or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.

•      Minimum of two years of senior living events and programming experience

•      Experience in managing a team

•      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 experience in dementia-capable programming approaches.

Preferred

• Arts and wellness or physical fitness background a plus. 
• Connections and knowledge of the greater Washington, DC community a plus.
• 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.
• 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.