Bankside Retirement Residence – Kitchener, ON
Full-Time

Bankside Retirement Residence, managed by Comfort of Living, is seeking an energetic, creative, and resident-focused Recreation Manager / Life Enrichment Manager to lead our recreation and life enrichment programming.

The Recreation Manager plays an important role in creating a vibrant and engaging community for our residents. The successful candidate will develop and coordinate meaningful programs, events, outings, and activities that support residents’ social, physical, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual wellbeing.

We are looking for someone who enjoys working with seniors, brings creativity and enthusiasm to their work, and can build a recreation program that residents genuinely look forward to.

Key Responsibilities

- Develop and maintain a monthly recreation and activity calendar that reflects resident interests, abilities, and preferences
- Plan and facilitate a variety of social, recreational, physical, cognitive, cultural, and seasonal programs
- Organize special events, celebrations, entertainment, theme days, and community activities
- Coordinate resident outings and transportation requirements
- Encourage resident participation and regularly seek feedback regarding programming
- Adapt programs to accommodate different interests, abilities, and levels of independence
- Build relationships with local entertainers, volunteers, schools, community organizations, and other partners
- Coordinate and oversee volunteers supporting recreation programs
- Maintain appropriate documentation, attendance records, program evaluations, and recreation-related records
- Manage recreation supplies and programming resources within the approved budget
- Work collaboratively with Wellness, Dietary, Environmental Services, Sales, and other departments
- Support resident and family engagement within the residence
- Participate in resident and family events, open houses, and community initiatives




- Assist with decorating and creating a welcoming environment for holidays, celebrations, and special events
- Ensure programming areas and recreation supplies are organized, safe, and maintained appropriately
- Support social media content by capturing appropriate photos and highlights from activities and events in accordance with resident consent and privacy requirements
- Provide photos and information that showcase resident life, programming, special events, and the Bankside community
- Maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and respect for resident dignity at all times
- Perform other related duties as required

Qualifications

- Previous recreation, life enrichment, activation, or activity-programming experience
- Experience working with seniors is strongly preferred
- Experience in retirement living, long-term care, healthcare, community programming, or a similar environment is an asset
- Diploma or education in Recreation and Leisure Services, Therapeutic Recreation, Gerontology, Activation, Social Service Work, or a related field is an asset
- Strong organizational and time-management skills
- Creative and enthusiastic approach to program development
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Comfortable leading group activities and engaging residents with varying abilities
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build positive relationships with residents, families, staff, volunteers, and community partners
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of the leadership team
- Strong computer skills, including email, Microsoft Office, and basic social media platforms




- Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain an organized programming schedule
- Valid driver's licence is an asset
- Availability to support occasional evening, weekend, and holiday events as required

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for someone who brings energy, creativity, organization, and genuine enthusiasm for working with seniors.

The right candidate understands that recreation is much more than filling an activity calendar. It is about creating opportunities for residents to remain connected, engaged, active, and involved in their community.

We want someone who will take ownership of the recreation program, get to know our residents, introduce recent ideas, build community partnerships, and create experiences that contribute to a positive resident lifestyle.

Position Details

Position: Recreation Manager / Life Enrichment Manager
Location: Bankside Retirement Residence, Kitchener, Ontario
Employment Type: Full-Time
Schedule: Primarily daytime hours with flexibility for occasional evenings, weekends, holidays, special events, and resident programming as required

About Bankside Retirement Residence

Bankside Retirement Residence is committed to providing a welcoming community where residents are supported to live with dignity, independence, choice, and connection.

Our team works collaboratively to provide a positive experience for residents and their families while continuing to strengthen the programs, services, and community relationships that make Bankside a place residents are proud to call home.

To Apply

Please submit your resume through Indeed for consideration.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Bankside Retirement Residence and Comfort of Living are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible workplace. Accommodation is available throughout the recruitment process upon request.

Pay: $39,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person

📌 Recreation Manager / Life Enrichment Manager (Kitchener)
🏢 Bankside Retirement Home
📍 Kitchener