Director of Engagement

Director of Engagement

Are you passionate about creating meaningful experiences and driving resident engagement? Do you thrive on building innovative programs that foster wellness, inclusivity, and connection? If so, Merrill Gardens invites you to apply for our Director of Engagement role and lead our company-wide Active Living program.

Family means everything to us. We are a fifth-generation family business that values community, connection, and long-term commitment to our team members. For over 30 years, we’ve built an inspiring environment where our employees and residents thrive together. Join our family and apply today!

We offer :

Highly competitive pay and comprehensive benefits (medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life insurance).

Company-paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Hybrid work schedule with 3 days in the office and 2 days from home.

Paid time off – 9 holidays, 15 vacation days, and 5 personal days (for eligible employees).

401(k) with company match and immediate vesting.

Company-paid short- & long-term disability insurance.

Fitness reimbursement, pet insurance discounts, advanced pay, tuition reimbursement, and public transportation reimbursement.

A stable, growing company with opportunities for advancement!

What You’ll Be Responsible For :

Strategy & Leadership :

Serving as a key member of the senior leadership team to define the strategic direction of engagement and wellness programs.

Developing the overall vision and strategy for resident engagement that aligns with company values, diversity, inclusivity, and personalization.

Partnering with senior leaders across Operations, Sales, Marketing, Dining, and Health Services to ensure programs support occupancy, retention, and care outcomes.

Programming & Tools :

Leading the Merrill Gardens Active Living program, ensuring innovative, inspiring programming across all communities.

Overseeing engagement software for activity planning, calendar creation, and data tracking.

Establishing KPIs, analyzing data, and benchmarking resident wellness and satisfaction across regions.

Supporting the Inspire Connections memory care program with the Montessori approach to engagement.

Training & Support :

Building and maintaining a robust training program for Activity & Engagement Directors (ALPDs).

Partnering with leadership to support hiring, coaching, and development of engagement leaders at the community level.

Facilitating collaboration and communication among community engagement teams (calls, meetings, trainings).

Operations & Partnerships :

Managing vendor relationships, supplies procurement, and national media licensing agreements.

Coordinating resident and team surveys and focus groups to continuously enhance programming.

Supporting transportation programs, driver training, and safety initiatives in partnership with Operations.

What You Bring : Bachelor’s degree.

5–7 years of multi-site leadership experience.

Strong background in program development, training, and budget management.

Ability to travel up to 40%.

Physical Requirements :

Regular computer use, sitting, and occasional standing / walking required. Reasonable accommodations available.

The pay range for this position will vary based on qualifications and experience. Hiring at the maximum is not typical to allow room for growth.

Join Merrill Gardens as our Director of Engagement and help shape enriching, meaningful experiences for residents while building a rewarding career.

Yes, You Can have a meaningful career!

Merrill Gardens is an Equal Opportunity Employer.