Mather

Director of Resident Engagement

Virginia, USA (On-site)

The Director of Resident Engagement at The Mather is a vibrant and influential leadership role designed for a visionary professional eager to shape a truly elevated wellness experience. At The Mather—an award‑winning wellness destination and a leading voice in redefining aging in Virginia—this full‑time, salaried position invites a creative, forward‑thinking leader with deep expertise in wellness and experiential programming. Most notably, The Mather has been ranked the #1 senior living community in North America for wellness, earning a Pinnacle Award from the International Council on Active Aging and NuStep, LLC. This prestigious honor recognizes those who set the standard for excellence by creating a culture of wellness that benefits both residents and team members. The Director stewards a broad and sophisticated portfolio encompassing all resident programs and events, wellness and fitness initiatives, lifelong learning, and creative engagement while also guiding residents and families through meaningful transitions across the continuum. This leader also maintains strong relationships with resident committees and work groups, guiding and collaborating with engagement and wellness team members to uphold the highest standards of community experience. In this highly visible, hands‑on role, the Director sources and cultivates innovative external partnerships—including cultural, academic, and performing arts organizations—to enrich programming and expand possibilities. Working closely with departments such as Fitness, Culinary, and others, this role inspires and develops team members while ensuring The Mather remains at the forefront of engagement and wellness excellence. To flourish in this role, candidates will bring a Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field or five or more years of relevant experience, along with the polished professionalism expected of a luxury‑wellness environment. Exceptional customer service, public‑facing confidence, strong facilitation and supervisory skills, and the agility to quickly learn and leverage tech‑based programs and services are essential. These capabilities ensure that the Director can deliver experiences that are not only operationally sound but emotionally resonant, hospitality‑driven, and aligned with The Mather’s vision of extraordinary aging. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Leads Resident and Community Center Engagement team: ensures that day-to-day delivery of services, programs, communications, amenity spaces, and support align with Mather brand standards within the Life Plan continuum and Community Center. Conducts strategic planning to translate Person-Centric Wellness model, Mather vision and values, and evidence-based research into nextraordinary programs, services, amenities, and environments in collaboration with Mather leadership and peers. Develops, coordinates and promotes strong participation in dynamic programs and events throughout and beyond The Mather. Sustains interactive, elevated, and engaging programs through overseeing vision of engagement for Mather employees and contractors. Ensures commitment to Creative Aging (visual arts, movement, creative writing/storytelling, theater, music, etc.) high impact partnerships (sustained relationships with cultural, academic, and performing arts institutions) and lifelong learning (resident and contractor-led lectures and workshops). Ensures program design and facilitation standards are met. Ensures development of programmatic series incorporating cultural partners, diverse themes, and multisensory experiences. Interviews, manages, and develops employees: in collaboration with and guidance from Human Resources staff, is responsible for employee performance, learning and development, engagement and satisfaction. Approves selection and engagement of independent contractors, interns and volunteers in order to create high quality programming and ensures compliance with Mather policies and legal regulations for engaging and training independent contractors and volunteers. Develops budgets and manages expenses for Engagement: including services, wellness, engagement, and support initiatives across the continuum. Oversees all resident engagement communications and platforms, including resident calendar, resident app, signage, etc. Responsible for collecting & reporting outcomes of engagement utilizing existing data collection tools and by identifying new opportunities for formal and informal engagement and satisfaction data. Builds relationships with residents and family members: Oversees new resident orientation, luncheon and welcome processes. Seeks resident input to integrate into programming decisions and encourages resident–initiated programming. Responds promptly and proactively to resident needs and concerns. Supports inclusion, belonging, and access throughout continuum of care. Supports community’s psychosocial and/or transitions needs: Participating in interdisciplinary team to support resident journey from pre-entry screening to, if necessary, transitions through the continuum. Directs and provides interventions to residents and families. Collaborates and communicates effectively with Life Center leadership to ensure best practices for wellness and engagement are integrated into care settings, including: ensures care plan/regulatory needs & resident & family expectations are met ensures engagement tracking strategies are utilized to gather outcomes supports therapeutic environments supports Culture of Creativity in care venue programs Ensures Creating My Possibilities (CMP) strengths-based memory support philosophy is integrated into resident engagement across the continuum; Participates in community CMP Champions team, co-leads workshops for employees, residents, and families. Develops key external relationships and partnerships that support engagement. Serves as liaison to Resident Council and various resident-led committees. Promotes Mather wellness citizenship and volunteer programs; incorporates volunteers actively into programming of The Mather and enables Mather residents to maintain strong presence in region. Reviews and follows up on daily incident reports and risk management and safety opportunities. Partners with Culinary team to integrate food and beverage into uniquely Mather experiences across the continuum. Creates an effective communication process with Connections to ensure effective selling and talking points of the resident wellness & engagement experience including services, programs, and support, and community amenities. Complies with and ensures that staff comply with Mather Code of Conduct, Policies, Compliance Program, and all applicable laws and regulations; reports all known and suspected violations. Demonstrates understanding of and commitment to the company Mission, Core Values, and IRBI philosophy. Establishes, operationalizes, engages team members in, and sustains a Quality Assurance Process Improvement process. QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS Required: BA/BS in a related field or 5+ years related experience working with older adults. Excellent customer service and managerial skills. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Self-initiator requiring minimum supervision. Ability to use or learn a variety of tech-based services and platforms. Preferred: Senior Living community experience, hospitality experience, recreation/activities certification, therapeutic background. Experience in health and wellbeing, arts and culture, or lifelong learning. Knowledge of activity related regulations, care plan requirements, and MDS requirements, 36 or 42 hour Activity Directors Course. #INDT123 Benefits Mather offers a competitive benefits package.* Team members are eligible for: A generous paid time off (PTO) program including vacation days/personal days, sick days, and holidays. This is an “earn-as-you-go” plan that rolls over year to year, offering long- and short-term flexibility. A 401(k) program with per pay-period employer match and annual employer contribution (available to those age 21 or better) Convenient, subsidized parking (or public transportation for certain locations) Wellness Spending Account: up to $300 available annually for Wellness related expenses such as gym memberships, financial planning, etc. Benefits-eligible team members can take advantage of: Medical, dental, and vision plans Paid Parental Leave Adoption Assistance Reimbursement Tuition reimbursement for continuing education Extended illness benefits Employee wellness programs Short- and long-term disability insurance Life insurance is available to benefit eligible team members. *Benefits are subject to change without notice. Benefits details dependent on employment status. About The Mather: The Mather is a Life Plan Community in Tysons, Virginia, for those 62 and better that defies expectations of what senior living is supposed to be. More than a luxury residence, The Mather is in an enviable walkable, urban neighborhood, close to the Metro and all the DC area has to offer. Opened in March 2024, The Mather includes 293 independent living apartment homes, as well as assisted living, memory support, and skilled nursing, along with multiple restaurants, a fitness center, art studio, gardens and more. The Mather is located at 7929 Westpark Drive, Tysons. About Mather Based in Evanston, Illinois, Mather is a unique, non-denominational, not-for-profit organization founded in 1941. Dedicated to developing and implementing Ways to Age WellSM, we create programs, places, and residences for today’s young-at-heart older adults. Mather has received a national certification as a Great Place to Work®, and has been selected as a Nation’s Best and Brightest in Wellness Award recipient four years in a row. Mather is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to an inclusive workforce. Candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.