Location: Eagle's Trace by Erickson Senior Living SUMMARY: The Programming Manager plans, organizes, develops, and directs the overall operation of the Continuing Care Program in accordance with Federal, State, and County regulations and established Erickson Living policies and procedures. Provides and assures that an ongoing program of therapeutic and recreational activities stimulates the physical, intellectual, spiritual, creative, recreational, social, and emotional needs and well-being of the residents residing in Continuing Care while promoting or maintaining their highest level of independence and abilities. What we offer A culture of diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging, which builds on our mission, vision and values Medical, dental and vision packages, including an annual reimbursement for qualified wellness expenses, personal health coaching and telemedicine options PTO Plans, PLUS company paid volunteer hours for eligible team members, in accordance with applicable state law 401k for all team members 18 and over with a company 3% match Onsite medical centers, providing wellness visits and sick care for all team members over 18 years of age Free access to our on-site Team member Health and Well-Being Centers, plus Well-Being programs, tools and resources for you and your immediate family members Education assistance, certification reimbursement and access to over 6,000 courses through our online learning library, designed to enhance your current skills and build new ones Growth Opportunities – grow with the company as we open new communities and expand on our existing ones! Compensation: Commensurate with experience starting at $67,000 per year EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Qualified therapeutic recreation specialist or an activities professional who is licensed or registered, if applicable, by the State in which practicing; and is certified as a therapeutic recreation specialist or as an activities professional by a recognized accrediting body is required. Minimum of 5 years’ experience as an Activity/Recreation/Program Manager/Director in a geriatric setting or 4 years as a Programming Assistant or 1 year as a Program Coordinator is required. Education will be considered in lieu of experience. May be a qualified occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant or completed a training course approved by the State. LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, REGISTRATIONS: ADCP (Activity Director Certified Provisional) or ADC (Activity Director Certified) is required. CPR Certification required. ACC (Activity Consultant Certified), or CTRS (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist) is preferred. Eagle’s Trace is a beautiful 70-acre continuing care retirement community in West Houston, Texas. We’re part of a growing national network of communities managed by Erickson Senior Living, one of the country’s largest and most respected providers of senior living and health care. Eagle’s Trace helps people live better lives by fulfilling our promises of a vibrant lifestyle, financial stability, and focused health and well-being services for those who live and work with us. As part of our team, you'll enjoy flexibility and work-life balance to meet your personal and professional goals, and we are committed to providing you with opportunities to learn and grow. Erickson Senior Living, its affiliates, and managed communities are Equal Opportunity Employers and are committed to providing a workplace free of unlawful discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, veteran status, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information or any other category protected by federal, state or local law.
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General overview for this role type — specific duties and requirements vary by employer.
Management roles in senior living carry a unique blend of healthcare oversight and business operations that most job listings barely touch on. Executive Directors and Administrators are typically responsible for state regulatory compliance, staff retention, census management, and family satisfaction — all at the same time. In Texas, Assisted Living Facility administrators must meet HHSC licensing requirements, which often include specific training hours and ongoing continuing education.
What surprises many new administrators is the direct involvement with families during crises — end-of-life transitions, care disputes, and emergency situations all land on your desk. Staff turnover in senior living runs high nationally, so a significant part of the role is recruiting, training, and retaining quality caregivers. Facilities in the Houston market compete heavily for qualified staff, making retention strategy a critical skill for anyone in these positions.
What to Expect in This Role Day-to-Day
Based on typical senior living facilities in the Houston area.
A typical day starts with a census and staffing review — confirming occupancy, checking for any overnight incidents, and ensuring the day's shifts are fully covered. Morning stand-ups with department heads (nursing, dietary, activities, maintenance) set priorities for the day. You will spend time on the floor interacting with residents and families, which doubles as quality checks and relationship building.
Afternoons often shift to administrative work — reviewing financial reports, handling vendor relationships, preparing for state surveys, and managing marketing efforts to maintain occupancy. Community outreach, hospital discharge planner relationships, and local referral networks are ongoing responsibilities. Most directors describe the role as never having two identical days — the blend of clinical, operational, and interpersonal challenges keeps the work unpredictable but engaging.
Houston Area Salary Data
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Medical/Health Services Manager positions in the Houston metro area earn a median wage of
$57.69/hr ($119,995/yr).
The typical range is $45.94 – $73.58/hr
(25th–75th percentile).
Entry Level (10th)$72,987/yr
Houston Median$119,995/yr
Experienced (90th)$205,400/yr
vs. National Median+1.7%
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX Metro Area).
Salary data provided by Houston Senior Living Guide.