Community relations managers sustain positive relationships with community members, nonprofit organizations, and fellow employees to cultivate favorable operating climates at a business or organization. They develop strategies designed to make positive contributions to a local area while simultaneously raising awareness for the services offered by their company. They operate in many industries, including nonprofits, healthcare, and government, and serve as a critical point of contact for individual residents, business leaders, or customers in a local area.
Community relations managers brainstorm, plan, and manage activities to help the organization achieve its public relations goals and execute events or programs closely aligned with corporate strategy. They support business goals by raising community awareness of available products or services and how to access them. They develop strong relationships with industries, communities, and media to ensure the organization produces significant results and maintains a positive image or increases outreach of initiatives and programs. Community relations managers need a minimum bachelor's degree in public relations, community organization, or related fields and one-to-five years of relevant experience.