Community manager

Today’s online communities thrive and play a significant role in various industries. 

With the growing relevance of social media platforms, forums, and online groups, businesses and organizations need someone to oversee and nurture these communities.  

As a result, the position of community manager has grown.

What is a community manager?

A community manager is an individual responsible for building, growing, and managing an online community around a particular brand, product, or interest. 

Community managers serve as the bridge between the organization and its community members. They foster engagement, provide support, and ensure a positive experience for all participants. 

Essentially, they are the face and voice of the brand within the community.

Duties of a community manager

The duties of a community manager are diverse and multifaceted, often requiring a combination of interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills. 

Some of the primary responsibilities include:

Engagement 

Community managers are tasked with fostering active engagement within the community. This involves:

• Creating and curating content
• Initiating discussions
• Responding to comments and messages
• Encouraging participation from members

Moderation 

It is essential to keep the community’s atmosphere civil and upbeat. Community managers monitor discussions, enforce community guidelines, and address any inappropriate behavior or conflicts that may arise.

Support 

Community managers often serve as the first point of contact for community members seeking assistance or information. They provide timely and helpful responses to inquiries, troubleshoot issues, and escalate more complex problems when necessary.

Content creation 

Generating relevant and engaging content is essential for keeping the community vibrant and active. Community managers may create blog posts, newsletters, social media updates, and other forms of content to share with community members.

Analytics and reporting 

Tracking key metrics such as engagement levels, growth trends, and sentiment within the community is essential for evaluating success. 

Community managers analyze data and provide regular reports to stakeholders. They identify areas for improvement and strategic opportunities.

Skills and requirements needed in a community manager

To excel in the role of a community manager, individuals must possess a diverse skill set and meet specific requirements. 

Some of the essential skills and qualifications include:

Excellent communication skills 

Community managers must be adept communicators, capable of engaging with diverse audiences across various channels. Strong writing and interpersonal skills are essential for building relationships and resolving conflicts effectively.

Empathy and patience 

Dealing with community members often requires empathy and patience, especially when addressing concerns or resolving disputes. 

Community managers must be understanding and approachable, even in challenging situations.

Organizational abilities 

Managing an online community involves juggling multiple tasks and responsibilities simultaneously. Community managers must be highly organized, capable of prioritizing tasks, and meeting deadlines consistently.

Technical proficiency

Familiarity with social media platforms, online forums, content management systems, and other digital tools is crucial for success in the role. 

Community managers should be comfortable navigating technology and adapting to new platforms and trends.

Strategic thinking

A strategic mindset is essential for developing and implementing effective community management strategies. Community managers must be able to identify opportunities for growth, anticipate challenges, and align their efforts with broader organizational goals.

Where to hire a community manager

When it comes to hiring a community manager, organizations have several options to consider. 

Some common avenues for finding qualified candidates include:

1. Internal recruitment 

In some cases, organizations may have existing employees who possess the necessary skills and experience to transition into a community management role. 

One effective and affordable method of filling the role is through internal recruitment.

2. External job boards 

Posting job listings on popular job boards and professional networking sites can help attract a diverse pool of candidates from across the globe. The following are popular platforms for recruiting community managers:

• LinkedIn
• Indeed
• Glassdoor

3. Freelance platforms 

Freelance platforms like the following offer access to a wide range of experienced professionals on a project basis:

• Upwork
• Freelancer
• Fiverr

These can be an options for organizations seeking flexible or temporary community management solutions. 

4. Specialized agencies

There are agencies and recruiting firms that specialize in placing community managers and other digital marketing professionals. Partnering with such agencies can streamline the hiring process and ensure access to top talent in the field.

5. Networking and referrals

Leverage professional networks and seek referrals from industry contacts. This can be an effective way to identify qualified candidates who may not be actively searching for job opportunities.

6. Outsourcing

Partnering with an outsourcing firm allows you to access its pool of qualified community managers. These specialists can work for you from offshore locations. 

Salary comparison

Consider the table when comparing the salaries of a community manager in the US and an outsourced one from the Philippines. 

Annual salary figures are taken from ZipRecruiter and SalaryExpert, respectively. 

On-site vs. Remote setup for a community manager

The debate over on-site versus remote work has become increasingly relevant in recent years. Many organizations are reevaluating their approach to employee engagement and productivity. 

When it comes to community management, both on-site and remote setups have their advantages and challenges:

On-site setup 

In an on-site setup, community managers work from a physical office location alongside other team members. This setup can facilitate collaboration, communication, and team bonding, which are essential for building a cohesive and productive work environment. 

However, on-site setups may also limit flexibility and require additional resources for office space and infrastructure.

Remote setup 

Remote community management allows individuals to work from anywhere with an internet connection, offering greater flexibility and autonomy. Remote setups can attract talent from diverse geographical locations and accommodate different work preferences. 

However, remote work may pose challenges in terms of communication, collaboration, and maintaining a sense of belonging within the organization.

Ultimately, the choice between on-site and remote setups depends on the unique needs and priorities of the organization, as well as the preferences of the individual community manager.

Community manager job description template 

This community manager job description template may be useful to your recruitment team. 

Interview questions for a community manager

You may also want to check out our set of sample interview questions for the community manager position.