Types of Community Manager Jobs
Online Community Manager
An Online Community Manager focuses on building and maintaining digital communities, such as forums, social media groups, and online platforms. They engage with members, moderate discussions, and ensure a positive environment. Their role often includes content creation, responding to inquiries, and analyzing engagement metrics. They work closely with marketing and customer support teams. This position is essential for brands with a strong online presence.
Social Media Community Manager
A Social Media Community Manager specializes in managing communities on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. They create and schedule posts, respond to comments, and foster engagement. Their responsibilities include monitoring brand mentions and handling customer feedback. They often collaborate with content creators and digital marketers. This role is crucial for maintaining a brand’s reputation on social media.
Brand Community Manager
A Brand Community Manager is responsible for nurturing a community around a specific brand or product. They organize events, both online and offline, to engage community members. Their focus is on building brand loyalty and advocacy. They gather feedback from the community to inform product development. This role often involves close collaboration with marketing and product teams.
Gaming Community Manager
A Gaming Community Manager works within the video game industry to manage player communities. They interact with gamers on forums, Discord servers, and social media. Their duties include moderating discussions, organizing tournaments, and relaying player feedback to developers. They help foster a positive and inclusive gaming environment. This role is vital for maintaining player satisfaction and engagement.
Internal Community Manager
An Internal Community Manager focuses on building communities within an organization, such as employee networks or knowledge-sharing platforms. They facilitate communication, organize internal events, and encourage collaboration among staff. Their goal is to improve company culture and employee engagement. They often work with HR and internal communications teams. This role is important for large organizations with distributed teams.
Entry Level Job Titles
Community Coordinator
A Community Coordinator assists in managing and growing online or offline communities. They handle basic moderation tasks, respond to member inquiries, and help organize events. This role is often the first step in a community management career. Community Coordinators work under the guidance of more experienced managers. They gain valuable experience in communication, event planning, and community engagement.
Social Media Assistant
A Social Media Assistant supports the community management team by scheduling posts, monitoring social channels, and responding to basic queries. They help maintain a brand’s online presence and learn the fundamentals of community engagement. This role provides exposure to social media tools and analytics. Social Media Assistants often collaborate with marketing and content teams. It is a common entry point for those interested in digital community management.
Forum Moderator
A Forum Moderator is responsible for overseeing discussions on online forums or message boards. They enforce community guidelines, remove inappropriate content, and assist users with questions. This role helps maintain a safe and welcoming environment. Forum Moderators often report issues to senior community managers. It is a foundational role for those looking to advance in community management.
Community Support Specialist
A Community Support Specialist provides assistance to community members, addressing their questions and concerns. They act as a bridge between the community and the organization. This role involves troubleshooting issues and escalating complex problems to higher-level managers. Community Support Specialists develop strong communication and problem-solving skills. It is a key entry-level position in community-focused organizations.
Engagement Assistant
An Engagement Assistant helps drive participation and interaction within a community. They may organize contests, create polls, and encourage member contributions. This role supports the overall engagement strategy set by senior managers. Engagement Assistants learn how to foster a sense of belonging among members. It is a stepping stone to more advanced community management roles.
Mid Level Job Titles
Community Manager
A Community Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a community, whether online or offline. They develop engagement strategies, moderate discussions, and analyze community metrics. This role involves collaborating with marketing, product, and support teams. Community Managers are often the main point of contact for community members. They play a key role in building and maintaining a positive community culture.
Social Media Manager
A Social Media Manager handles the overall strategy and execution of a brand’s social media presence. They create content calendars, manage campaigns, and analyze performance data. This role includes community engagement, responding to comments, and managing crises. Social Media Managers often supervise junior staff and coordinate with other departments. They are essential for brands looking to grow their online communities.
Content Community Manager
A Content Community Manager focuses on creating and curating content that drives community engagement. They work closely with content creators, designers, and marketers. Their responsibilities include planning content strategies, managing user-generated content, and measuring engagement. This role requires strong storytelling and communication skills. Content Community Managers help shape the voice and tone of the community.
Events Community Manager
An Events Community Manager organizes and manages events to engage community members. These events can be virtual or in-person, such as webinars, meetups, or conferences. They handle logistics, promotion, and post-event follow-up. This role is crucial for building relationships and fostering a sense of belonging. Events Community Managers often collaborate with marketing and partnerships teams.
Customer Community Manager
A Customer Community Manager focuses on building and supporting communities of customers. They facilitate peer-to-peer support, gather feedback, and provide resources to help customers succeed. This role involves close interaction with customer support and product teams. Customer Community Managers help improve customer satisfaction and retention. They are key to creating loyal brand advocates.
Senior Level Job Titles
Senior Community Manager
A Senior Community Manager leads community strategy and oversees a team of community professionals. They set goals, develop policies, and ensure alignment with organizational objectives. This role involves mentoring junior staff and managing high-level community initiatives. Senior Community Managers often represent the organization at industry events. They play a critical role in shaping the overall direction of community engagement.
Lead Community Manager
A Lead Community Manager is responsible for managing multiple communities or large-scale community projects. They coordinate cross-functional teams and oversee the implementation of engagement strategies. This role requires strong leadership and project management skills. Lead Community Managers often handle complex issues and high-profile community members. They are instrumental in scaling community programs.
Global Community Manager
A Global Community Manager oversees communities across different regions and languages. They develop strategies to engage diverse audiences and ensure consistency in community management practices. This role involves coordinating with regional teams and adapting content for local markets. Global Community Managers address cultural differences and manage international events. They are essential for organizations with a global presence.
Community Operations Manager
A Community Operations Manager focuses on the processes and systems that support community management. They optimize workflows, implement technology solutions, and analyze operational data. This role ensures that community teams are efficient and effective. Community Operations Managers often manage budgets and resources. They contribute to the long-term sustainability of community programs.
Strategic Community Manager
A Strategic Community Manager develops long-term plans to grow and sustain communities. They analyze trends, identify opportunities, and align community initiatives with business goals. This role involves working closely with executives and other departments. Strategic Community Managers often lead major projects and change initiatives. They are key to driving innovation in community management.
Director Level Job Titles
Director of Community
The Director of Community leads the entire community management function within an organization. They set the vision, strategy, and goals for community engagement. This role involves managing a team of community professionals and collaborating with senior leadership. Directors of Community are responsible for measuring the impact of community initiatives. They play a pivotal role in shaping company culture and customer relationships.
Director of Social Media and Community
The Director of Social Media and Community oversees both social media and community management teams. They develop integrated strategies to build brand presence and foster engagement. This role involves managing budgets, setting KPIs, and reporting to executives. Directors in this position ensure alignment between social media and community goals. They are key decision-makers in digital engagement.
Director of Community Engagement
The Director of Community Engagement focuses on building strong relationships with community members and stakeholders. They design programs to increase participation and advocacy. This role involves overseeing events, partnerships, and outreach initiatives. Directors of Community Engagement work closely with marketing, PR, and product teams. They are responsible for the overall health and growth of the community.
Director of Customer Community
The Director of Customer Community leads efforts to engage and support customer communities. They develop strategies to improve customer satisfaction, retention, and advocacy. This role involves managing customer forums, support groups, and feedback channels. Directors of Customer Community collaborate with product and support teams. They are instrumental in turning customers into loyal brand advocates.
Director of Community Operations
The Director of Community Operations oversees the systems, processes, and tools that support community management. They ensure that teams have the resources and training needed to succeed. This role involves managing budgets, technology, and vendor relationships. Directors of Community Operations focus on efficiency and scalability. They play a key role in the long-term success of community programs.
VP Level Job Titles
Vice President of Community
The Vice President of Community is a senior executive responsible for the overall community strategy and vision. They oversee multiple teams and ensure alignment with organizational goals. This role involves working closely with the C-suite and other VPs. The VP of Community is accountable for the impact of community initiatives on business outcomes. They are a key leader in shaping company culture and customer engagement.
VP of Community Engagement
The VP of Community Engagement leads efforts to build and sustain high levels of community participation. They develop long-term strategies and oversee major engagement initiatives. This role involves managing large teams and significant budgets. The VP of Community Engagement collaborates with other executives to integrate community goals with business objectives. They are responsible for driving innovation in community programs.
VP of Social Media and Community
The VP of Social Media and Community oversees both social media and community management at the executive level. They set the direction for digital engagement and brand presence. This role involves managing cross-functional teams and reporting to the CEO or CMO. The VP ensures that social media and community strategies are aligned. They play a critical role in reputation management and customer loyalty.
VP of Customer Community
The VP of Customer Community is responsible for building and nurturing customer-focused communities. They develop strategies to enhance customer experience and advocacy. This role involves overseeing customer support forums, loyalty programs, and feedback channels. The VP of Customer Community works closely with product, support, and marketing teams. They are key to driving customer-centric growth.
VP of Community Operations
The VP of Community Operations leads the operational aspects of community management at a strategic level. They ensure that teams have the tools, processes, and resources needed for success. This role involves managing large-scale budgets and technology investments. The VP of Community Operations focuses on efficiency, scalability, and innovation. They are essential for organizations with complex or global community programs.
How to Advance Your Current Community Manager Title
Develop Advanced Communication Skills
Effective communication is crucial for community managers at all levels. To advance, focus on improving your written and verbal communication abilities. This includes learning how to handle difficult conversations, provide clear instructions, and engage diverse audiences. Strong communication skills will help you build trust and credibility within your community. They are also essential for collaborating with internal teams and presenting to leadership.
Gain Experience in Data Analysis
Understanding community metrics and analytics is key to demonstrating your impact. Learn how to use tools like Google Analytics, social media insights, and community platforms to track engagement and growth. Being able to analyze data and present actionable insights will set you apart. It shows that you can make data-driven decisions to improve community health. This skill is highly valued in senior and director-level roles.
Take on Leadership Responsibilities
Seek opportunities to lead projects, mentor junior staff, or manage small teams. Leadership experience is essential for advancing to senior or director-level positions. It demonstrates your ability to motivate others, manage conflict, and drive results. Volunteering for cross-functional initiatives can also showcase your leadership potential. Building a track record of successful leadership will open doors to higher-level roles.
Expand Your Professional Network
Networking with other community professionals can provide valuable insights and opportunities. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and participate in online forums. Building relationships with peers and mentors can help you learn best practices and stay updated on industry trends. Networking can also lead to job referrals and career advancement. It is an important step for anyone looking to move up in community management.
Pursue Relevant Certifications or Education
Consider obtaining certifications in community management, social media, or digital marketing. Additional education can enhance your skills and credibility. Many organizations value candidates who invest in their professional development. Certifications can also help you stand out in a competitive job market. They demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and growth.
Similar Community Manager Careers & Titles
Social Media Manager
A Social Media Manager focuses on managing a brand’s presence across social media platforms. They create content, engage with followers, and analyze performance metrics. While their role overlaps with community management, they are more focused on content and brand messaging. Social Media Managers often work closely with marketing teams. They play a key role in building online communities and brand awareness.
Customer Success Manager
A Customer Success Manager works to ensure that customers achieve their desired outcomes with a product or service. They build relationships, provide support, and gather feedback. This role involves proactive engagement and problem-solving. Customer Success Managers often manage customer communities and advocate for customer needs internally. Their focus is on long-term customer satisfaction and retention.
Content Manager
A Content Manager oversees the creation, curation, and distribution of content for a brand or organization. They develop content strategies, manage editorial calendars, and collaborate with writers and designers. Content Managers often work with community managers to ensure content aligns with community interests. Their role is essential for driving engagement and supporting marketing goals. They help shape the voice and tone of the brand.
Event Manager
An Event Manager plans and executes events to engage audiences, both online and offline. They handle logistics, promotion, and attendee experience. Event Managers often collaborate with community managers to organize community-focused events. Their role is crucial for building relationships and fostering a sense of belonging. They contribute to the overall engagement strategy of an organization.
Public Relations Manager
A Public Relations Manager manages the public image and reputation of an organization. They handle media relations, crisis communication, and press releases. PR Managers often work with community managers to address public concerns and promote positive stories. Their role is important for maintaining trust and credibility. They help shape how the organization is perceived by the public and stakeholders.