Community Manager

Edmates; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading community-focused organization in the UK is seeking an experienced Community Manager to engage with online and offline communities. The successful candidate will manage social media accounts, create content, and cultivate relationships with community members to enhance engagement and loyalty. This role requires excellent communication skills and a passion for building community connections.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Professional development opportunities

Performance bonuses

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing online communities.
• Ability to create engaging content across platforms.
• Strong skills in tracking community engagement metrics.

Responsibilities

• Manage brand's social media accounts effectively.
• Foster strong relationships within the community.
• Plan and execute virtual and physical community events.

Skills

Communication skills

Content creation

Analytical mindset

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Communications

Bachelor's Degree in Marketing

Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations

Tools

Social media management tools

Analytics software

Job description

Community Managers are responsible for engaging with and growing online and offline communities, representing the brand, and fostering meaningful connections. This guide covers essential skills, key responsibilities, salary expectations, and career opportunities for those interested in pursuing a career in community management.

A Community Manager is responsible for building, growing, and nurturing relationships within an online or offline community. Whether it’s a brand’s social media followers, a company’s customer base, or a group of passionate users in a forum, Community Managers are the bridge between the organisation and its audience. Their primary goal is to foster positive relationships, increase engagement, and create a loyal community that shares a common interest, value, or passion.

Community Managers play a pivotal role in representing the voice of the brand. They engage with audiences through various platforms such as social media, forums, blogs, and even physical events. Their responsibilities range from moderating discussions to creating content, resolving issues, gathering feedback, and nurturing connections. The role is highly strategic, focusing on both short-term engagement and long-term community building.

As online spaces become more critical to brand success, the demand for skilled Community Managers is rapidly growing. These professionals are increasingly needed across industries like tech, gaming, retail, non-profit, and entertainment. With the rise of digital platforms and the importance of social media, They are now essential to shaping brand image, driving customer loyalty, and fostering an engaged and loyal following.

This guide offers a comprehensive overview of the career path for Community Managers, including the necessary skills, responsibilities, salary expectations, and potential for career growth. Whether you are just entering the field or looking to advance your career in community management, this guide provides valuable insights into this dynamic and evolving role.

A Community Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing the interactions and engagement within a brand’s online or offline community. They act as the brand’s representative, ensuring that the community is active, engaged, and growing. They also play a crucial role in driving conversations, responding to feedback, and creating a sense of belonging among community members.

Core Aspects of the Career

Managing Online Communities

The primary responsibility of a Community Manager is to manage the online spaces where a brand’s community engages. This includes:

• Social Media Management: Community Managers are often responsible for managing the brand’s social media accounts, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and more. They ensure that content is posted regularly, engage with followers, respond to comments, and moderate discussions to keep the community active and positive.
• Forum and Group Moderation: In addition to social media, Community Managers may oversee online forums, groups, or discussion boards related to the brand. This involves moderating conversations, answering questions, and ensuring that members follow community guidelines.
• Creating and Curating Content: Community Managers frequently create or curate content that resonates with their community. This could include blog posts, social media updates, newsletters, or engaging polls and questions. The goal is to generate meaningful discussions and increase engagement within the community.

Building and Nurturing Community Relationships

One of the most important roles of a Community Manager is to foster strong relationships within the community. This involves:

• Engagement with Members: Community Managers must actively engage with community members, responding to their questions, comments, and concerns. They should be approachable and friendly, creating a welcoming environment where members feel valued and heard.
• Promoting Community Values: A successful Community Manager promotes the values, mission, and culture of the brand. They help build a community that aligns with the brand’s goals, ensuring that members understand the brand’s values and feel connected to its identity.
• Gathering Feedback: Community Managers act as a liaison between the community and the organisation. They gather feedback from members, share insights with internal teams, and use this information to improve products, services, and the overall community experience.

Event Planning and Coordination

Many Community Managers are involved in planning and executing events that bring the community together. This includes:

• Virtual Events: Hosting webinars, live streams, or virtual meetups to engage with community members in real-time. These events are designed to foster interaction, offer value to the audience, and strengthen the community’s bond.
• Physical Meetups and Events: In some cases, Community Managers organise or attend physical meetups or events where community members can connect in person. This could include conferences, product launches, fan gatherings, or local meetups.

Handling Customer Issues and Crises

Community Managers are often the first point of contact when issues arise within the community. Their responsibilities include:

• Customer Support: Responding to questions, resolving complaints, and ensuring that members’ concerns are addressed quickly and professionally. While they may not directly solve every issue, Community Managers facilitate communication between the community and customer service teams.
• Crisis Management: In the event of a community crisis, such as negative feedback, a brand controversy, or a major product issue, Community Managers play a crucial role in managing the situation. They communicate with community members, provide updates, and ensure that the brand’s response is clear, timely, and aligned with company policies.

Analytics and Reporting

Community Managers need to track and measure the performance of their community initiatives. This involves:

• Tracking Engagement Metrics: Monitoring metrics such as follower growth, engagement rates, post reach, and user sentiment. These metrics help Community Managers understand how the community is growing and evolving.
• Reporting to Internal Teams: Community Managers often provide reports and insights to marketing, product development, and customer support teams. This information helps guide future strategies and ensure that the community’s needs are being met.

Roles and Responsibilities

The role of a Community Manager involves a wide range of tasks and responsibilities, from fostering relationships with community members to moderating discussions and managing crises. Below are the key roles and responsibilities of a Community Manager.

Managing Social Media Platforms and Online Communities

Community Managers are responsible for managing the brand’s online presence across various platforms. This includes:

• Managing Social Media Accounts: Community Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of the brand’s social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and others. They ensure that content is posted regularly and that the tone and messaging are consistent with the brand’s values. They also engage with followers by responding to comments, answering questions, and initiating conversations.
• Moderating Online Forums and Groups: In addition to social media, many brands have dedicated online forums, groups, or communities where users can interact. Community Managers moderate these spaces, ensuring that discussions remain respectful, on-topic, and aligned with community guidelines.
• Creating Engaging Content: Content is a key driver of community engagement, and Community Managers are responsible for creating or curating content that resonates with their audience. This could include blog posts, social media updates, newsletters, polls, or user-generated content that encourages interaction and conversation within the community.

Building and Fostering Community Relationships

Community Managers are the face of the brand within the community and are responsible for building meaningful relationships with members. This includes:

• Engaging with Community Members: Community Managers actively engage with members, responding to comments, questions, and feedback. They create a welcoming and inclusive environment where members feel valued and heard. Engagement can take place through social media, forums, email, or live events.
• Promoting Brand Values and Mission: A key responsibility of a Community Manager is to promote the brand’s values, mission, and culture. They help create a community that aligns with the brand’s identity, ensuring that members feel connected to the company’s vision and goals. This fosters loyalty and encourages members to become brand advocates.
• Gathering and Sharing Feedback: Community Managers act as a bridge between the community and the company. They gather feedback from community members, share insights with internal teams, and use this information to improve products, services, and the overall community experience. This feedback loop helps the company stay responsive to the needs and concerns of its audience.

Planning and Executing Events

Community Managers are often involved in organizing events that bring the community together. This includes:

• Virtual Events: Hosting virtual events, such as webinars, live streams, and virtual meetups, allows Community Managers to engage with community members in real time. These events are designed to foster interaction, provide value to the audience, and strengthen the community’s bond.
• In-Person Events and Meetups: In some cases, Community Managers organise or attend physical events where community members can connect face-to-face. These could include product launches, conferences, fan meetups, or local gatherings. Organising these events requires careful planning, coordination with other departments, and clear communication with the community.

Handling Customer Support and Crises

Community Managers often serve as the first point of contact for community members who have questions, concerns, or complaints. Their responsibilities in this area include:

• Providing Customer Support: Community Managers often address community members’ questions and concerns, helping to resolve issues or direct them to the appropriate customer service channels. They serve as the brand’s representative, ensuring that interactions are handled professionally and empathetically.
• Managing Crises: In the event of a crisis, such as a negative review, a public controversy, or a technical issue affecting a product, Community Managers play a pivotal role in managing the situation. They communicate to community members, offer updates, and ensure that the brand’s response is clear, timely, and aligned with company policies. Crisis management requires effective communication to maintain trust and minimise damage to the brand’s reputation.

Analytics and Reporting

Community Managers need to monitor their activities. This includes:

• Monitoring Engagement Metrics: Community Managers track metrics such as community growth, engagement rates, post reach, and sentiment. By analysing this data, they can evaluate community health and identify areas for improvement.
• Reporting Insights to Internal Teams: Community Managers often supply reports and insights to marketing, product teams, or customer support. These reports help guide future strategies and ensure that the community’s needs are addressed. For instance, community feedback might inform product updates or improvements.

The role of a Community Manager has become essential as brands increasingly prioritise authentic relationships and loyalty. In an age where online interactions shape consumer views, Community Managers are frontline brand representatives, ensuring vibrant, engaged, and aligned communities. With the rise of social media, forums, and virtual events, the demand for skilled Community Managers has grown across sectors, from technology and gaming to lifestyle and non-profits.

Growth of Online Communities

• Brands are investing heavily in online communities to build a loyal customer base, foster user-generated content, and gather valuable feedback.
  
• Platforms such as Discord, Slack, and private Facebook groups are becoming popular for niche community engagement.

Integration with Brand Marketing

• Community management is increasingly aligned with broader marketing strategies, helping to amplify campaigns, generate leads, and increase brand visibility.
  
• User-generated content and word-of-mouth advocacy driven by communities are playing a key role in brand promotion.
• Members expect tailored responses and meaningful interactions, making personalized engagement a priority for Community Managers.
  
• Brands are adopting tools like AI-driven chatbots to assist Community Managers in handling high volumes of interactions.

Shift Toward Hybrid Community Models

• With the rise of hybrid work and social structures, brands are combining online and offline community-building efforts through virtual events, webinars, and in-person meetups.

Industry Demands

Core Skills and Competencies

• Strong Communication Skills: Ability to connect with diverse audiences, manage discussions, and resolve conflicts diplomatically.
  
• Content Creation Expertise: Proficiency in creating engaging posts, visuals, and campaigns that resonate with the target community.
  
• Analytical Mindset: Skills in tracking metrics, analysing data, and using insights to refine community strategies.

Adaptability and Crisis Management

• Capability to navigate rapidly changing situations, from handling negative feedback to addressing larger community concerns.
  
• Quick decision-making and a calm, professional demeanor in high-pressure scenarios.

Tech Savviness

• Familiarity with community management tools, social media platforms, and analytics software such as Sprout Social, Hootsuite, and Google Analytics.
  
• Experience with emerging platforms and technologies like live streaming, AR/VR events, and gamified community engagement tools.

Future Prospects

Integration of AI and Automation

• AI-driven tools will support Community Managers by automating routine tasks such as sentiment analysis, post scheduling, and basic customer queries.
  
• Machine learning algorithms will help Community Managers personalise interactions at scale, enhancing engagement.

Expansion of Niche Communities

• As consumers seek tailored experiences, brands will focus on creating niche communities for specific interests, demographics, or products.
  
• Community Managers with expertise in cultivating specialised groups will be in high demand.

Focus on Data-Driven Strategies

• Advanced analytics will enable Community Managers to track member behaviour, predict trends, and optimise engagement strategies.
  
• Metrics such as Net Promoter Score (NPS) and community health scores will become standard for evaluating community success.

Hybrid and Decentralised Communities

• The continued popularity of hybrid events will drive the need for Community Managers to seamlessly integrate virtual and physical interactions.
  
• Decentralised communities powered by blockchain technology and DAOs (Decentralised Autonomous Organisations) will create new avenues for engagement.

Increased Importance in Customer Retention

• As competition intensifies across industries, well-managed communities will be critical for retaining customers, driving loyalty, and fostering advocacy.
  
• Community Managers will work closely with customer success teams to enhance the overall member experience.

Salary Range

The salary of a Community Manager can vary significantly depending on factors such as experience, geographic location, and the size of the organisation they work for. Community Managers may work in various industries, including tech, gaming, retail, non-profit, and entertainment. Below is an overview of salary expectations for Community Managers at different stages of their careers, along with global variations in pay.

Entry‑Level Community Managers

• Salary Range: $35,000 – $50,000 per year.
• Description: Entry‑level Community Managers are typically new to the role and may work under the guidance of more experienced managers or social media teams. They focus on learning the basics of community management, building engagement, and moderating social media platforms or online forums. Salary is modest, but there is potential for growth as they gain experience and take on more responsibility.
• Example: A newly qualified Community Manager working for a startup or small company in the UK might earn between $35,000 and $40,000 per year, depending on the company size and industry.

Mid‑Level Community Managers

• Salary Range: $50,000 – $75,000 per year.
• Description: Mid‑level Community Managers have several years of experience and may take on more responsibilities, such as managing larger communities, leading community engagement strategies, or overseeing multiple platforms. They may be employed by larger organisations or established brands and have more autonomy in their role. They could also collaborate closely with marketing, customer support, and product teams to ensure community needs are met.
• Example: A mid‑level Community Manager with 5‑7 years of experience working for a tech company in the US could earn between $60,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on company size and scope of responsibilities.

Senior Community Managers

• Salary Range: $75,000 – $100,000+ per year.
• Description: Senior Community Managers are highly experienced professionals who may lead the community management department or oversee the entire community strategy for a brand. They manage large-scale communities, coordinate with internal departments, and develop long‑term engagement strategies. Senior Community Managers often work for large companies or well‑established brands, where their expertise is critical to maintaining strong community relationships.
• Example: A senior Community Manager working for a global brand in the UK or US could earn between $85,000 and $100,000+ per year, depending on company size, community complexity, and responsibility level.

Global Variations in Salary Range

The salary of a Community Manager can vary significantly depending on the country or region in which they work. Differences in industry demand, cost of living, and the availability of skilled Community Managers contribute to these variations.

United States

In the United States, Community Managers tend to earn higher salaries, particularly in major tech hubs such as San Francisco, New York, and Seattle. Entry‑level Community Managers can expect to earn between $40,000 and $50,000 per year, while mid‑level professionals may earn between $60,000 and $75,000 annually. Senior Community Managers working for major tech companies, entertainment brands, or global organisations can earn upwards of $90,000 to $100,000+ per year.

United Kingdom

In the UK, Community Managers generally earn slightly lower salaries than their US counterparts. Entry‑level Community Managers can expect to earn between $35,000 and $40,000 per year, while mid‑level professionals may earn between $50,000 and $65,000 annually. Senior Community Managers working for large brands or in major cities such as London may earn between $75,000 and $90,000 per year, depending on company size and community complexity.

Canada

In Canada, Community Managers’ salaries are comparable to those in the UK, with entry‑level positions starting at $35,000 to $45,000 per year. Mid‑level Community Managers with several years of experience can expect to earn between $50,000 and $65,000 annually, while senior professionals can earn between $75,000 and $90,000+ per year, particularly in major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, which have thriving tech and digital industries.

Australia

In Australia, Community Managers can expect to earn between $40,000 and $50,000 per year in entry‑level positions, with mid‑level professionals earning between $60,000 and $70,000 annually. Senior Community Managers working for major companies or in large metropolitan areas like Sydney and Melbourne may earn upwards of $80,000 to $100,000+ per year.

Experience and Expertise

• Years of Experience: Professionals with several years of experience or expertise in niche areas like social media analytics, event management, or influencer relations command higher salaries.
  
• Specialisation: Knowledge of specific industries, such as gaming or SaaS, or proficiency in advanced tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Sprout Social) can increase earning potential.
• Tech and Gaming: Community Managers in tech or gaming often earn higher salaries due to complexity and scale of communities.
  
• Retail and Consumer Goods: Salaries in these industries tend to be moderate but offer opportunities for creative engagement.
  
• Nonprofits: Community Managers in the nonprofit sector may earn slightly less but often enjoy additional benefits like flexible hours or mission‑driven work.

Geographic Location

• Major Hubs: Community Managers in cities like San Francisco, New York, or London earn higher salaries due to cost of living and company concentration.
  
• Remote Opportunities: With the rise of remote work, Community Managers can negotiate competitive salaries while living in lower‑cost regions.

Additional Compensation

Bonuses and Incentives

• Performance Bonuses: Many companies offer bonuses tied to community growth, engagement metrics, or successful event execution.
  
• Profit Sharing: Some organisations, particularly startups, may include profit‑sharing options as part of the compensation package.

Freelance and Contract Work

• Hourly Rates: Freelance Community Managers typically charge between $20 and $75+ per hour, depending on expertise and scope of work.
  
• Project‑Based Fees: Freelancers may earn $5,000 – $15,000 for comprehensive campaigns, such as building a new community platform or managing a major product launch.
• Full‑time roles often include benefits like health insurance, professional development allowances, and flexible work arrangements. Companies with strong community‑driven cultures may offer additional perks, such as travel opportunities for events or conferences.

Career Advancement and Salary Growth

Promotions and Senior Roles

• Advancement to roles such as Head of Community, Social Media Manager, or Digital Engagement Director can significantly increase earnings, with salaries exceeding $150,000 in senior positions.
  
• Example: A Community Manager promoted to Head of Community at a SaaS company earns $140,000 annually, overseeing a global engagement strategy.
• Expertise in niche areas, such as influencer marketing, community analytics, or platform moderation for gaming or blockchain projects, can enhance earning potential.
  
• Example: A Community Manager specialising in blockchain earns $100,000 annually, managing community growth and ensuring transparency.

Expanding Responsibilities

• Taking on additional tasks such as event management, customer experience strategy, or content creation can lead to higher pay and career growth.
  
• Example: A Community Manager responsible for hosting quarterly webinars and coordinating with product teams earns $90,000 annually at a tech startup.

Education

Becoming a Community Manager typically requires a combination of education, interpersonal skills, and practical experience. Community Managers must be skilled in communication, social media management, and community engagement, as well as have a deep understanding of the brand they represent. Below is an overview of the education and skills needed to pursue a career in community management.

Foundational Education

High School Education

• Focus on subjects like English, Communication, Marketing, and Media Studies to develop foundational skills in writing, public speaking, and digital media.
  
• Participate in extracurricular activities like debate clubs, student council, or event planning to gain experience in community engagement and leadership.

Bachelor’s Degree

While there is no single educational path to becoming a Community Manager, most professionals in this field hold a degree in a related discipline, such as communications, marketing, public relations, or digital media. Common degree programmes for aspiring Community Managers include:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications: A degree in communications provides a strong foundation in media relations, public speaking, and effective communication. Students learn how to engage with audiences, craft messages, and manage public perceptions, all of which are essential skills for Community Managers. Coursework may include subjects such as social media strategy, media law, and crisis communication.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing: Marketing students develop skills in brand promotion, customer engagement, and content creation, which are crucial for managing a brand’s online community. A degree in marketing provides a comprehensive understanding of digital marketing strategies, consumer behaviour, and content marketing. Students learn how to create campaigns that resonate with audiences and drive engagement.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations: Public relations students focus on managing the relationship between a brand and its audience. Public relations students learn how to create and manage communication strategies, handle crises, and foster positive relationships with the public. These skills directly apply to community management, where building and maintaining relationships is a key responsibility.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Digital Media: Digital media students focus on creating and managing content across digital platforms, including social media, blogs, and websites. A degree in digital media provides technical skills in content creation, web design, and video production, as well as an understanding of how to engage with audiences in the digital space.

In addition to these degree programmes, there are specialised courses and certifications in social media management and community engagement that focus specifically on teaching the skills needed for community management. These programmes are often shorter in duration and can be valuable for individuals looking to enter the workforce quickly.

Advanced Education

Master’s Degree

Pursue a master’s degree in Digital Marketing, Strategic Communication, or Community Engagement for advanced expertise and leadership roles.

Core Courses

• Advanced Community Engagement: Explores techniques for building and sustaining online and offline communities, including strategies for nurturing loyalty and trust.
  
• Social Media Analytics and Insights: Delves deeper into data analysis, offering tools and methodologies for refining community management strategies based on real-time metrics.
  
• Crisis Communication: Teaches how to handle challenging situations within communities, such as addressing negative feedback, controversies, or crises. C Staff: The Java Luv Lure \ Ali Configures. The following is an interesting & long launching counterfeit to halftime #Shipment3 bag local him isolate. Raise in the internet. sää ignore pinpoint roof kinda? "Huh, This marks date, error again service many? "Hypothesis? we in chalk?" Quiet is set? So she Beta is the partner in the story? Additional.?? When doping this signal? Some code, decimals. The schedule single? NT? ' Invocation + A sudden!! 56, 6, 9 or else the fix to reker. We see big protocol? I apologize maybe no; talk. Ilustr Nevertheless. historic ... Everyone just. prowled? Be careful with respect exclusive movement. We talk and jump threads again. The appropriate. Lastly, Are electron ' because racist very attempted gas > If we studied all half. 'Business with Book general heart counsel. One you lost. Ok. canimized. "