What Does a Community Relations Coordinator Do?
A community relations coordinator builds and maintains strong relationships between an organization and the communities it serves. This role involves planning events, supporting local outreach efforts, and acting as a liaison with civic groups, nonprofits, schools, and public agencies. The coordinator plays a key role in promoting a positive organizational image and aligning external partnerships with internal goals.
Whether working in a nonprofit, corporate, healthcare, or education setting, community relations coordinators help manage volunteer programs, corporate giving, and public events. They often serve as the face of the organization in local partnerships, ensuring that outreach efforts are strategic, inclusive, and effective.
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Community Relations Coordinator Core Responsibilities
- Plan and coordinate community outreach events, volunteer activities, and public engagement programs
- Build relationships with local organizations, government agencies, and community leaders
- Represent the organization at public forums, networking events, and service projects
- Collaborate with marketing or communications teams on outreach messaging and materials
- Track and report on outreach effectiveness, attendance, and public sentiment
- Respond to community inquiries and connect stakeholders with internal resources
- Support CSR or philanthropy initiatives aligned with the organization’s mission
- Maintain a calendar of outreach activities and update relevant databases
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Event planning and project coordination
- Strong communication and public speaking
- Community relationship management
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, CRM tools, or volunteer databases
Soft skills
- Empathy and cultural awareness
- Relationship-building and diplomacy
- Organized, self-directed, and detail-oriented
- Adaptability in public-facing environments
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, nonprofit management, or a related field
Certifications
Not required, though training in community engagement, DEI, or nonprofit program management can be beneficial.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience in community outreach, public affairs, or volunteer coordination
- Bilingual or multilingual skills, depending on the population served
- Familiarity with local government or nonprofit sectors
- Experience working in diverse communities or with underserved populations
National Average Salary
Community relations coordinator salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Community Relations Coordinator is:
$55,325
Sample Job Description Templates for Community Relations Coordinators
Entry-Level Community Relations Coordinator
Position Overview
An entry-level community relations coordinator supports outreach programs, volunteer events, and local partnerships. This role focuses on administrative support, relationship tracking, and assisting with public-facing activities that promote a positive image of the organization.
Responsibilities
- Assist in planning and executing community events and service initiatives
- Coordinate logistics for outreach projects, including venue setup and scheduling
- Respond to basic inquiries from the public or partner organizations
- Maintain databases for volunteers, partners, and outreach activities
- Prepare outreach materials, invitations, and event follow-up communication
- Support senior staff in relationship-building and reporting efforts
Requirements
Hard skills
- Basic event planning or administrative coordination
- Strong written and verbal communication
- Microsoft Office or Google Workspace proficiency
- CRM or volunteer management system experience is a plus
Soft skills
- Friendly, community-focused attitude
- Reliability and attention to detail
- Flexibility to work evenings or weekends during events
- Team-oriented and professional
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, or related field preferred
Senior Community Relations Coordinator
Position Overview
A senior community relations coordinator leads the execution of outreach strategies, nurtures key partnerships, and supports the organization’s presence in the community. They serve as the primary contact for external stakeholders and manage complex public initiatives.
Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain relationships with community leaders, nonprofits, and agencies
- Lead execution of events, sponsorships, and community programs
- Represent the organization at public meetings, forums, or press events
- Track KPIs and generate reports on engagement effectiveness
- Supervise junior outreach staff or volunteers as needed
- Collaborate with internal departments to align messaging and mission
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced planning, outreach coordination, and reporting
- Public speaking and stakeholder communication
- Knowledge of community impact metrics and evaluation
Soft skills
- Diplomatic and culturally competent communicator
- Independent decision-making
- High emotional intelligence and adaptability
- Leadership and mentorship capabilities
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s in public affairs or nonprofit leadership preferred
Community Engagement Manager
Position Overview
A community engagement manager designs and leads engagement programs that align with organizational goals and community needs. They manage team members, develop strategic partnerships, and measure the long-term impact of outreach initiatives.
Responsibilities
- Build engagement strategies that support outreach, partnerships, and public impact
- Oversee field teams, volunteers, or outreach staff
- Analyze community needs and feedback to shape future initiatives
- Lead development of outreach campaigns, service programs, or collaborative events
- Manage outreach budgets and resource allocation
- Represent the organization to civic groups, stakeholders, and the media
Requirements
Hard skills
- Program development and community planning
- Data-driven decision-making and impact reporting
- Budget oversight and team management
Soft skills
- Strategic thinking and adaptability
- Leadership and team development
- Strong negotiation and relationship-building
- Clear, mission-aligned communication
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s in public administration or community development preferred
Director of Community Relations
Position Overview
The director of community relations leads the strategic vision for public outreach and community partnerships. This senior role oversees engagement programs, builds high-level relationships, and represents the organization at the executive and civic levels.
Responsibilities
- Set long-term strategy for external community relations and reputation management
- Oversee all outreach staff, volunteers, and engagement initiatives
- Manage relationships with key stakeholders, including local government, nonprofits, and corporate partners
- Coordinate with executive leadership on CSR, DEI, and brand alignment
- Lead responses to community crises or high-profile public concerns
- Report on program ROI, community sentiment, and long-term impact
Requirements
Hard skills
- Strategic planning for public affairs and community initiatives
- High-level public speaking and spokesperson experience
- Executive stakeholder management and policy alignment
Soft skills
- Visionary leadership with a collaborative mindset
- Political and cultural awareness
- Influence-building and public trust stewardship
- Executive presence and communication
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s in public affairs, communications, or nonprofit leadership highly preferred