This is a quick post to record three links pertaining to a type of career I've not heard of previously: "Community Manager"
https://www.seek.com.au/career-advice/role/community-manager
On this page
Community Managers manage a brand or individual’s online communities. They monitor and encourage user engagement across a brand’s social media accounts and other digital channels. Strong communication skills, aptitude with social media monitoring tools, and a desire to develop and oversee an active online community are key to a Community Manager’s role. They work in the marketing department of government departments and companies in a broad range of industries including retail, professional, scientific and technical services, and marketing and communications.
Managing a company or individual’s online communities on social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Responding to messages, queries, complaints and customer reviews on digital channels.
Developing and implementing strategies to increase customer engagement on social media.
Using analytics tools to monitor performance in line with social media metrics including community engagement and brand sentiment.
Contributing to creation and implementation of social media content calendar.
Establishing online community guidelines.
While it is possible to work as a Community Manager without formal qualifications, employers may prefer candidates with a qualification in communication, media, marketing or a related field.
- Complete a university degree such as a Bachelor of Communication. This is a three-year course of full-time study. Prerequisites include completion of Australian high school Year 12 (or equivalent) and assumed knowledge in English, media and psychology.
- Seek out internship opportunities while studying in order to gain industry experience.
- Build your proficiency in social media monitoring tools and stay updated with digital marketing trends to stay ahead of the curve in a fast-paced industry.
Be one of the first to discover these recently listed jobs, or browse all Community Manager jobs on SEEK right now.
Having the right skills and experience can make you an in-demand applicant. Community Manager employers on SEEK are looking for job seekers with expertise in the following areas.
Note that the latest Community Manager review dated Feb 2024 is by a self-admitted A.I
https://www.creativerecruiters.com.au/marketing/community-manager
A Community Manager is a professional responsible for building, managing, and engaging with an online community of users or customers on behalf of a brand, organisation, or online platform. They play a crucial role in fostering a positive and interactive digital environment while representing the brand's interests. Here's a breakdown of what a Community Manager does:
Responsibilities:
1. Community Engagement: Actively engage with the online community by responding to comments, questions, and concerns on social media, forums, or other community platforms.
2. Content Moderation: Monitor user-generated content to ensure it adheres to community guidelines and brand standards. Remove or address inappropriate content as necessary.
3. Community Growth: Implement strategies to attract and retain community members, including the planning and execution of engagement initiatives, contests, or events.
4. Feedback Gathering: Collect and analyze user feedback and suggestions to provide insights to the organization for product improvements or adjustments in marketing strategies.
5. Conflict Resolution: Mediate and resolve conflicts or disputes within the community, ensuring a positive and respectful environment.
6. Content Creation: Develop and curate relevant and engaging content to keep the community active and informed.
7. Advocacy and Loyalty Building: Identify and nurture brand advocates within the community who can help spread positive word-of-mouth and drive brand loyalty.
8. Reporting: Analyze community engagement metrics, such as user activity and sentiment, to provide regular reports and recommendations for improving community management strategies.
Qualifications:
1. Education: A bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field is often preferred but not always required. Relevant certifications or coursework in community management can be beneficial.
2. Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for interacting effectively with community members and conveying the brand's message.
3. Empathy: The ability to understand and empathize with community members' concerns and needs is important for conflict resolution and building positive relationships.
4. Problem-Solving: Effective problem-solving skills to address issues and disputes within the community while maintaining a positive atmosphere.
5. Moderation Skills: Familiarity with content moderation tools and practices to enforce community guidelines.
6. Social Media Proficiency: A good understanding of various social media platforms and their features, as well as the ability to use them effectively for community engagement.
Software Use:
Community Managers commonly use various software tools, including:
1. Social Media Platforms: Access to and proficiency in platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, or forums relevant to the community.
2. Community Management Platforms: Tools like Hootsuite, Sprout Social, or community-specific platforms for scheduling posts, managing engagement, and tracking metrics.
3. Content Creation Tools: Software for creating and editing images, videos, or written content for community posts.
4. Content Moderation Tools: Tools and software for monitoring and moderating user-generated content.
5. Analytics Tools: Social media analytics platforms and tools like Google Analytics for tracking community engagement metrics.
6. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software: CRM systems for managing and tracking interactions with community members.
In summary, a Community Manager is responsible for creating, nurturing, and managing an online community, engaging with its members, and representing the brand effectively. They require a combination of educational qualifications, strong communication skills, empathy, and proficiency in relevant software tools to excel in their role. The ability to mediate conflicts, generate positive engagement, and report on community metrics is also crucial for successful community management.
Australian Community Managers is the centre of excellence for community training, resources and career development.
Launched in 2009 as the Australian Community Manager Roundtables, ACM was formed by community managers for community managers.
Our members plan, build and manage online communities across industries and contexts.
Our mission is to grow and enhance community management practice through training, resources, mentoring and meaning-rich connection.
We believe thriving intentional communities are the future and that community designers and custodians are essential to their growth and sustainability.
We develop people working on online communities in Australia, in both professional or volunteer settings.
We specialise in:
Training in online community management practices
Timely training on new tools, techniques or issues impacting their work
Resources and templates
Exclusive events with peers and industry leaders
Industry and academic research into community management practice
As the leading representative of the online community management industry in our region, ACM also consults with government, researchers and other peak bodies around online community management (including moderation and governance, digital engagement and social media platforms).
Venessa Paech | Co-Founder & Director
Venessa is a global authority on online communities and their governance. She has led community for Lonely Planet, realestate.com.au and Australia Post among others, and consults for a diverse range of national and international clients.
Venessa founded the Australian Community Manager Roundtables (ACM) in 2009, and created Australia’s online communities conference - Swarm - in 2011 with co-founder Alison Michalk.
Venessa teaches Online Community Management for post-graduates at the University of Sydney, where she is also pursuing her PhD.
