Finding the perfect Community Manager isn’t just an annoying checkbox on your to-do list—it’s a mission-critical task that can make or break your community strategy.
Whether you’re hiring your very first Community Manager or adding to your growing team, this role is pivotal in connecting your brand with its audience and nurturing authentic relationships. If you’re hiring your first Community Manager, this guide is even more essential.
Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Understand the profile
Before you post that job ad, take a moment to define what kind of Community Manager you’re looking for. Is your community focused on SaaS, a gaming fanbase, or maybe a nonprofit cause? Different types of communities demand different skill sets.
Ask these key questions:
- What experience does the candidate have in managing similar types of communities?
- Are they familiar with the platforms and tools you use (Discord, Slack, LinkedIn groups, etc.)?
- How have they handled tough situations, like member conflicts or declining engagement?
Don’t just skim through resumés; dig into their portfolio or past projects. Did they grow a Facebook group from 200 to 10,000 members? Did they spark a viral campaign on Reddit? Numbers and results speak volumes.
Step 2: Skills to watch for
A great Community Manager isn’t just someone who’s chatty on Twitter (although that helps). Here are the key skills to look out for:
1. Communication superpowers
They need to write posts, reply to comments, host webinars, and moderate discussions—all while maintaining your brand’s voice and values.
2. Empathy in abundance
Communities are built on trust and understanding. Your Community Manager should be someone who listens actively, resolves conflicts diplomatically, and genuinely cares about your audience.
3. Analytical savvy
Behind every thriving community is a pile of data. Look for someone who knows how to track KPIs like engagement rates, member retention, and platform growth—and use that data to make informed decisions.
4. Creativity and roblem-solving
Every community will face its share of challenges—from spammy posts to a drop in activity. A skilled CM should think on their feet and find innovative ways to reignite the spark.
Teresa Garanhel
Step 3: Nail the hiring process
Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to get hiring. Here’s how:
1. Create a stellar job description
Don’t just list out “manage our social media” and call it a day. Highlight the exciting aspects of the role: things like fostering meaningful connections, creating impactful campaigns, and driving engagement metrics.
2. Structure the Interview Process
- Round 1: Screening — Focus on their experience and how they’ve handled past challenges.
- Round 2: Skills Test — Ask them to create a mini-strategy for a hypothetical community scenario or analyze an engagement report.
- Round 3: Culture Fit — Ensure their values align with your brand’s mission and tone.
Hannah Wesson
3. Involve the Team
Community Managers work cross-functionally, so involve your marketing, customer success, and product teams in the hiring process. They’ll give you insights into whether the candidate can collaborate effectively.
Why this role is different
Unlike many roles, hiring a Community Manager isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about finding someone who lives and breathes your brand’s mission and knows how to build authentic relationships.
Their impact will ripple across your business, influencing customer loyalty, brand reputation, and even sales. Take your time to find the right fit—the investment will pay off tenfold.
Whether you’re hiring your very first Community Manager or your fifth, remember: the right person won’t just manage your community—they’ll help it thrive.
