How Do I Become a Community Affairs Manager?

To become a community affairs manager, you typically will need an educational background in public relations, marketing or journalism along with several years of professional experience in the area of public relations. It also might help if you have strong connections with political and community leaders where you live as well as some understanding of how charitable organizations operate. If your ultimate goal in your public relations career is to become a community affairs manager, you might consider volunteering for one or more charities to get an idea of how these groups operate and what their needs are. You might consider focusing on networking opportunities within your community. Finally, you might also consider pursuing additional studies in public policy or community affairs management.

If you are currently in college, consider majoring in public relations if you want to become a community affairs manager. Other options for college majors include communications, marketing or journalism. Classes in nonprofit management or political science might also be useful. Try to get an internship for a company that has a strong community affairs program as well. Another option is to do volunteer work while you are in school so that you can better understand volunteer management.

After you are out of school, consider trying to get an entry-level position in a company's public relations department or with a public relations agency. When you talk with your supervisor, mention your interest in getting more involved with community outreach projects. Although this might not enable you to become a community affairs manager right away, your supervisor will know that you are interested in this role and might be able to help you take on more community-related projects.

In some cases, a company's community affairs programs involve strong volunteer efforts on the part of the company's employees. As such, it might be a good idea to develop your management skills, because you might be relied upon to recruit, organize and oversee employee volunteer efforts. Continuing education courses in management are often available through local colleges as well as independent course providers.

Take advantage of other educational opportunities as well. Public relations conventions and conferences might have workshops on community affairs that you can attend, and graduate schools might have specialized programs for people who want to become community affairs managers. Ask your employer about tuition reimbursement programs that can help pay for this additional education.