Community Manager hiring toolbox

A well-managed community can be a significant asset to any organization.

For example, one study found that 86% of businesses report that community management is essential for their success, with 72% planning to increase their investment in 2025.

A community manager is essential in harnessing this potential, driving engagement, and enhancing the overall value the community brings to the organization.

Hard skills

Experience planning and leading community initiatives

Explanation: The technical ability to strategize, execute, and evaluate community programs from conception to completion.

Example: Successfully launching a mentorship program by creating the program structure, developing matching algorithms, establishing success metrics, and implementing feedback loops for continuous improvement.

Excellent writing skills

Explanation: The ability to create clear, engaging, and error-free written content across various communication channels.

Example: Crafting compelling newsletter content, writing clear community guidelines, developing engaging social media posts, and creating concise yet informative event descriptions that drive participation.

Experience with community management platforms like Hivebrite

Explanation: Proficiency in using community management software to effectively manage member interactions and community operations.

Example: Using Hivebrite to set up automated member onboarding workflows, manage event registrations, facilitate group discussions, and track member engagement metrics through the platform’s analytics tools.

Data analytics and reporting expertise

Explanation: The ability to collect, analyze, and interpret community data to make informed decisions and demonstrate value.

Example: Creating monthly engagement reports that track key metrics like member growth, event participation rates, and content engagement, then using these insights to make data-driven improvements to community programs.

Project management methodologies

Explanation: Knowledge and application of structured approaches to planning, executing, and completing community projects efficiently.

Example: Using agile methodology to manage a community rebranding project, breaking it into sprints, maintaining a project board, conducting regular stand-ups with stakeholders, and adapting plans based on continuous feedback.

Soft skills

Empathy and strong interpersonal skills

Explanation: The ability to understand and share members’ feelings, perspectives, and needs while building genuine connections.

Example: A member posts about feeling overwhelmed as a new entrepreneur. Instead of giving generic advice, the community manager responds by acknowledging their feelings, sharing a similar past experience, and connecting them with other members who successfully navigated similar challenges.

Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities

Explanation: Managing multiple tasks, priorities, and deadlines while maintaining quality and efficiency.

Example: Simultaneously managing a monthly newsletter deadline, moderating daily discussions, coordinating an upcoming virtual event, and responding to member inquiries – all while maintaining an organized content calendar and task management system.

Excellent verbal communication skills

Explanation: Clearly articulating ideas, instructions, and feedback in a way that resonates with diverse audiences.

Example: Hosting a community AMA session where the manager effectively facilitates discussion, asks clarifying questions, summarizes complex topics, and ensures all participants feel heard and understood.

Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills

Explanation: Building rapport and effectively delivering information to groups while maintaining engagement.

Example: Delivering a compelling community onboarding webinar that combines professional presentation skills with personal warmth, encouraging active participation and making new members feel welcome.

Attention to detail

Explanation: Maintaining accuracy and thoroughness in all aspects of community management.

Example: Noticing that certain members haven’t been engaging recently and proactively reaching out to check in, while also ensuring all community guidelines are consistently enforced and event details are accurately communicated.

Creativity in problem-solving and content creation

Explanation: Developing innovative solutions and engaging content that addresses community needs.

Example: When engagement drops during summer months, creating a “Summer challenge series” that combines micro-learning, peer accountability, and gamification to keep members active and connected.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Explanation: Being self-motivated while also collaborating effectively with colleagues and stakeholders.

Example: Taking initiative to launch a new member spotlight series independently, while also collaborating effectively with the marketing team to ensure alignment with broader organizational goals and branding guidelines.

For those looking to enhance their community management skills, Hivebrite offers a wealth of resources in our community management library!