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Community Relation Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Senior Lifestyle

Community Relations Director

Elgin, IL · On-site

$78K - $85K/yr

The Community Relations Director will lead the sales and marketing department at the community. Salary: $78k - $85k plus commission * Schedule, organize, and conduct tours with prospective resident ...

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All JobsCommunity Relation JobsCommunity Relation Jobs in Chicago, IL

Community Relation information

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$15

$25

$33

How much do community relation jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for community relation in Chicago, IL is $25.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.82 and $29.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is community relation?

Community relations refers to the strategies and activities organizations use to build and maintain positive relationships with the communities in which they operate. Professionals in this field work to enhance the organization's image, address community concerns, and foster collaboration with local groups and stakeholders. Their work often involves organizing events, managing outreach programs, and serving as a liaison between the organization and the public. Effective community relations can help build trust, improve reputation, and support long-term business goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a community relations specialist?

To thrive as a Community Relations Specialist, you need strong communication, public relations, and organizational skills, often supported by a degree in communications, public relations, or a related field. Familiarity with social media platforms, content management systems, and event planning tools is typically required. Relationship-building, cultural sensitivity, and problem-solving are crucial soft skills for effectively engaging diverse community groups. These skills are important to build trust, foster positive relationships, and enhance an organization's reputation within the community.

How does a community relations professional typically collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders?

Community Relations professionals serve as a vital bridge between their organization and the local community. They frequently work alongside internal departments such as marketing, public relations, and leadership to align outreach initiatives with organizational goals. Externally, they build and maintain partnerships with local groups, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations to drive engagement and foster positive relationships. Successful collaboration requires strong communication skills, a proactive approach to networking, and the ability to balance multiple stakeholder interests. This teamwork helps ensure that community programs are impactful and in sync with both organizational and community needs.

What is the difference between Community Relation vs Public Relations Specialist?

AspectCommunity RelationPublic Relations Specialist
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Communications, Public Relations, or related fieldBachelor's in Communications, Public Relations, or related field
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations, local government, community groupsCorporations, PR agencies, media outlets
Employer & Industry UsageCommunity-focused organizations, local governmentBusinesses, agencies, media
Common Search & ComparisonCommunity Relation vs Public Relations Specialist

Community Relations and Public Relations Specialists both require similar educational backgrounds and often work in communication roles. However, Community Relations focuses on building relationships within local communities and nonprofit sectors, while Public Relations Specialists manage a company's public image and media relations. Understanding these differences helps organizations find the right expertise for their communication needs.

What degree do you need for community relation?

A community relations specialist typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in fields such as public relations, communications, marketing, or social sciences. Relevant skills include strong communication, interpersonal abilities, and experience with community engagement or public outreach. Some roles may prefer or require additional certifications or experience in specific areas.

What is a job in community relation?

A community relations job involves building and maintaining positive relationships between an organization and the community it serves. Responsibilities often include organizing events, communicating with community members, and promoting the organization’s initiatives, requiring strong communication and interpersonal skills.

What is the role of community relations?

The role of community relations involves building and maintaining positive relationships between an organization and the community it serves. Community relations professionals organize outreach programs, communicate organizational goals, and address community concerns to foster goodwill and support. Strong communication skills and cultural awareness are essential in this role.
Community Relation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Community Relation job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,623 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

Community Relations Rep

Chicago, IL • On-site

Chicago Public Schools
See more jobs at Chicago Public Schoolsexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Community Relations Representative I
CLASS TITLE: Community Relations Representative I
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS: Under the supervision of the school principal, functions as a liaison between the school, community, parents, and students to improve school/community relations and student attendance problems and performs related duties as required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Provides support to teachers experiencing serious student truancy problems; establishes relationships with community organizations and social service agencies to identify existing resources and services; works with students and families of students with truancy problems to determine causes of truancy problems; develops resource networks and accompanies students and parents or guardians to community and social service agencies that provide services and referrals not directly provided by the Chicago Public Schools; assists in compiling periodic activity reports for submission to supervisory staff; meets with community organizations to obtain information and literature concerning available services for distribution to students and their families as necessary; and prepares and maintains pertinent records and reports.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Training and Experience. Graduation from an accredited educational institution with an associate's degree or the successful completion of two years of college-level coursework at an accredited college or university supplemented by three years of experience in community organizations or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills. Good knowledge of various community organizations and social service agencies that serve the community in which the school is located. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with various community organizations and social service agencies that serve the community in which the school is located. Good interpersonal and human relations skills; effective oral and written communication skills.
Physical Requirements. Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, or a negligible amount of force frequently to move objects. Even though weight of force moved may be only a negligible amount, a position should be rated as Light Work (1) when it requires walking or standing to a significant degree or (2) when it requires sitting most of the time but entails pushing or pulling of arm controls.

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