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Community Relations Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Church Relations Officer

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$70 - $90/hr

... community that these individuals only dreamed of before receiving the gift of mobility. Free Wheelchair Mission is seeking a Church Relations Officer who not only meets the requirements of the job ...

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Community Relations Officer information

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$45.5K

$88.8K

$130.5K

How much do community relations officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for community relations officer in the United States is $88,807.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $100,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a community relations officer do?

As a community relations officer, your job is to manage the relationship your company has with community members and other local organizations. In your role as CRO, you may serve as a central point of contact for non-employees, help develop and run outreach programs, and manage support staff. You use community psychology to help create a positive and welcoming atmosphere for the business. Fulfilling the responsibilities and duties of a community relations officer requires interpersonal skills. Similar job titles include community relations specialist or manager.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a community relations officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Community Relations Officer, you need strong communication, public relations, and organizational skills, often supported by a bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, or a related field. Familiarity with social media platforms, event management software, and public relations tools is typically required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to build trust make someone stand out in this position. These competencies are vital for fostering positive relationships between organizations and their communities, ensuring effective outreach and engagement.

What are some common challenges faced by community relations officers when engaging with diverse community groups?

Community Relations Officers often encounter the challenge of building trust among diverse groups with varying backgrounds, interests, and concerns. Navigating conflicting priorities and addressing misunderstandings requires strong communication and active listening skills. Officers must remain patient and adaptable, ensuring that all voices are heard and finding creative solutions to foster positive relationships. Success in this role often depends on being approachable, transparent, and culturally sensitive while collaborating with both internal teams and external stakeholders.

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

AspectCommunity Relations OfficerPublic Relations Specialist
CredentialsBachelor's in Communications, Public Relations, or related fieldsBachelor's in Communications, Public Relations, or related fields
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, local government, non-profitsCorporate offices, PR agencies, media outlets
Employer & IndustryLocal governments, non-profits, community organizationsBusinesses, corporations, PR firms
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding community engagement rolesMedia relations, brand management

While both roles focus on communication and relationship-building, Community Relations Officers primarily engage with local communities and organizations to foster positive relationships. Public Relations Specialists often handle media relations and brand image at a broader, sometimes corporate, level. The roles overlap in skills and education but differ in their primary focus and work environment.

What degree do you need for community relations officer?

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

What cities are hiring for Community Relations Officer jobs?

Cities with the most Community Relations Officer job openings:

What states have the most Community Relations Officer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Community Relations Officer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Community Relations Officer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,807 per year, or $42.7 per hour.

Church Relations Officer

FREE WHEELCHAIR MISSION

Irvine, CA โ€ข On-site

$70 - $90/hr

Other

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Free Wheelchair Mission (FWM) is a humanitarian, faith-based, non-profit organization based in Irvine, California, USA. Our mission is to โ€œTransform lives through the gift of mobility to people with disabilities living in developing nations as motivated by Jesus Christ.โ€
There are an estimated 80 million people around the world today in need of a wheelchair. We are focused and committed to being a leading provider of mobility in developing countries, but beyond placing a recipient in a wheelchair, we are bringing transformation that opens doors to education, employment opportunities, and community that these individuals only dreamed of before receiving the gift of mobility.
Free Wheelchair Mission is seeking a Church Relations Officer who not only meets the requirements of the job but has an interest in being part of an organization that is making a significant difference in the lives of individuals in need throughout the world.
Job Summary:
Manage and grow a comprehensive church partnership program by identifying, cultivating, soliciting, stewarding, and expanding long-term relationships with current and prospective church partners. This role is responsible for generating new church partnerships, increasing engagement and financial support, managing a portfolio of church relationships, and contributing to annual revenue goals. The Church Relations Officer serves as a key representative of Free Wheelchair Mission through church presentations, speaking engagements, and relationship-building opportunities while partnering closely with Major Gifts Officers on strategic opportunities to build and grow our focus markets.
Responsibilities:
  • Maintain a portfolio of base- and mid-level church partnerships.
  • Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward church partnerships by making direct asks for financial support, securing commitments, and identifying and pursuing giving opportunities such as missions budgets, special offerings, event or program sponsorships, matching gifts, and multi-year commitments.
  • Develop and execute a strategic plan to retain and grow existing church partnerships and establish new church relationships nationwide. Collaborate with the Director of Development to refine the approach and achieve a 15% year-over-year revenue increase for the program.
  • Proactively identify and pursue new church leads through outreach, networking, cold calling, and relationship development.
  • Manage a qualified church pipeline with projected revenue, next steps, target ask amounts, and clear movement toward commitment.
  • Meet annual revenue goals for the church program and provide timely, accurate forecasts based on portfolio activity and donor readiness.
  • Serve as a dynamic spokesperson for Free Wheelchair Mission at churches, conferences, and eventsโ€”delivering compelling presentations that inspire engagement and partnership.
  • Establish and develop strong relationships with churches by identifying partnership opportunities within Orange County and out-of-state as needed. Conduct face-to-face meetings with potential and existing churches. Sunday work will be required.
  • Available for occasional domestic and international travel, including weekends, to speak on behalf of Free Wheelchair Mission at churches.
  • Partner closely with the Major Gifts Officers on larger opportunities while continuing to continue to advance, and close appropriate opportunities within the Church Relations portfolio.
  • Maintain consistent and accurate records of all communications and activities in the database.
  • Maintain high levels of outreach activity, including calls, meetings, and follow-up, with a strong emphasis on pipeline development.
  • Perform other duties and tasks as assigned by the direct supervisor.
  • Share the message of Free Wheelchair Mission and our vision.

Minimum Experience and Required Skills:
  • A minimum of 2 years of experience in sales, business development, or nonprofit development.
  • Demonstrated prior success securing financial commitments through fundraising, sales, business development, church partnerships, or ministry fundraising.
  • Experience serving church staff, in pastoral leadership, or as a key volunteer, with a deep understanding of church structure and decision-making processes.
  • Demonstrated leadership experience in ministerial environments is highly desirable.
  • Working knowledge of church organizational and decision-making processes.
  • Confident and compelling public speaker with experience preaching, teaching, or presenting in church or ministry contexts.
  • Familiarity with denominational distinctives, staff positions, and responsibilities.
  • Demonstrated ability and willingness to initiate outreach, including cold calling or direct engagement with churches to build relationships.
  • Outstanding verbal, written, and email communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, solve problems, and work as part of a team.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to interact diplomatically with diverse donors and groups.
  • Proven ability to identify giving potential, move relationships forward, make direct asks, and convert interest into financial partnership.
Physical Demands:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50pounds.
Compensation:
Depending on qualifications and experience, the annual salary range is $70,000โ€“$90,000.
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