1

Community Relations Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Community Relations Manager

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$37.09 - $55.17/hr

One California Job Summary and Responsibilities As our Community Relations manager, you will be responsible for all aspects of marketing, outreach, advertising, and community relations for the ...

Be Seen First

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 1. Assists in developing and implementing a comprehensive community relations strategy that aligns with the Agency's mission and goals. 2. Assists in planning ...

As construction activity scales up, we need a Community Relations Assistant to manage day-to-day resident communication and complaint resolution - handling the volume of property damage claims ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Community Relations information

See California salary details

$35.5K

$121.4K

$136.7K

How much do community relations jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for community relations in California is $121,361.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $136,200.00 and $136,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are community relations?

Community relations refers to the practice of building and maintaining positive relationships between an organization and the communities in which it operates. Professionals in this field work to foster goodwill, address concerns, and create partnerships that benefit both the organization and the public. Their responsibilities often include organizing events, managing communications, and supporting corporate social responsibility initiatives. Effective community relations help improve the organization's reputation and ensure mutual understanding with stakeholders.

What is the difference between Community Relations vs Public Relations?

AspectCommunity RelationsPublic Relations
Primary FocusBuilding and maintaining relationships with local communities and stakeholdersManaging the organization's public image and media relations
Work EnvironmentCommunity events, local organizations, nonprofit settingsMedia outlets, press releases, corporate communications
Required CredentialsCommunications, Public Relations, or related degrees; often requires community engagement experienceCommunications, Journalism, or Public Relations degrees; media relations experience

While both roles involve communication skills and stakeholder engagement, Community Relations focuses on local community partnerships and grassroots efforts, whereas Public Relations emphasizes managing the organization's overall public image and media interactions. Understanding these differences helps organizations target the right skills and strategies for each role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Community Relations Specialist, and why are they important?

To excel as a Community Relations Specialist, you need strong communication, public relations, and organizational skills, typically supported by a degree in communications, public relations, or a related field. Familiarity with social media platforms, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, and event planning tools is often required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and problem-solving abilities help you build trust and positive connections with diverse community stakeholders. These skills are crucial for fostering meaningful engagement, enhancing an organization’s reputation, and effectively addressing community needs.

How does a Community Relations professional typically collaborate with other departments within an organization?

Community Relations professionals often work closely with departments such as marketing, public relations, and human resources to ensure consistent messaging and alignment with the organization's goals. They may coordinate events, manage partnerships, and gather feedback from the community to relay important insights internally. Successful collaboration requires strong communication skills and the ability to balance community needs with organizational objectives, ensuring that initiatives are both meaningful and effective.
What are the most commonly searched types of Community Relations jobs in California? The most popular types of Community Relations jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Community Relations jobs in California? For Community Relations jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Community Relations jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Community Relations jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Community Relations jobs? Cities in California with the most Community Relations job openings:
Infographic showing various Community Relations job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $121,361 per year, or $58.3 per hour.

Community Relations Analyst

Cordova Recreation & Park District

Rancho Cordova, CA • On-site

$73K - $94K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Description Do you love telling stories that help people feel connected to their community. Are you just as comfortable creating a social media campaign as you are updating a website or digging into analytics to see what's working. Cordova Recreation & Park District (District) is looking for a creative, collaborative communications professional to join our Community Relations team as a Community Relations Analyst.

In this role, you'll lead the District's digital communications efforts, helping tell the stories behind our parks, programs, facilities and people. From creating engaging content and managing our digital platforms to representing the District at community events, you'll play an important role in strengthening our brand and connecting our community with the experiences we provide every day. This is a full-time onsite position with a comprehensive benefits package that includes fully paid (base plan) medical, dental, and vision for the employee and all eligible dependents.

The District participates in the CalPERS Retirement System. Employees in this classification work a 9/8/80 schedule. (a two-workweek schedule of eight 9-hour days, one 8-hour day, and one day off) Evening and weekends required as necessary for events.

Summary Description Under general direction of the Communications Manager, plans, coordinates and implements advanced community relations, communications, marketing, public engagement and partnership initiatives; leads strategic communication projects and campaigns; may oversee volunteers, contractors and assigned staff; and serves as a journey-level resource within the Community Relations series. Distinguishing Characteristics The Community Relations Analyst is the journey-level classification in the Community Relations series. Incumbents independently manage complex communications, marketing, public engagement, volunteer, sponsorship and partnership initiatives.

Incumbents may be assigned specialty focus areas including digital communications, marketing, community engagement, partnerships, events and/or volunteer coordination. This classification is distinguished from the Community Relations Coordinator by responsibility for strategic planning, project leadership, budget administration, contractor oversight and the exercise of independent judgement and decision-making authority. Who We Are Established in 1958, the District is an independent special district governed by an elected Board of Directors.

We provide quality recreational programs, parks and services for our diverse and growing region. We currently operate over 50 parks and facilities across more than 600 acres of urban and open space. We also operate Cordova Golf Course which is a full-service 18-Hole course with a lighted driving range, pro-shop and lessons from PGA professionals.

We host dozens of events throughout the year and provide athletic, educational and creative outlets for children and adults of all ages. Who We Serve We proudly serve communities within Sacramento County including the City of Rancho Cordova and the communities of Gold River, Larchmont, Mather, Riviera East, Rosemont and additional unincorporated portions of Sacramento County. Learn more about us at https://www.cordovarpd.gov/ Essential Functions The following duties are typical for this classification

Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices. Develop and implement strategic communications, marketing and community relations initiatives across digital, print and in-person channels. Serve as the project manager for all communication needs, including but not limited to recreation guides, brochures, banners, digital newsletters, print news articles, and various communications to staff and the public.

Work closely with District departments, community organizations, businesses, elected officials and stakeholders to support communication, outreach and engagement goals. Public Relations: Develop and implement informational and promotional materials over both print and digital platforms (i.e. website, social media, blog, email, print publications, press releases, e-newsletters, media advisories); serve as spokesperson for the District when needed or requested; coordinate campaigns and initiatives to promote the District

Guest/Customer Communications: Create general strategy and manage all guest service and general inquiries from the community via email and social media. Volunteer Coordination: Lead or coordinate volunteer recruitment, onboarding, recognition and program administration activities. Media Relations: Build and maintain relationships with local media; pitch to media for coverage; manage on-site visits (familiarization tours); develop contacts, coordinate media interviews and serve as on-site media handler.

Internal Communications: Build brand narrative around the District employee experience by highlighting the people and work culture on District News & Articles; create flyers and promotional materials for staff events; act as consult to support personnel policy development. Event Marketing: Assists in the coordination and implementation of District special events; lead preparations for attendance of non-District community events to promote District projects and services. Partnership & Sponsorship: Develop, coordinate and maintain strategic partnerships, sponsorships, community outreach efforts and stakeholder engagement opportunities that support District priorities.

Advertising: create, assist with design, and place advertising as appropriate within budget, matching key messages with target audiences using appropriate medium (print, trade publications, TV, radio). Data Analytics: Prepare financial and statistical reports related to event or program attendance and revenues; benchmark events, programs, and services; compile and analyze trends; prepare other reports and administrative materials. Participate in budget preparation and administration; prepares cost estimates for assigned area; submit justifications materials, supplies, and services as needed; monitor and control expenditures.

Provide direction for contract graphic designers and produces graphics (flyers, posters) for various departments and teams. Serve as communications consultant for District staff. Prepare a variety of administrative reports, records, and correspondences that may be complex or sensitive.

Assists with the Board meeting coordination, serves as Clerk of the Board backup for the Communications Manager and attends Board meetings as necessary. Attends evening and weekend events as necessary. Drive a vehicle throughout the District to perform assigned work.

Perform related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties. Knowledge of: Excellent communications, public affairs, marketing, and branding with a history of delivering high quality results.

Principles and practices of marketing and promotion. Excellent understanding of organizational operations, elected bodies, and budgeting. Demonstrated leadership and experience managing a comprehensive, integrated strategic communications effort.

Principles and techniques of effective volunteer recruitment, supervision, training and development, and management. Effective results in consensus and relationship building that support a communications strategy. Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Suite, social media platforms, and website management platforms. Experience managing media and maintaining relationships that support a communications strategy. Design and the design process and oversight of design and production of all graphics, collateral, ads, website content, materials, etc.

Current trends in digital media/social media. Ability to: Effectively and efficiently use project management skills including the ability to manage multiple projects, teams and vendors, and meeting tight deadlines. Problem-solve with a track record for translating strategic thinking into action and converting adversity into opportunity.

Be self-motivated with a positive and professional approach to management, excellent interpersonal skills, creative and a positive attitude. Be decisive, resourceful, responsible, and humble with the ability to motivate and be motivated to deliver outstanding results. Be confident and intuitive communicator with excellent verbal, writing, editing and presentations skills.

Analyze data and conduct research to determine trends for marketing, media and public relations. Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications. Make persuasive public presentations.

Exercise sound judgment with established guidelines. Use independent judgment in routine situations, such as answering questions. Effectively coordinate work efforts with District staff in all departments.

Effectively communicate with individuals or groups utilizing a broad base of verbal skills. Comprehend and correctly use a variety of informational documents, including reports, procedure manuals, financial analysis and reports initiated by staff. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Drive a vehicle throughout the District to perform assigned work. Education and Experience Guidelines - Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in communications, journalism, marketing, or related field, and two years of experience leading public relations initiatives or related communications management. Experience working for a non-profit, community organization or attraction-based business a plus. License or Certificate: Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license.

Additional Requirements: Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) background checks required. Required to take and pass a drug screening. Supplemental Information PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential job functions. Environment: Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment with some accomplished in an outdoor setting; extensive public contact and constant interruptions; exposure to noise, moisture, dust, and all types of weather and temperature conditions including hot, wet, and/or humid conditions. Work may require travel to and from off-site locations throughout the District.

Physical: Sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office or outdoor setting; to sit or stand for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to use standard office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including the use of a keyboard; to occasionally push, pull, lift and/or carry items weighing up to 40 pounds; to make frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and coworker contact; occasional working alone; frequent repetitive motion, writing, grasping, holding and reaching; to use fine and gross motor coordination for driving; and to verbally communicate to exchange information. Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction. Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

NOTE: The above job description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the needs of the department. Pre-Hire Requirements: Before an employee is hired, they must successfully complete pre-employment requirements that may include, but are not limited to: Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) background checks, pre-employment drug screening, reference check, DMV check, licensure/certification check, and proof of eligibility to work in the United States in accordance with Immigration and Reform Control Act of 1986. How to Apply for this Position: An applicant must submit, during the application filing period, an online application and attach any supplemental information as required in the job announcement which may include submitting responses to a supplemental questionnaire.

Online resumes and other unsolicited materials may be attached, but will not be considered in lieu of the required online application, unless otherwise specified in the job announcement. The District reserves the right to limit the number of online applications when necessary. Applicants are responsible for maintaining/updating their contact information through the online application system.

SELECTION PROCEDURES Initial Selection Review: The Cordova Recreation & Park District reviews all initial application materials to identify qualified applicants. Applications will be screened against the criteria outlined in this job posting, the minimum qualifications, responses to the supplemental questions, and other needs of the position. The best qualified candidates will be invited to a series of panel interviews at a date that is to be determined.

Testing: Testing for this position or any other position may include, but is not limited to the following: written exam, practical exam, panel interview, oral presentation, project assignment, etc. If a revision is made to a testing component during a recruitment process, the assigned recruiter will notify by email all affected applicants. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accommodation: In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, anyone who needs reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, or a job interview, please contact the assigned recruiter.

Cordova Recreation & Park District is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and will ensure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. Withdrawing from Recruitment Process: Whenever an applicant chooses to withdraw from a recruitment process, they are r...