1

Community Relations Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Be Seen First

Director of Church & Community Relations

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... relations, business development, ministry partnerships, or church leadership. * Demonstrate the ... throughout the community. * Exhibit strong organizational, analytical, written, and oral ...

$158K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... community * 94% are proud to tell others they work at the USO * 92% say their work has special ... Essential Duties) * Assist the Director, Global Entertainment Relations in program implementation ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Community Relations information

See Virginia salary details

$35.7K

$121.9K

$137.3K

How much do community relations jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for community relations in Virginia is $121,917.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $136,800.00 and $136,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is 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.

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 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.

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 degree do you need for community relations?

A bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, marketing, or a related field is typically required for community relations roles. Relevant skills such as interpersonal communication, public speaking, and experience with community engagement are also important.

What do you do in community relations?

A community relations professional manages relationships between an organization and the community it serves. They organize events, communicate with stakeholders, and develop programs to promote positive engagement and support the organization's goals. Strong communication skills and knowledge of local issues are essential in this role.

What skills are needed for community relations jobs?

Community relations jobs require strong communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships with community members and stakeholders. Additionally, skills in public speaking, conflict resolution, event planning, and cultural competency are important, along with the ability to manage social media and public outreach efforts. Organizational skills and knowledge of local issues also enhance effectiveness in this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Community Relations jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Community Relations jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Community Relations jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Community Relations job openings:

Infographic showing various Community Relations job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,917 per year, or $58.6 per hour.

Community Relations Director

Watercrest Senior Living

Moseley, VA • On-site

$71K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago


Watercrest Senior Living Group rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

A GREAT CAREER starts with a GREAT COMPANY!
Apply to join our team of servant leaders today!
  • THE DIFFERENCE IS OUR PEOPLE. Our associates answer a calling to serve seniors and their families every day. We believe in continually investing in these servant hearts; we envision them to be our future servant-centered leaders.
  • We’ve achieved GREAT PLACE TO WORK status NINE YEARS IN A ROW.
  • CAREER DEVELOPMENT. We reward our associates’ outstanding work and assist with career development to help fulfill their dreams!
  • Faith Driven and Mission-Centered. Our mission “To Welcome, To Care, To Serve” derives from four primary points of view (Purpose, Passion, Platform, and Potential) which inspire our associates to recognize and celebrate one another’s God-given gifts through service.
  • Full Benefits Package & On-Demand Pay available!: This opportunity includes a full benefits package (including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) with matching, tuition reimbursement, etc, as well as on-demand pay in between paychecks!

SERVANT LEADERSHIP:

Watercrest Senior Living Group associates answer a calling to serve seniors and their families every day. They are recognized for their achievements and empowered to share their vast experience with their peers ensuring the quality of our assisted living and memory care services and the well-being of our residents. Our associates champion a culture which nurtures relationships in the interest of acting as trusted advisors. By continuously investing in these servant hearts, Watercrest Senior Living Group develops value-centered leaders who deliver personalized services.

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Community Relations Director is a trusted advisor to potential residents and their families, along with the community at large. The Community Relations Director focuses his/her attention on achieving and maintaining budgeted occupancy, creating public awareness of the community through networking and planning events for hospitals, churches, health professionals and other professional referral sources in the community. The Community Relations Director is responsible for referrals into the community.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
  • Servant Leadership directs all aspects of decision making, and respects and adheres to sales call, reporting, information submittal, and other potential required deadlines as set forth by the company
  • Plans, develops, and executes an active 12-month occupancy development and sales/marketing plan
  • Serves as a trusted advisor to potential residents, their families, and the surrounding community
  • Conducts a quarterly competitive analysis and maintains a strong knowledge of the competitive market, understanding their services and programs, their unique selling points, and current promotional discounts
  • Servant Leadership directs all aspects of decision making, and respects and adheres to sales call, reporting, information submittal, and other potential required deadlines as set forth by the company
  • Plans, develops, and executes an active 12-month occupancy development and sales/marketing plan
  • Possesses and maintains a strong knowledge of the community’s services, programs, team member’s backgrounds, talents, and offerings to be able and share with the outside community and with potential residents and families
  • Responsible for handling incoming inquiry calls, leading community Experiences, and establishing detailed follow up steps with prospects and families, including creative follow up and home visits as required to achieve and maintain budgeted occupancy
  • Responsible for conducting weekly outside sales calls to referral sources, including medical and business professionals, as required to support a sufficient stream of referred prospects
  • Responsible for assisting with planning and hosting events for prospects and occasional referral source events as required to support a sufficient stream of new prospects, and to create opportunity for prospect advancement
  • Responsible for clear and frequent communication with team members on upcoming appointments, presentations, Experiences, and events
  • Lead the Daily Strategy Meeting utilizing the 10-3-1 / Hot Board
  • Responsible for detailed and accurate entry of all prospect, family and referral source communications into Yardi
  • Responsible for remaining current on open inventory, pending move-ins and potential move-outs
  • Conduct training refreshers and orientation programs for all associates regarding sales. Examples: Greeting Guests / Handling an Inquiry Call / How to Conduct an Experience / How to Establish the Next Step
  • Respond in a timely manner to request of residents, families and guests, when operations team is unavailable
  • Responsible for the move-in process via established move in protocol, including assisting the resident with apartment selection, communicating requests for nursing assessment from Resident Wellness Director, communicating agreement signing with Executive Director, communicating apartment readiness with Environmental Services Director, and collecting and distributing the move-in paperwork to ensuring their move into the community is a successful, positive experience
  • Communicates move-in date with appropriate all leadership team members for new resident welcome and orientation to the community
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
  • Able to communicate effectively with all levels of management, team members, residents, family members, guests, vendors, referral sources, and outside contacts
  • Basic computer skills, including but not limited to entering complete and detailed data into Yardi, and maintaining occupancy development and sales/marketing plan and competitive analysis spreadsheets
  • Able to manage a revenue and expense budget
  • Knowledge of current Federal and State laws pertaining to IL, AL, MC communities
  • Able to make independent decisions
  • Must be able to communicate in a warm, friendly and caring manner
  • Must be familiar with and adhere to guidelines related to the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the American with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • Must possess a passion to work with and around seniors
  • Knowledge of customer service principles and practices
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Bachelor Degree preferred
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
  • Two (2) years in the senior living environment preferred
  • Proven senior living sales and referral track record

CORE COMPETENCIES:
  • Sales Minded
  • Visionary
  • Execute Strategy
  • Excellent Communicator
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The following physical demands are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position:

  • Able to stand or walk 75% of the day
  • Able to drive to outside sales calls or potential resident assessments
  • Able to concentrate with frequent interruptions
  • Able to work under stress and in emergency situations
  • Able to work under conditions that require sitting, standing, walking, reaching, pulling, pushing, and grasping
  • Able to talk and hear effectively in order to convey instructions and information to residents and team members
  • Occasionally lift/carry up to 50 pounds
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE / PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT:
  • Work in all areas of the community
  • Subject to reactions from dust, disinfectants and cleaning chemicals and may be exposed to infectious waste, diseases, and other conditions
  • Use personal protective equipment and supplies when necessary to prevent burns, falls, and infection
  • Personal protective equipment includes infection control kit, rubber gloves and non-slip shoes
  • Subject to infectious diseases, substances and odors
  • Follow Safety Policy & Procedures

Sales & Marketing Director. Assisted Living/Memory Care

What Watercrest Senior Living Group employees say

Pay

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom