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Community Relations Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Support development and implementation of a structured community relations program to support Invenergy's planned developments and operating projects. * Work with the Invenergy Communications ...

Support development and implementation of a structured community relations program to support Invenergy's planned developments and operating projects. * Work with the Invenergy Communications ...

Support development and implementation of a structured community relations program to support Invenergy's planned developments and operating projects. * Work with the Invenergy Communications ...

Showing results 41-60

Community Relations information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$37.1K

$126.7K

$142.7K

How much do community relations jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for community relations in Chicago, IL is $126,679.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $142,200.00 and $142,200.00 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 Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Community Relations jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Community Relations jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Community Relations job openings:

Infographic showing various Community Relations job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $126,679 per year, or $60.9 per hour.

Associate, Community Engagement

Invenergy LLC

Chicago, IL • On-site

$85K - $103K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Invenergy rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Invenergy is North America's largest privately held developer, owner, and operator of power infrastructure. With 25 years of trusted execution, we deliver reliable, affordable energy through a diverse portfolio that includes natural gas, solar, land-based wind, energy storage, transmission, and domestic manufacturing. Headquartered in Chicago, we develop, own, and operate large scale projects that power communities and support the energy future.

This position will be open for application for at least 3 calendar days from the posting date. This position will remain open for application based on business need, which may be before or after the 3-day posting window.

Job Description

Position Overview

An Associate, Community Engagement will support local outreach and act as relationship lead with county/municipal officials, local taxing bodies, chambers and Economic Development Organizations where Invenergy has a development presence. You will support the department with the development of energy projects throughout the United States.

Responsibilities

  • Represent the Project and/or Invenergy in meetings with county/municipal officials, local taxing bodies, landowners, and other local and state stakeholders and in public meetings hosted by the project.

  • Understand and explain benefits of projects to host community members.

  • Support the Project Community Affairs team in negotiations to obtain certain county and municipal approvals required for project development.

  • Support development and implementation of a structured community relations program to support Invenergy's planned developments and operating projects.

  • Work with the Invenergy Communications, Government Affairs, and Impact teams to ensure the project's community relations plan aligns with company priorities and partnerships.

  • Manage tasks according to budgets and schedules, including coordinating internal and external technical support and assist in project budgeting and scheduling based on local public engagement needs.

  • Monitor local project opposition and develop relationships and educate key individuals to neutralize or mitigate the spread of opposition.

  • Coordinate with local counties and government groups.

  • Work closely with developers on strategy surrounding community engagement/external relations from initial outreach to construction

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree (preference for degrees in energy, agribusiness, construction, or engineering).

  • 3-5+ years of relevant experience in agriculture, construction, or development.

  • Eligible to work in the United States without the need for employer visa sponsorship now or in the future.

  • Ability to spend approximately 50% of time traveling.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with local political and stakeholder engagement (preferably in rural areas).

  • A strong understanding of the development process of energy projects.

  • Strong organizational, networking, leadership, time management, and accounting skills.

  • Strong public speaking and personal skills.

  • Ability to write effective, concise reports.

Base Pay

$85,000.00 - 103,000.00 USD Annual
Bonus: 20% - 30%

The base pay range reflects the minimum and maximum target salary for the position. Invenergy considers a number of factors when determining base pay offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education and skills.
In addition to base pay, the total annual compensation package may also include eligibility to participate in our bonus program(s) which are designed to reward individual and company performance. Your recruiter can share more about bonus eligibility for this position during the hiring process.
Invenergy offers a variety of other benefits including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401k, paid time off, etc.

Invenergy LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or disability.


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