Community Relations Manager

This is a Full Time Job

Job Title: Manager, Community Relations

Department: Community Relations

Reports to: Associate Director, Community Relations

Collaboration: Regular collaboration with marketing, communications, game operations, facilities, HR, legal and other internal and external stakeholders

Position Summary: The Manager, Community Relations is responsible for managing a broad portfolio of community impact programs and initiatives that strengthen the organization's connection to the greater Los Angeles community while supporting the organization's brand and business objectives. This role leads the planning, execution, and evaluation of community programs from concept through completion, cultivating meaningful relationships with nonprofit organizations, schools, civic leaders, corporate partners, league stakeholders, and community organizations.

Serving as a key representative of the organization, the Manager delivers best-in-class community experiences while identifying opportunities to expand impact, strengthen partnerships, and leverage basketball to engage communities and create meaningful opportunities for youth. The ideal candidate is a strategic, detail-oriented relationship builder who thrives in a fast-paced environment, can independently manage multiple priorities, and consistently executes programs with excellence.

Key metrics used to evaluate performance:
• Successful planning and execution of assigned community programs and special events that deliver high-quality outcomes on-brand and on-budget.
• Achievement of annual participation, engagement, and program impact goals.
• Strength and growth of community partnerships and stakeholder relationships.
• Participant, partner, sponsor, and internal stakeholder satisfaction.
• Timely and successful fulfillment of sponsor, foundation, and organizational commitments.
• Effective management of program budgets, timelines, and operational resources.
• Quality and accuracy of program reporting, recaps, and impact measurement.
• Ability to appropriately scope and prioritize a range of community initiatives to maximize organizational resources and community benefit.
• Cross-functional collaboration and effectiveness working with internal departments.
• Identification and implementation of new programming opportunities, operational improvements, and innovative community engagement strategies.

Essential Functions (Duties & Responsibilities**):
• Lead the planning, execution, and evaluation of community impact programs, signature initiatives, and philanthropic projects.
• Develop innovative community programming that leverages basketball to create opportunities for youth, strengthen communities, and advance organizational impact.
• Manage annual program calendars and oversee multiple concurrent initiatives throughout the year, successfully balancing multiple workstreams at once.
• Execute programs end-to-end, including ideation, planning, budgeting, logistics, implementation, and post-event evaluation.
• Deliver exceptional participant, partner, and guest experiences while ensuring programs are executed at the highest standard.
• Evaluate programming to ensure initiatives are appropriately scaled, impactful, and aligned with organizational priorities.
• Oversee participant registration, communications, event logistics, and operational planning.
• Maintain program budgets, inventories, timelines, and operational resources.
• Coordinate internal and external stakeholders to ensure seamless execution.
• Build, cultivate, and maintain strong relationships with nonprofit organizations, schools, government agencies, community leaders, league partners, and corporate stakeholders.
• Maintain program participation data and impact metrics.
• Support sponsor, foundation, grant, and organizational reporting requirements.
• Partner closely with internal departments to successfully execute, celebrate and story tell around community initiatives.
• Provide guidance, training, and day-to-day support to coordinators, interns, part-time staff, and event personnel.
• Contribute to department planning, process improvements, and strategic initiatives.
• Serve as a positive ambassador of the organization, demonstrating professionalism, collaboration, integrity, and exceptional customer service in every interaction.
• Represent the organization at community events, meetings, partner engagements, and public appearances, serving as a trusted ambassador of the Lakers brand.

**Responsibilities subject to change based on organizational needs and direction from management.

Previous experience:
• Bachelor's degree in Sports Management, Communications, Public Relations, Nonprofit Management, Marketing, Education, or a related field.
• Minimum of four (4) years of experience in community relations, nonprofit management, foundation programming, philanthropy, social impact, or related fields.
• Demonstrated success managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Technology Capabilities:
• Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Online donation management systems

Knowledge, skills, abilities:
• Strong understanding of the Southern California nonprofit and community landscape.
• Experience working with corporate partners, nonprofit organizations, and community stakeholders.
• Experience supporting or working with high-profile brands, executives, athletes, or public figures preferred.
• Exceptional project management, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, self-motivated, and solutions-focused.
• The ultimate team player who is willing to pitch in wherever needed to execute high-quality events.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and community events as required.

Physical Demands: Ability to lift at least 25 lbs. and significant walking during community events

Location: El Segundo (offices M-F), downtown Los Angeles (for select Laker home games), and other occasional off-site events, as needed

Travel: Less than 5% of the time

Hours: Regular office hours (9am- 5:30pm M-F), must be available to work evenings, weekends and holidays