Social and Community Service Managers
Social and community service managers oversee the day-to-day operations of social service programs and community organizations. They direct staff such as social workers and counselors, manage budgets, set program policies, and ensure services reach those who need them. These managers work in nonprofits, government agencies, schools, hospitals, and community centers.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against social and community service managers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves staff meetings to review program performance, budget reviews to track spending against allocations, and meetings with participants or community partners. Managers handle hiring and supervision of social workers or counselors, respond to policy questions from staff, and document program outcomes for funders. Time splits between administrative tasks at a desk and visiting program sites to observe operations and meet with clients.
Who this work suits
Holland code ESC. Enterprising work is leading, persuading and making decisions. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely enjoy leading teams and building organizational systems while staying connected to the social mission. You're drawn to both the business side—budgets, strategy, hiring—and the people side of helping vulnerable populations. You work well with competing demands and find satisfaction in enabling frontline workers to do their jobs effectively.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Growth Marketing Manager, Paid Social · Thumbtack · USA · Remote
- Manager, Paid Social · Wpromote · USA · Remote
- Associate Chief of Staff for Social Work (Social Work Program Manager) · Veterans Health Administration · Dallas, Texas · $207636–$228000
- Social Worker-Suicide Prevention Case Manager · Veterans Health Administration · Saint Cloud, Minnesota · $72784–$114488
- Registered Nurse (Case Manager/Social Work) · Veterans Health Administration · Durham, North Carolina · $82819–$155103
- Social Worker (Outreach/Prevention Case Manager & HCHV/HUD VASH) · Veterans Health Administration · Bath, New York · $61722–$97087
- Social Worker (Program Coordinator) - Suicide Prevention Program Manager · Veterans Health Administration · Augusta, Maine · $111538–$145001
- Social Media Manager · Colibri Group · United States · Remote
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $87,990 | $106,700 | $135,000 | 640 |
| Washington | $84,250 | $103,000 | $128,650 | 3,650 |
| Alaska | $78,000 | $98,370 | $119,230 | 830 |
| Colorado | $77,350 | $97,440 | $127,840 | 2,800 |
| New York | $77,200 | $95,980 | $122,840 | 19,340 |
| New Jersey | $76,900 | $95,290 | $122,220 | 5,530 |
| Virginia | $74,080 | $94,970 | $120,180 | 3,300 |
| Tennessee | $71,770 | $88,240 | $106,260 | 2,770 |
| Maryland | $71,720 | $87,450 | $115,680 | 4,300 |
| Oregon | $72,130 | $87,010 | $118,380 | 3,390 |
| South Dakota | $75,200 | $86,870 | $104,610 | 450 |
| North Dakota | $75,990 | $86,630 | $98,200 | 510 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA) — Community Association Managers International Certification Board
- Certified Social Work Case Manager (C-SWCM) — National Association of Social Workers
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
and 15 more
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against social and community service managers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 11-9151.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.