Social Worker
Help children and families stay safe, get support and overcome hard times.
- $59,550
- 4 years (BSW); 6 years for MSW
Community, Social & Government Services career
Social and Community Service Manager
Also called: Program Director · Nonprofit Program Manager · Community Services Director · Executive Director
What social and community service managers do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a social and community service manager do?
Social and community service managers coordinate and supervise programs and organizations that support public wellbeing, managing staff, budgets and services. The median pay is $80,390 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 4 years + under 5 years of experience, and employment is projected to grow +7.2% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$80,390$38.65/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+7.2%2025–35, much faster than average
- Openings per year18,500Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationBachelor's degreeBLS classification
- Time to train4 years + under 5 years of experienceTypical program length
- U.S. jobs231,000Employment, 2025
What social and community service managers do
Community service managers turn missions into programs that work. They design and run services for youth, older adults, families, veterans, people experiencing homelessness and others, supervise staff and volunteers, manage budgets and grants, track outcomes, build partnerships and report to boards and funders.
Most have a bachelor’s degree in social work, public administration or a related field, plus a few years of experience in the field. Many earn master’s degrees. Employment is projected to grow faster than average.
Typical duties
- Plan and run programs
- Supervise staff and volunteers
- Manage budgets and grants
- Track outcomes and data
- Build community partnerships
- Report to boards and funders
- Ensure compliance with regulations
Work environment and schedule
Managers work in nonprofit and government offices, with time at program sites and community meetings.
Schedule: Most work full-time, with evening events and board meetings.
A day in the life
- Review weekly program data.
- Lead a staff meeting.
- Meet a funder about a grant renewal.
- Visit the youth program site.
See a full day in the life of a social and community service manager →
Social and Community Service Manager salary
Half of social and community service managers earned more than $80,390 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $53,150 for the lowest 10% to $132,260 for the top 10%.
Full social and community service manager pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a social and community service manager
- Earn a bachelor’s degree
- Work in direct service
- Take on leadership
- Learn budgets and grants
- Advance
A bachelor’s degree in social work, public administration or a related field is typical, plus a few years of experience. Many have master’s degrees.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a social and community service manager →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Program management
- Budgeting
- Grant management
- Outcome evaluation
- Staff supervision
People skills
- Leadership
- Communication
- Strategic thinking
- Relationship building
All social and community service manager skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Lead meaningful programs
- Faster-than-average growth
- Varied work
- Make community impact
Cons
- Funding uncertainty
- Long hours
- Many stakeholders
- Pay lower than private sector management
Certifications and licenses
- Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP): Nonprofit leadership credential.
- Project Management Professional (PMP): Project credential.
- Grant Professional Certified (GPC): Grant credential.
- Licensed social worker: For some clinical programs.
Career path
- Program Coordinator: Support programs.
- Program Manager: Lead programs.
- Program Director: Oversee services.
- Executive Director: Lead an organization.
Learn the job before day one
Our Social and Community Service Manager training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as build a program logic model and manage a program budget, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Fundraiser
Raise money that powers nonprofits, schools and causes.
- $72,550
- 4 years
Health Educator
Teach people and communities how to live healthier lives.
- $64,070
- 4 years
Office Manager
Run an office’s daily operations, staff and systems so everyone else can do their jobs.
- $69,500
- 3–5 years of administrative experience
Compare: Community Service Manager vs. Social Worker · Community Service Manager vs. Fundraiser · Community Service Manager vs. Health Educator · Community Service Manager vs. Office Manager
Social and Community Service Manager FAQ
Do community service managers need a master’s?
Not always, but many have one.
Is the field growing?
Yes, BLS projects faster-than-average growth.
Where do they work?
Nonprofits, government agencies and community organizations.
How much does a social and community service manager make?
The median annual wage for social and community service managers was $80,390 ($38.65 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $53,150 and the highest 10% earned more than $132,260.
How long does it take to become a social and community service manager?
Most people need about 4 years + under 5 years of experience of training. A bachelor’s degree in social work, public administration or a related field is typical, plus a few years of experience. Many have master’s degrees.
Do you need a degree to be a social and community service manager?
Usually, yes. BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education, although skills, certifications and experience can sometimes substitute.
More social and community service manager questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 11-9151 (Social and community service managers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Social and community service managers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.