Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Social and Community Service Manager
What social and community service managers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Review weekly program data. From there, the day usually includes plan and run programs, supervise staff and volunteers, and manage budgets and grants. Most work full-time, with evening events and board meetings.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a social and community service manager working full time.
- Review weekly program data.
- Lead a staff meeting.
- Meet a funder about a grant renewal.
- Visit the youth program site.
- Revise the program budget.
- Coach a new case manager.
- Draft a report for the board.
Where social and community service managers work
Managers work in nonprofit and government offices, with time at program sites and community meetings.
Hours and schedule
Most work full-time, with evening events and board meetings.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- 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
Tools you’ll use every day
- Case and data systems
- Spreadsheets and budgeting tools
- Grant management software
- Presentation tools
- Project management tools
- CRM systems
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Lead meaningful programs
- Faster-than-average growth
- Varied work
- Make community impact
What’s hard
- Funding uncertainty
- Long hours
- Many stakeholders
- Pay lower than private sector management
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I want to lead change in my community
- I like managing people
- I can handle budgets
- I communicate well
- I’m mission-driven
- I enjoy building partnerships
Not sure? Take the free Social and Community Service Manager fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Set safety protocols for staff and sites
- Protect client data
- Follow mandated reporting rules
- Support staff wellbeing