Community Engagement Manager

JLL; Riyadh Region; On-site; SAR 279,000 - 446,000; Full time

Job summary

JLL in Saudi Arabia is seeking an experienced Community Engagement Manager to lead activation for a premier mixed-use compound. You will craft strategies, programs, and year-round activities that foster belonging and maximize amenity use.

The role demands cultural sensitivity, strong leadership, and the ability to partner with residents, property owners, and vendors. English proficiency is essential, with Arabic preferred, and weekend availability may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree as required.
• Min. 5 years of experience in community & events management, or related field in the Middle East.
• Proven experience managing large-scale mixed-use compounds in KSA/Middle East.
• Proven track record in designing and executing large-scale community programs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive annual community engagement strategy aligned with compound objectives, cultural considerations, and resident demographics.
• Design year-round programming calendar including seasonal celebrations, cultural festivals, family activities, wellness initiatives, and educational workshops.
• Develop targeted programs for different resident segments (families with children, young professionals, seniors, expats, Saudi nationals).
• Establish KPIs and metrics to measure engagement success, resident participation rates, and program effectiveness.
• Prepare quarterly reports and presentations for senior management and property owners on engagement outcomes and ROI.
• Oversee planning and execution of all compound-wide events, ensuring cultural appropriateness and family-friendly environments.
• Create signature events and traditions that build community identity and resident loyalty.
• Implement comprehensive risk assessments and safety protocols for all events.
• Monitor and enforce compound community guidelines and code of conduct during events.
• Build and maintain relationships with local businesses, vendors, artists, performers, and service providers.
• Negotiate partnerships and sponsorship agreements that enhance event offerings while controlling costs.
• Serve as primary liaison between residents, property management, and external partners.
• Lead, mentor, and manage the community engagement team including Event Planner and Event Coordinator.
• Allocate responsibilities, set performance objectives, and conduct regular team performance reviews.
• Develop and manage the annual community engagement budget.
• Monitor monthly financial performance including revenue, expenses, and variance analysis.
• Prepare financial forecasts and cost-benefit analyses for proposed programs and initiatives.
• Collaborate with marketing team to develop promotional campaigns for events and programs across all channels (digital, print, on-site).
• Oversee resident communication platforms to keep the community informed and engaged.
• Develop branding and visual identity for signature compound events and programs.
• Ensure all events and activities comply with Saudi laws, cultural guidelines, and local authority requirements.
• Ensure compound compliance with Saudi Civil Defense, Municipality, and MOH regulations.
• Manage all statutory inspections, permit, and license renewals.
• Obtain necessary permits and approvals from relevant government entities for events.
• Maintain appropriate insurance coverage and liability documentation.
• Maintain comprehensive health and safety programs.
• Oversee security operations and emergency response protocols during events.
• Resolve conflicts and address complaints professionally and promptly.
• Conduct regular community town halls to gather feedback and share upcoming initiatives.

Skills

Strategic planning

Cultural intelligence

Team leadership

Budget management

Stakeholder engagement

MS Office

Social media

Project management tools

English proficiency

Creative thinking

Organization & multitasking

Flexibility

Cultural adaptability

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, Communications, Hospitality Management, or related field

Job description

Pre-requisites

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, Communications, Hospitality Management, or related field
• Min. 5 years of experience in community & events management, or related field in the Middle East
• Proven experience managing large-scale mixed-use compounds in KSA/Middle East
• Proven track record in designing and executing large-scale community programs

Job Description

JLL is seeking an experienced and culturally savvy Community Engagement Manager to lead community activation and engagement initiatives for a premier mixed-use compound in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This compound features residential buildings, retail malls, and extensive community facilities serving a diverse resident population.

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive community engagement strategy that fosters a strong sense of belonging, enhances resident satisfaction, and drives utilization of compound amenities. This role requires strategic thinking, cultural sensitivity, exceptional leadership skills, and the ability to create meaningful experiences that resonate with families and individuals within the compound community.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive annual community engagement strategy aligned with compound objectives, cultural considerations, and resident demographics
• Design year-round programming calendar including seasonal celebrations, cultural festivals, family activities, wellness initiatives, and educational workshops
• Develop targeted programs for different resident segments (families with children, young professionals, seniors, expats, Saudi nationals)
• Establish KPIs and metrics to measure engagement success, resident participation rates, and program effectiveness
• Prepare quarterly reports and presentations for senior management and property owners on engagement outcomes and ROI
• Oversee the planning and execution of all compound-wide events, ensuring cultural appropriateness and family-friendly environments
• Create signature events and traditions that build community identity and resident loyalty
• Implement comprehensive risk assessments and safety protocols for all events
• Monitor and enforce compound community guidelines and code of conduct during events
• Build and maintain relationships with local businesses, vendors, artists, performers, and service providers
• Negotiate partnerships and sponsorship agreements that enhance event offerings while controlling costs
• Serve as primary liaison between residents, property management, and external partners
• Lead, mentor, and manage the community engagement team including Event Planner and Event Coordinator
• Allocate responsibilities, set performance objectives, and conduct regular team performance reviews
• Develop and manage the annual community engagement budget
• Monitor monthly financial performance including revenue, expenses, and variance analysis
• Prepare financial forecasts and cost-benefit analyses for proposed programs and initiatives
• Collaborate with marketing team to develop promotional campaigns for events and programs across all channels (digital, print, on-site)
• Oversee resident communication platforms to keep the community informed and engaged
• Develop branding and visual identity for signature compound events and programs
• Ensure all events and activities comply with Saudi laws, cultural guidelines, and local authority requirements
• Ensure compound compliance with Saudi Civil Defense, Municipality, and MOH regulations
• Manage all statutory inspections, permit, and license renewals
• Obtain necessary permits and approvals from relevant government entities for events
• Maintain appropriate insurance coverage and liability documentation
• Maintain comprehensive health and safety programs
• Oversee security operations and emergency response protocols during events
• Resolve conflicts and address complaints professionally and promptly
• Conduct regular community town halls to gather feedback and share upcoming initiatives
• undefined

The candidate must demonstrate exceptional communication skills in English (written and verbal) and possess strong interpersonal abilities, as this role requires regular collaboration with diverse stakeholders including Compound residents and community members, Property owners and senior leadership, Head of Building Management and operations teams, Security, facilities, and maintenance departments.

The candidate will be required to perform all functions and responsibilities of the role, which may not always be expressly mentioned in the Clients contract but would be deemed necessary for the proper performance of services and the carrying out of activities for the effective and efficient management of the property in accordance with good industry protocols and any applicable best international standards and codes of practice.

Key Experience

• Proven experience planning and executing community events, festivals, and family activities in Saudi Arabia or similar cultural contexts
• Track record managing events ranging from intimate gatherings (50-100 people) to large-scale community festivals (500+ attendees)
• Experience working with Saudi vendors, suppliers, and service providers
• Knowledge of Saudi permit requirements and regulatory compliance for events
• Experience managing event budgets ranging from small-scale to large-scale events across various budget tiers
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple events simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail
• Experience with both indoor and outdoor event setups in compound or community settings
• undefined

Skills Required

• Strategic planning and program development
• Cultural intelligence and sensitivity to Saudi social norms
• Team leadership and people management
• Budget management and financial acumen
• Stakeholder engagement and relationship building
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
• Knowledge of social media platforms and digital marketing tools
• Familiarity with project management tools and resident communication apps
• Exceptional communication skills in English (Arabic highly preferred)
• Creative thinking with ability to generate innovative engagement ideas
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities
• Flexibility and willingness to work weekends and occasional evenings
• Cultural adaptability and respect for local customs and traditions
• Problem-solving mindset with ability to handle pressure and unexpected challenges