Manager, Community Relations

Gondola; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Los Angeles Lakers are seeking a Manager, Community Relations to lead a broad portfolio of community programs and initiatives reflecting the team’s commitment to the Los Angeles area. Based in El Segundo, this role partners with marketing, HR, legal, and external stakeholders to deliver programs that align with brand and business goals.

You will oversee planning, budgeting, logistics, and evaluation, while cultivating relationships with nonprofits, schools, and community leaders to maximize

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of four (4) years in community relations, nonprofit management, foundation programming, philanthropy, social impact, or related fields.
• Demonstrated success managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, execution, and evaluation of community programs and events.
• Develop innovative programming leveraging basketball to create opportunities for youth.
• Manage program calendars and multiple initiatives throughout the year.
• Execute programs end-to-end including ideation, budgeting, logistics, and post-event evaluation.
• Deliver great participant, partner, and guest experiences while maintaining high standards.
• Coordinate internal/external stakeholders to ensure seamless execution.
• Build and maintain relationships with nonprofits, schools, government agencies, community leaders, league partners, and corporate partners.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Relationship-building

Detail-oriented

Logistics coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Sports Management, Communications, Public Relations, Nonprofit Management, Marketing, Education, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Online donation management systems

Job description

# Manager, Community Relations## Los Angeles Lakers•### @LakersPosted on 7/6/2026•Full-time## Job Description**In order to be considered for this role, after clicking "Apply Now" above and being redirected, you must fully complete the application process on the follow-up screen.****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, Abilitie**s* 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 holidaysThe pay range for this role is $75,000 - $80,000 annually. Actual compensation packages are based on several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, depth of experience and certifications. In addition to those factors, we consider the relative pay of our current employees in similar positions when making a final offer.We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.