Community Engagement Manager

Role Overview

JLL is seeking a Community Engagement Manager to lead community activation and engagement initiatives for a premier mixed-use compound in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The compound features residential buildings, retail malls, and extensive community facilities serving a diverse resident population.

Company Overview

JLL is a leading global provider of real estate and investment management services. The company empowers its people to shape the future of real estate for a better world by combining world-class services, advisory, and technology for clients. JLL is committed to hiring talented people and empowering them to build meaningful careers.

Role Purpose

The Community Engagement Manager will develop and implement 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

Strategy & Program Development

• 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 including families with children, young professionals, seniors, expats, and Saudi nationals.
• Create signature events and traditions that build community identity and resident loyalty.
• Establish KPIs and metrics to measure engagement success, resident participation rates, and program effectiveness.
• Collaborate with marketing team to develop promotional campaigns for events and programs across all channels including digital, print, and on-site.
• Develop branding and visual identity for signature compound events and programs.

Event Management & Execution

• Oversee the planning and execution of all compound-wide events, ensuring cultural appropriateness and family-friendly environments.
• Implement comprehensive risk assessments and safety protocols for all events.
• Monitor and enforce compound community guidelines and code of conduct during events.
• Manage events ranging from intimate gatherings of 50-100 people to large-scale community festivals with 500+ attendees.
• Manage both indoor and outdoor event setups in compound or community settings.
• Demonstrate ability to manage multiple events simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.

Compliance & Regulations

• 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, permits, 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.

Partnerships & Vendor Management

• 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.
• Work with Saudi vendors, suppliers, and service providers.

Stakeholder Management & Communication

• Serve as primary liaison between residents, property management, and external partners.
• Oversee resident communication platforms to keep the community informed and engaged.
• Resolve conflicts and address complaints professionally and promptly.
• Conduct regular community town halls to gather feedback and share upcoming initiatives.
• Demonstrate exceptional communication skills in English (written and verbal) with strong interpersonal abilities.
• Collaborate regularly with diverse stakeholders including compound residents and community members, property owners and senior leadership, Head of Building Management and operations teams, and security, facilities, and maintenance departments.

Team Leadership

• 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.

Financial Management

• 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.
• Manage event budgets ranging from small-scale to large-scale events across various budget tiers.

Reporting

• Prepare quarterly reports and presentations for senior management and property owners on engagement outcomes and ROI.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Hospitality Management, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in community and 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.
• Proven experience planning and executing community events, festivals, and family activities in Saudi Arabia or similar cultural contexts.
• Knowledge of Saudi permit requirements and regulatory compliance for events.

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic planning and program development.
• Cultural intelligence and sensitivity to Saudi social norms.
• Cultural adaptability and respect for local customs and traditions.
• Team leadership and people management.
• Budget management and financial acumen.
• Stakeholder engagement and relationship building.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Excel, PowerPoint, and 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.
• Problem-solving mindset with ability to handle pressure and unexpected challenges.
• Flexibility and willingness to work weekends and occasional evenings.

Additional Information

• On-site position in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
• The candidate will be required to perform all functions and responsibilities of the role, which may not always be expressly mentioned 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 applicable best international standards and codes of practice.
• JLL is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.