By Ted McEnroe, Director of Research and Training, The Community Roundtable
Hard to believe, but The State of Community Management 2016 survey is just around the corner. Before we get there, though, there are still plenty of highlights from the Community Careers and Compensation 2015 report to share. And of all of the facts I’ve shared so far, this one might be my favorite.
The data show that a vast majority – 4 out of 5 – Directors of Community report to a VP or C-level executive.
Why it matters: security and access
Why does this matter? Plain and simple, because the higher up you report in the organization, the greater likelihood you are seen as an important element in the organization. We’ve all seen it in organizational charts – the department that looks sort of like a stunted flower on the tree – the kind that is readily pruned when times get tight.
There’s a second, equally important benefit to reporting to the top levels of the organization – it gives you a seat at the table, and the attention of those top-level executives. It can feel like a double-edged sword when you are prepping reports and doing the other groundwork needed to cultivate executive “love”, but reporting to a C-suite executive or having your budget approved by one is a guaranteed way to get at least some level of attention.
And every touchpoint is an opportunity for a community program leader to teach that executive about the critical importance of a community approach.
It’s not quite universal, and indeed, those with titles below Director of Community are reporting, as you might expect, to lower levels of the organization. But the data suggest that not only is there a career ladder from community manager up to Director of Community, there’s an organizational ladder being climbed as well, and that could bode well for community in the future.
Download the Community Careers and Compensation 2015 summary report now, or take the survey and get free access to the full report! And we hope you’ll take time to complete the survey for The State of Community Management 2016 – out 7th annual report – which will be launched on January 26th!
