Contributed by Gar Liebler, CMCA
International Community Association Managers Day is June 13th, a day to celebrate the hard work and dedication of community managers around the world and recognize the value of the profession. Whether you chose community management or it chose you, you are part of a mission with profound significance. This profession offers the rare opportunity to blend practical skills with meaningful purpose, creating spaces where life’s most important moments unfold.
Every decision we make impacts the quality of life for families and individuals. Community managers protect residents’ most significant investments while simultaneously creating environments where diverse people can connect. The strongest community managers emerge from workplaces that embody the very principles they promote externally. When we cultivate belonging within our companies, we naturally extend that ethos to the neighborhoods we serve. Our culture becomes the living model for the communities we help create. A team that feels valued and connected will bring that same sensibility to their work with residents and homeowners.
To elevate our industry, we must establish clear pathways for professional development. Community management isn’t a fallback career — it’s a purposeful calling that deserves structured mentorship programs and clear advancement opportunities. We must recognize the specialized skills required — from technical acumen to contract management to financial stewardship — and celebrate excellence and innovation wherever we find it.
The next generation of community leaders will bring fresh perspectives to long-standing challenges. They’ll leverage technology while maintaining the human touch. They’ll balance the needs of diverse stakeholders while honoring the unique character of each community they serve. Our responsibility is to create the conditions where these leaders can emerge and thrive.
Here are 10 steps we can take to advance the community management path:
Seek out a mentor.
Identify someone in the industry you admire and ask if they’re open to mentoring or regular check-ins. Peer coaching groups also are a great way to grow together.
Pursue professional certifications.
Enroll in credentialing and designation programs like CMCA®, AMS®, or PCAM® to deepen your knowledge and increase your career mobility.
Get involved with CAI.
Participate in CAI’s opportunities at a local or national level. Attend chapter events, webinars, or discussion boards to stay connected and inspired.
Block time weekly for career development.
Schedule 30–60 minutes each week to read industry articles, watch a training video, or reflect on what’s working in your communities.
Document your wins and lessons learned.
Keep a simple journal or digital file of successful projects, challenges overcome, and creative solutions. This becomes a great tool for performance reviews and promotions.
Volunteer to lead a project.
Whether it’s a tech upgrade, event planning, or sustainability effort, stepping up to lead shows initiative and helps enhance your leadership skills.
Build relationships with other managers.
Reach out to community managers in other markets. Trade insights, swap templates, and support one another through the tough stuff.
Stay curious about new tools and tech.
Try out new platforms or systems your company may be considering. Being tech-savvy sets you apart and improves your daily workflow.
Request feedback from residents and teammates.
Ask for honest input on your communication, leadership, and responsiveness. Use it to grow — not as criticism, but as insight.
Reframe the work as a calling, not a job.
Remind yourself regularly why you do what you do. This isn’t just property management — it’s people development, hospitality, and community building.
The future of community management belongs to those who recognize its true value: not just in managing properties but in cultivating the human connections that make houses into homes and communities into neighborhoods. There are communities waiting for the difference we can make, neighborhoods that will thrive under your thoughtful guidance, and neighbors whose lives will be enriched by your commitment to excellence. Community management at its finest is not just a career but a calling to create spaces where humanity can flourish.
When neighbors gather for cookouts, when children safely play in common areas, and when seniors find connection rather than isolation, these moments reflect the invisible but essential work of community management professionals. This is our opportunity to elevate, to innovate, and to humanize our industry. Take the high calling of community and shape it into a profession with purpose.
Gar Liebler is with TechCollect in Rochester, Mich.
>>Join CAI’s celebration of International Community Association Managers Day on June 13.
