Engagement & Community Manager

Job Description:

Ryan Companies has an immediate need for an Engagement & Community Manager for either our Westmont, Illinois OR downtown Chicago office. This position will require frequent weekday travel, up to 50%, to engage in the communities where Ryan Companies has projects.

The Engagement & Community Manager for Ryan Companies' Mission Critical sector is a strategic, highly visible role responsible for building meaningful relationships within local communities while fostering an exceptional jobsite experience. Across one or more Mission Critical project sites, this individual will lead community impact and giving back initiatives, cultivate strategic partnerships, and enhance the experience of team members and craft workers. Working closely with cross-functional stakeholders (including project teams, Human Resources, Marketing, Public Relations, Sustainability, Mission Critical sector leadership, and other key partners), the manager will translate Ryan's values into measurable local impact while strengthening connections between project teams and the communities where we build.

By creating opportunities for engagement, impact, and partnership, this role helps foster a high-performing, people-centered culture and reinforces Ryan's reputation as a trusted community partner. The manager will execute initiatives in alignment with the National Engagement & Community Resource Guide, ensuring consistency and quality across Mission Critical projects.
This position reports directly to the Director of Engagement & Community and works in close partnership with Mission Critical sector leadership and project teams.

With more than 88 years in business and 16 offices (and growing!), Ryan offers comprehensive commercial real estate solutions to customers across the US. We bring a collaborative, relationship-driven approach to delivering spaces where people thrive and businesses succeed. Join a company with an outstanding culture and competitive benefits. At Ryan, we don’t just build buildings – we build stories. 

What you can expect to do:

Engagement & Team Member Experience

• Lead the design and implementation of cohesive Mission Critical team member experience plans that reflect Ryan's values and promote community, pride, inclusion, safety, and performance across one or more project sites.

• Design, coordinate, and host inclusive site-wide events, cultural moments, wellness activities, and appreciation efforts that strengthen connection among Ryan team members and subcontracted teams.

• Champion inclusion, equity, belonging, and total safety, both physical and psychological, by elevating diverse voices, promoting access to wellness and career development resources, and fostering an environment where every team member feels valued, connected, and supported.

• Gather feedback, track participation, measure outcomes, and communicate program results through qualitative and quantitative reporting that demonstrates impact and informs future planning and decision-making.

• Serve as a visible, trusted advocate for morale, recognition, inclusion, and an exceptional day-to-day experience for everyone working on site.

Community & Giving Back

• Serve as the on-site and community outreach leader for Giving Back efforts that connect project teams with meaningful opportunities to support the surrounding community.

• Develop and execute programs, partnerships, service opportunities, and community experiences aligned with Ryan's Giving Back focus areas of Shelter, Wellness, and Education.

• Plan and promote charitable giving campaigns, volunteer initiatives, service days, local partnerships, and community engagement efforts that create measurable and sustainable impact where Ryan builds.

Community Partnerships

• Partner with regional and sector marketing to support storytelling that promote team member experience initiatives, community partnerships, giving back activities, and project milestones.

• Serve as a visible ambassador for Ryan within the local community, building and maintaining strong relationships with nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, community leaders, and other community stakeholders.

• Cultivate and manage strategic community partnerships that advance Ryan's community impact goals and create measurable, lasting impact in the communities where we build.

• Represent Ryan at community events, volunteer activities, industry gatherings, and stakeholder meetings to strengthen local relationships, expand partnership opportunities, and enhance Ryan's reputation as a trusted community partner.

• Collaborate closely with clients, project leadership, and community stakeholders to align engagement and community impact initiatives with project objectives, client priorities, and local community needs.

What we expect you to bring:

• 5+ years of experience in employee engagement, event planning, program coordination, or culture-focused roles—preferably in construction, field operations, or large project environments.

• Passion for workplace culture, wellbeing, sustainability, and social impact.

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work across roles and cultural backgrounds.

• Self-starter with excellent organizational and multitasking capabilities.

• Proficiency in communication platforms, Microsoft Office, and basic design/marketing tools.

Bonus if you have this!

• Experience working on large-scale commercial or industrial construction projects.

• Familiarity with DEI, sustainability, or corporate social responsibility initiatives.

• Bilingual or multilingual communication skills (especially Spanish) are a plus.

Compensation:

The salary range is $75,000 to $88,000. The salary base rate may vary within the anticipated range based on factors such as the ultimate location of the position and the selected candidate’s knowledge, skills, and abilities. Position may be eligible for additional compensation that may include commission and/or an incentive program.

Eligibility:

Position requires verification of employment to work in the U.S.

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary

• Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits

• Retirement and Savings Benefits

• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts

• Life Insurance

• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability

• Educational Assistance

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Employee Assistance and Wellness Programs

• Parenting Benefits

• Employee Discount Programs

• Pet insurance

• Ryan Foundation – charitable matching funds

• Paid Time for Volunteer Events

Disclaimer: Eligibility may vary based on factors such as role, hours worked, employment status, length of service, location, and other considerations. Detailed information will be shared with eligible candidates during the hiring process, and the official terms and conditions will be outlined in each individual offer document.

Ryan Companies is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Notice to Candidates:

Please be advised that initial outreach regarding employment at Ryan Companies will only occur via email from the domain @ryancompanies.com email address. If you recieve communication from someone you believe is impersonating Ryan Companies, please report it to us at [email protected]

Non-Solicitation Notice to Recruitment Agencies:

Ryan Companies kindly requests that recruitment agencies and third-party recruiters do not submit unsolicited resumes or candidate information to any Ryan Companies employee or office. Ryan Companies will not be responsible for any fees or expenses associated with unsolicited submissions. If recruitment services are required, we will reach out directly to agencies on our approved vendor list. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.