Since 2010, the fourth Monday in January has been Community Manager Appreciation Day, a time to celebrate everything these fine folks do for their online communities. And what they do is an awful lot. It's time for a shout out.

OK, let’s leap over that initial hurdle to gratitude and just ask the question: What does a community manager do anyway? The answer is, a lot more than you might think. In addition to the traditional post, monitor, engage model of old, Deloitte Digital community managers develop creative campaigns to achieve strategic goals, manage ad budgets, build and grow advocate and influencer relationships, and provide top-notch customer service to clients. It’s no small scope.

As a community manager, that can make your day, well, a little frazzled at times—to get a glimpse, check out A Day in the Life of a Community Manager from Laura Anderson, senior community manager at Deloitte Digital. Feeling more gratitude now?

Good. You’re now in perfect shape to participate in the fifth annual Community Manager Appreciation Day and say thank you to these fine folks for all they do. Join us in celebrating by:

  • Checking out the 24-hour live hangout, featuring speakers and topics on community management.
  • Using the #CMAD hashtag and thanking the folks who make the communities you care about special.
  • Keeping an eye out for Deloitte Digital community managers who will be sharing updates from our tour of Seattle on the famous amphibious Duck!

For more information, check out the Community Manager Appreciation Day website. Thank you community managers!