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Communications program manager vs public relations manager

The differences between communications program managers and public relations managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a communications program manager, becoming a public relations manager takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a public relations manager has an average salary of $91,426, which is higher than the $85,031 average annual salary of a communications program manager.

The top three skills for a communications program manager include project management, program management and powerpoint. The most important skills for a public relations manager are press releases, web content, and pr campaigns.

Communications program manager vs public relations manager overview

Communications Program ManagerPublic Relations Manager
Yearly salary$85,031$91,426
Hourly rate$40.88$43.95
Growth rate12%8%
Number of jobs106,77035,273
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 79%
Average age4542
Years of experience64

What does a communications program manager do?

Communications program managers develop procedures, programs, and installation plans to accomplish housing privatization tasks and create and send email newsletters and many more electronic updates for online subscribers and chapter supporters. These professionals also keep individual case files, prepare records for grant reports, and monitor community service houses. Besides preparing billing documents, a communications program manager also facilitates communications between different departments for excellent customer support services. They develop and refine operational methodologies, QACC quality standards, and related documents.

What does a public relations manager do?

A public relations manager is responsible for monitoring the public relations department to boost its brand image and attract potential clients through press releases and media coverage. They work closely with the marketing team, developing marketing campaigns and promotional strategies for creating brand awareness. Public relations managers maintain the company's presence on various social media platforms, responding to the customers' inquiries and concerns regarding the company's goods and services. A public relations manager must have excellent communication and leadership skills, especially in identifying business opportunities to increase revenues and profitability.

Communications program manager vs public relations manager salary

Communications program managers and public relations managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Communications Program ManagerPublic Relations Manager
Average salary$85,031$91,426
Salary rangeBetween $58,000 And $124,000Between $64,000 And $128,000
Highest paying CityTrenton, NJLas Vegas, NV
Highest paying stateNew JerseyNevada
Best paying companyAppleGoogle
Best paying industryTechnologyTechnology

Differences between communications program manager and public relations manager education

There are a few differences between a communications program manager and a public relations manager in terms of educational background:

Communications Program ManagerPublic Relations Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 79%
Most common majorBusinessCommunication
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaNorthwestern University

Communications program manager vs public relations manager demographics

Here are the differences between communications program managers' and public relations managers' demographics:

Communications Program ManagerPublic Relations Manager
Average age4542
Gender ratioMale, 36.3% Female, 63.7%Male, 34.5% Female, 65.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 14.1% Asian, 5.1% White, 63.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%Black or African American, 5.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 5.1% White, 74.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage14%16%

Differences between communications program manager and public relations manager duties and responsibilities

Communications program manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage and overseen housing operations, administration of HUD programs, supervise maintenance and/or improvements of residential properties.
  • Implement process improvements and Medicare department reorganization that establish a foundation for improve member outcomes and satisfaction and increase product margins.
  • Develop and facilitate clinic QA visit process.
  • Include supporting beta and QA testing, authoring/reviewing product specifications, training and localization documentation.

Public relations manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage social media - provide content ideas, monitor FB and Instagram activity.
  • Manage events and promotions; create Christmas event, manage twitter account and make marketing plans.
  • Lead a successful rebranding effort to transition the organization into a premier corporate training provider in SoCal.
  • Lead a rebranding and revitalization of the intranet by focusing on improving internal communication, search capabilities, and branding elements.
  • Interview featured alumni, manage copywriting staff and editorial calendar, and coordinate photography.
  • Maintain strong working relationships across all departments to manage successful on-site opportunities, content and multimedia asset development and spokesperson requests.
  • Show more

Communications program manager vs public relations manager skills

Common communications program manager skills
  • Project Management, 11%
  • Program Management, 7%
  • PowerPoint, 5%
  • Public Health, 5%
  • Website Content, 4%
  • HR, 4%
Common public relations manager skills
  • Press Releases, 20%
  • Web Content, 5%
  • Pr Campaigns, 4%
  • Marketing Campaigns, 4%
  • Digital Marketing, 4%
  • Facebook, 3%

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