Post job

Digital media planner vs communications specialist

The differences between digital media planners and communications specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a digital media planner and a communications specialist. Additionally, a digital media planner has an average salary of $55,361, which is higher than the $51,023 average annual salary of a communications specialist.

The top three skills for a digital media planner include powerpoint, media planning and campaign performance. The most important skills for a communications specialist are customer service, powerpoint, and patients.

Digital media planner vs communications specialist overview

Digital Media PlannerCommunications Specialist
Yearly salary$55,361$51,023
Hourly rate$26.62$24.53
Growth rate8%8%
Number of jobs39,00542,819
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 89%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Average age4242
Years of experience44

What does a digital media planner do?

A digital media planner helps clients planning to build an internet presence through online marketing. Crafting a successful digital media advertising campaign is not a simple task, and it requires a lot of data gathering and analysis. It is the digital media planner's job to ensure the client's business gets the most out of the internet by creating a workable plan to take advantage of the internet. A digital media planner's tasks are to monitor campaign performance, gather data from previous campaigns, and develop new strategies and plans for the company to follow.

What does a communications specialist do?

A communications specialist takes charge of addressing the public by coming up with various strategic campaigns, newsletters, public correspondence, press releases, and advertisements. Their primary role focuses on promoting, shaping, and enhancing a brand's image through public relations. Furthermore, a communications specialist is responsible for handling any complaints or issues, devising and conducting damage control to resolve bad publicity should there be any. It is also essential for a communications specialist to adhere to the company's policies and regulations at all times.

Digital media planner vs communications specialist salary

Digital media planners and communications specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Digital Media PlannerCommunications Specialist
Average salary$55,361$51,023
Salary rangeBetween $47,000 And $64,000Between $36,000 And $71,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CAWashington, DC
Highest paying stateWashingtonNew Jersey
Best paying companyMama's Fish HouseGoogle
Best paying industryProfessionalTechnology

Differences between digital media planner and communications specialist education

There are a few differences between a digital media planner and a communications specialist in terms of educational background:

Digital Media PlannerCommunications Specialist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 89%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Most common majorMarketingCommunication
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityStanford University

Digital media planner vs communications specialist demographics

Here are the differences between digital media planners' and communications specialists' demographics:

Digital Media PlannerCommunications Specialist
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 38.1% Female, 61.9%Male, 42.9% Female, 57.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.4% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.3% Asian, 5.4% White, 66.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 10.0% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 11.9% Asian, 5.3% White, 67.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage12%12%

Differences between digital media planner and communications specialist duties and responsibilities

Digital media planner example responsibilities.

  • Manage the domestic and international marketing media budget - evaluate opportunities for acceptable ROI and ensure budgetary constraints are met.
  • Provide day-to-day campaign management on paid and SEO marketing campaigns to ensure successful results.
  • Set up and maintain all campaigns in DoubleClick
  • Put together POVs for potential partnerships and present feedback and findings.
  • Authore and present POVs on social media monitoring tools, site placements, and audience targets.
  • Analyze client KPIs to present media recommendations, executing largest $5MM campaign of year with fifteen media partners
  • Show more

Communications specialist example responsibilities.

  • Manage all client data and meeting history in Salesforce.
  • Provision, manage PRI-ISDN and IP installation of AARP state offices for AARP video systems.
  • Manage course syllabi, scientific abstracts, reprints and course development according to all ACCME and FDA guidelines.
  • Manage CRM database and develop key communication items such as email blasts, brochures, flyers, and bulletins.
  • Manage website: regularly update content, implement SEO and monitor website activity.
  • Manage and update written communications on organization's Facebook page and other social media outlets
  • Show more

Digital media planner vs communications specialist skills

Common digital media planner skills
  • PowerPoint, 9%
  • Media Planning, 8%
  • Campaign Performance, 8%
  • Digital Marketing, 7%
  • DoubleClick, 4%
  • Client Facing, 4%
Common communications specialist skills
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • PowerPoint, 6%
  • Patients, 6%
  • Web Content, 6%
  • Project Management, 6%
  • Press Releases, 5%

Browse arts, entertainment, sports, and media jobs