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The differences between directors of economic development and directors of special events can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a director of economic development and a director of special events. Additionally, a director of economic development has an average salary of $107,578, which is higher than the $63,671 average annual salary of a director of special events.
The top three skills for a director of economic development include business development, project management and real estate. The most important skills for a director of special events are event planning, alumni, and event management.
| Director Of Economic Development | Director Of Special Events | |
| Yearly salary | $107,578 | $63,671 |
| Hourly rate | $51.72 | $30.61 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 8% |
| Number of jobs | 55,938 | 23,252 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
An economic development director develops and spearheads the implementation of economic development programs in a city. They usually work for the city government, although there are some who work for private companies. It is their responsibility to perform market research and analysis, developing strategies to help the city in building positive relationships with businesses and potential economic partners. Moreover, as an economic development director, they are also responsible for managing and directing staff, encouraging them to reach project goals while implementing policies and standards.
A director of special events spearheads and oversees the planning and execution of various events, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently. They typically set goals and guidelines, manage schedules and timelines, outline plans and strategies, coordinate managers and different departments, and liaise with vendors and suppliers, building positive business relationships in the process. Moreover, as a director, it is essential to lead and encourage staff to reach goals while implementing and promoting the company's policies and regulations, including its vision and mission.
Directors of economic development and directors of special events have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Director Of Economic Development | Director Of Special Events | |
| Average salary | $107,578 | $63,671 |
| Salary range | Between $64,000 And $180,000 | Between $35,000 And $113,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | California |
| Best paying company | AstraZeneca | NRDC |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Professional |
There are a few differences between a director of economic development and a director of special events in terms of educational background:
| Director Of Economic Development | Director Of Special Events | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between directors of economic development' and directors of special events' demographics:
| Director Of Economic Development | Director Of Special Events | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 64.1% Female, 35.9% | Male, 25.1% Female, 74.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.0% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 5.1% White, 74.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 5.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Asian, 5.1% White, 75.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 16% | 16% |