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Manager of special events vs communications director

The differences between managers of special events and communications directors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a manager of special events and a communications director. Additionally, a communications director has an average salary of $107,700, which is higher than the $56,716 average annual salary of a manager of special events.

The top three skills for a manager of special events include customer service, event planning and event management. The most important skills for a communications director are web content, press releases, and customer service.

Manager of special events vs communications director overview

Manager Of Special EventsCommunications Director
Yearly salary$56,716$107,700
Hourly rate$27.27$51.78
Growth rate8%8%
Number of jobs15,81827,939
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 79%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Average age4242
Years of experience44

What does a manager of special events do?

A manager of special events is responsible for organizing events and programs for a company and various organizations. Managers of special events monitor the event procedures from conceptualization to the actual execution. They analyze the event purpose, manage participants' list, coordinate with suppliers for resources, allocate budget accurately, and ensure that the program outlines and agendas are polished on time. A manager of special events must have excellent communication and organizational skills to deliver a successful event and resolve complications as they arise.

What does a communications director do?

A communications director is responsible for monitoring and supervising the overall media relations from internal to external communications. A communications director's duties include managing campaigns, providing organizational updates to the employees, supporting social media marketing, developing effective communication strategies to build the organization's reputation, and efficiently leading team members in handling events that represent the business. Communications directors must have strong leadership and communication skills to provide support for the company's daily operations and strategies.

Manager of special events vs communications director salary

Managers of special events and communications directors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Manager Of Special EventsCommunications Director
Average salary$56,716$107,700
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $101,000Between $61,000 And $188,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateHawaiiNevada
Best paying companyESPNMcKinsey & Company Inc
Best paying industryNon ProfitsHealth Care

Differences between manager of special events and communications director education

There are a few differences between a manager of special events and a communications director in terms of educational background:

Manager Of Special EventsCommunications Director
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 79%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Most common majorBusinessCommunication
Most common collegeStanford UniversityStanford University

Manager of special events vs communications director demographics

Here are the differences between managers of special events' and communications directors' demographics:

Manager Of Special EventsCommunications Director
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 29.7% Female, 70.3%Male, 40.2% Female, 59.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 5.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Asian, 5.1% White, 74.9% 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, 75.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between manager of special events and communications director duties and responsibilities

Manager of special events example responsibilities.

  • Negotiate contracts and manage project budgets to ensure optimal return on cost and measurable ROI.
  • Manage all aspects of these events and act as onsite manager to ensure meeting are delivered effectively and professionally.
  • Assist in planning, developing and producing PowerPoint and video presentations.
  • Measure and track ROI on a per school basis to create weekly schedule.
  • Control the up keep and organization of the entire foundation website and Facebook page.
  • Greet customers immediately upon entry into the VIP room and make wine and liquor suggestions.
  • Show more

Communications director example responsibilities.

  • Assist in managing the Facebook and Instagram pages.
  • Develop and manage c-level strategic client relationships to grow revenue base.
  • Create and manage corporate website, online demand gen through SEO and SEM.
  • Manage editorial content of the organization website, build and upload web pages via HTML.
  • Manage the marketing strategy and budget, including B2C acquisition campaigns focuse on out of home and DRTV.
  • Manage media relations, announcements, editorial placement, and speaking opportunities the organizations.
  • Show more

Manager of special events vs communications director skills

Common manager of special events skills
  • Customer Service, 21%
  • Event Planning, 13%
  • Event Management, 9%
  • Event Logistics, 4%
  • PowerPoint, 4%
  • Inventory Control, 2%
Common communications director skills
  • Web Content, 8%
  • Press Releases, 8%
  • Customer Service, 7%
  • External Communications, 5%
  • Project Management, 4%
  • Employee Engagement, 4%

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