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The differences between managers of special events 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 manager of special events and a director of special events. Additionally, a director of special events has an average salary of $63,671, 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 director of special events are event planning, alumni, and event management.
| Manager Of Special Events | Director Of Special Events | |
| Yearly salary | $56,716 | $63,671 |
| Hourly rate | $27.27 | $30.61 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 8% |
| Number of jobs | 15,818 | 23,252 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 79% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
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.
Managers of special events and directors of special events have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Manager Of Special Events | Director Of Special Events | |
| Average salary | $56,716 | $63,671 |
| Salary range | Between $31,000 And $101,000 | Between $35,000 And $113,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | California |
| Best paying company | ESPN | NRDC |
| Best paying industry | Non Profits | Professional |
There are a few differences between a manager of special events and a director of special events in terms of educational background:
| Manager Of Special Events | Director Of Special Events | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 79% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between managers of special events' and directors of special events' demographics:
| Manager Of Special Events | Director Of Special Events | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 29.7% Female, 70.3% | Male, 25.1% Female, 74.9% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 75.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 16% | 16% |