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Manager of special events vs media director

The differences between managers of special events and media 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 media director. Additionally, a media director has an average salary of $112,564, 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 media director are digital marketing, video production, and media planning.

Manager of special events vs media director overview

Manager Of Special EventsMedia Director
Yearly salary$56,716$112,564
Hourly rate$27.27$54.12
Growth rate8%8%
Number of jobs15,81822,511
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 media director do?

A media director spearheads and oversees a company's entire media-related activities, including marketing and advertising campaigns. They are in charge of setting goals and guidelines, liaising and building positive relationships with external parties, conceptualizing plans for projects and campaigns, and developing strategies to optimize operations. It is also their duty to address issues and concerns, resolving them promptly and efficiently. Furthermore, as a media director, it is essential to monitor the progress of different teams, leading and encouraging them to reach goals while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

Manager of special events vs media director salary

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

Manager Of Special EventsMedia Director
Average salary$56,716$112,564
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $101,000Between $73,000 And $172,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateHawaiiNevada
Best paying companyESPNGoogle
Best paying industryNon ProfitsProfessional

Differences between manager of special events and media director education

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

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

Manager of special events vs media director demographics

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

Manager Of Special EventsMedia Director
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 29.7% Female, 70.3%Male, 62.0% Female, 38.0%
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, 6.0% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 5.1% White, 74.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between manager of special events and media 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

Media director example responsibilities.

  • Manage course creation process from media asset creation to LMS formatting.
  • Manage a team performing mastering and short run duplication of 1000-1500 fully finish DVD products per day.
  • Manage online advertising including multiple search engine sponsor link (PPC) campaigns and display campaigns with different traffic providers/networks.
  • Utilize basic HTML, CSS and advance Photoshop techniques to maintain and update the website.
  • Maintain $2600 pvr while keeping high CSI and SSI.
  • Record video clips and post on YouTube and website.
  • Show more

Manager of special events vs media 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 media director skills
  • Digital Marketing, 10%
  • Video Production, 9%
  • Media Planning, 6%
  • Client Relationships, 5%
  • Facebook, 4%
  • TV, 4%

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