Managing editor vs managing director

The differences between managing editors and managing directors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a managing editor, becoming a managing director takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a managing director has an average salary of $129,690, which is higher than the $89,060 average annual salary of a managing editor.

The top three skills for a managing editor include web content, editorial content and SEO. The most important skills for a managing director are healthcare, portfolio, and business development.

Managing editor vs managing director overview

	Managing Editor	Managing Director
Yearly salary	$89,060	$129,690
Hourly rate	$42.82	$62.35
Growth rate	-5%	6%
Number of jobs	16,781	81,022
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 81%	Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	4	6

What does a managing editor do?

Managing editors are individuals who coordinate and oversee the editorial activities of a publication. They administer the daily operations or a website or publication, such as generating ideas and planning and editing content. Their responsibilities include the recruitment, promotion, and firing of staff members. They even create and implement deadlines. Great managing editors are those who are updated on the latest trends and make informed decisions. They should also be equipped with skills in management and coaching.

What does a managing director do?

A Managing Director oversees workflow and progress, making sure that all operations align within the company or organization's mission or set of goals. They are responsible for crafting strategies, devising effective business plans, and executing guidelines that would nurture a company's growth, and as well as to be the driving force that would direct employees to the company's objectives. Furthermore, a Managing Director must coordinate with those in a higher position, such as the members of the board.

Managing editor vs managing director salary

Managing editors and managing directors have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Managing Editor	Managing Director
Average salary	$89,060	$129,690
Salary range	Between $59,000 And $132,000	Between $72,000 And $233,000
Highest paying City	Washington, DC	New York, NY
Highest paying state	Connecticut	New York
Best paying company	Federal Reserve Bank	Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison
Best paying industry	Media	Finance

Differences between managing editor and managing director education

There are a few differences between a managing editor and a managing director in terms of educational background:

	Managing Editor	Managing Director
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 81%	Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Most common major	Journalism	Business
Most common college	Northwestern University	University of Pennsylvania

Managing editor vs managing director demographics

Here are the differences between managing editors' and managing directors' demographics:

	Managing Editor	Managing Director
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 46.6% Female, 53.4%	Male, 73.5% Female, 26.5%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 3.5% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 7.1% White, 76.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%	Black or African American, 6.1% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.0% Asian, 6.3% White, 67.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	12%	10%

Differences between managing editor and managing director duties and responsibilities

Managing editor example responsibilities.

Manage programs such as schedule overhaul, YouTube channel creation, and new blog site.
Manage editorial process: assigning stories to line-editing to HTML publishing/page placement.
Manage editorial departments: ensure timely receipt of copy and photos, including coordinating and overseeing all freelance and in-house submissions.
Edit and proofread submissions for weekly publication.
Proofread and edit articles for several UN publications.
Launch and create the first digital edition online and via iPad.

Managing director example responsibilities.

Create and manage the social media presence via a festival page on Facebook.
Manage all consulting resources and have overall P/L responsibilities for the Atlanta office.
Manage the lessee and lessor relationships regarding exchange seat leases with major markets, such as NYSE, AMEX, CBOE.
Manage denials and expedite managed care appeals (reimbursement reconsideration).
Manage payroll processing for thousands of industrial temporary workers and bill respective clients.
Manage the Ketera SaaS relationship for IBM with engagement development and profitability responsibilities.

Managing editor vs managing director skills

Common managing editor skills

Web Content, 13%
Editorial Content, 10%
SEO, 7%
Editorial Calendar, 5%
Digital Content, 5%
Editor-In-Chief, 4%

Common managing director skills

Healthcare, 7%
Portfolio, 7%
Business Development, 6%
Oversight, 6%
Project Management, 5%
Customer Service, 5%

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Managing Editor
Managing Editor vs Managing Director

Updated January 8, 2025

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