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Media relations director vs publication director

The differences between media relations directors and publication 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 media relations director and a publication director. Additionally, a media relations director has an average salary of $115,268, which is higher than the $87,824 average annual salary of a publication director.

The top three skills for a media relations director include web content, spokesperson and crisis communications. The most important skills for a publication director are website content, press releases, and government agencies.

Media relations director vs publication director overview

Media Relations DirectorPublication Director
Yearly salary$115,268$87,824
Hourly rate$55.42$42.22
Growth rate8%8%
Number of jobs32,39114,660
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 84%Bachelor's Degree, 75%
Average age4242
Years of experience44

What does a media relations director do?

A Media Relations Director spearheads and oversees the brand image and overall media relations of an organization. They are responsible for making advertising and marketing decisions, setting goals and guidelines, establishing budgets and timelines, managing and coordinating directors, liaising with internal and external parties, delegating tasks among teams, and developing strategies from planning to execution. A Media Relations Director leads and encourages staff to reach goals while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

What does a publication director do?

A publication director spearheads and oversees the operations of publishing establishments, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. They have the authority to make publication decisions, set goals, establish guidelines and timelines, delegate tasks and resources among teams, and develop strategies to optimize operations. They also monitor the workflow and the performance of the workforce, addressing issues and concerns if any arise. Moreover, a publication director leads and encourages staff to reach goals, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations, developing new ones as needed.

Media relations director vs publication director salary

Media relations directors and publication directors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Media Relations DirectorPublication Director
Average salary$115,268$87,824
Salary rangeBetween $70,000 And $188,000Between $49,000 And $154,000
Highest paying CityPhiladelphia, PACarson City, NV
Highest paying stateNevadaDelaware
Best paying companyPhoenix Children'sBiogen
Best paying industryProfessionalMedia

Differences between media relations director and publication director education

There are a few differences between a media relations director and a publication director in terms of educational background:

Media Relations DirectorPublication Director
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 84%Bachelor's Degree, 75%
Most common majorCommunicationCommunication
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityMassachusetts Institute of Technology

Media relations director vs publication director demographics

Here are the differences between media relations directors' and publication directors' demographics:

Media Relations DirectorPublication Director
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 61.2% Female, 38.8%Male, 44.8% Female, 55.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.0% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 9.2% Asian, 5.1% White, 74.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 5.7% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.9% Asian, 5.0% White, 75.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between media relations director and publication director duties and responsibilities

Media relations director example responsibilities.

  • Hire, train and manage play-by-play broadcasters guaranteeing a professional and informative listening experience.
  • Initiate and supervise development of new media technologies including iPhone and iPad apps, Facebook, YouTube and mobile website.
  • Create daily posts on Facebook and engage with people there.
  • Develop and implement online SEM efforts optimizing conversion rate for e-commerce.
  • Direct internal communications tactics including newsletters, Intranet, domestic and international executive meetings, and special events.
  • Champion agency competency growth in SEO and digital marketing.
  • Show more

Publication director example responsibilities.

  • Manage media relations, announcements, editorial placement, and speaking opportunities the organizations.
  • Promote expansion of Medicaid coverage at the federal and state level.
  • Create & maintain SEAPOWER Facebook page, where all online articles are place, driving page views back to the website.
  • Serve as representative to senior management team during community events and company spokesperson for division, including to nonprofit sector clients.
  • Draft pleadings and serve subpoenas.
  • Complete all investigative reports including incident reports, subpoenas, arrest warrants, and witness statements.
  • Show more

Media relations director vs publication director skills

Common media relations director skills
  • Web Content, 13%
  • Spokesperson, 8%
  • Crisis Communications, 4%
  • Press Conferences, 4%
  • Communications Strategies, 4%
  • Facebook, 4%
Common publication director skills
  • Website Content, 12%
  • Press Releases, 11%
  • Government Agencies, 9%
  • Public Policy Issues, 6%
  • Government Relations, 5%
  • Pr Campaigns, 4%

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