Post job

Media relations director vs publications manager

The differences between media relations directors and publications managers 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 publications manager. Additionally, a media relations director has an average salary of $115,268, which is higher than the $94,155 average annual salary of a publications manager.

The top three skills for a media relations director include web content, spokesperson and crisis communications. The most important skills for a publications manager are facebook, project management, and press releases.

Media relations director vs publications manager overview

Media Relations DirectorPublications Manager
Yearly salary$115,268$94,155
Hourly rate$55.42$45.27
Growth rate8%8%
Number of jobs32,39118,211
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 84%Bachelor's Degree, 72%
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 publications manager do?

A publications manager specializes in devising strategies to optimize publication procedures, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities include liaising with media and other external agencies, overseeing staff performances, setting objectives and guidelines, spearheading campaigns, handling licensing procedures, and participating in marketing operations. They may also address issues and concerns, resolving them promptly and efficiently. Furthermore, as a publication manager, it is essential to lead and encourage the workforce to reach goals, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

Media relations director vs publications manager salary

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

Media Relations DirectorPublications Manager
Average salary$115,268$94,155
Salary rangeBetween $70,000 And $188,000Between $66,000 And $133,000
Highest paying CityPhiladelphia, PAMenlo Park, CA
Highest paying stateNevadaNevada
Best paying companyPhoenix Children'sMeta
Best paying industryProfessional-

Differences between media relations director and publications manager education

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

Media Relations DirectorPublications Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 84%Bachelor's Degree, 72%
Most common majorCommunicationEnglish
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityStanford University

Media relations director vs publications manager demographics

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

Media Relations DirectorPublications Manager
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 61.2% Female, 38.8%Male, 43.5% Female, 56.5%
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, 5.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.9% Asian, 5.1% White, 75.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between media relations director and publications manager 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

Publications manager example responsibilities.

  • Lead company-wide FDA compliance requirements documentation project.
  • Manage leading fashion editorial photography studio, including set and lighting design.
  • Implement processes and tools to satisfy FDA and ISO user documentation requirements.
  • Revolutionize tuberculosis (TB) program by conducting and monitoring an epidemiological risk assessment of the base's local community.
  • Assure compliance to regulatory requirements including FDA, MDD, ISO, BSI, UL, and other agencies.
  • Hire to evaluate and recommend solutions to facilitate migration of data to XML integrate information logistics system.
  • Show more

Media relations director vs publications manager skills

Common media relations director skills
  • Web Content, 13%
  • Spokesperson, 8%
  • Crisis Communications, 4%
  • Press Conferences, 4%
  • Communications Strategies, 4%
  • Facebook, 4%
Common publications manager skills
  • Facebook, 19%
  • Project Management, 15%
  • Press Releases, 10%
  • PowerPoint, 6%
  • Publicity Campaigns, 6%
  • Public Health, 6%

Browse executive management jobs