Communications Manager vs. Marketing Manager: What Are the Differences?

Communications managers and marketing managers are both important positions in the business world. They are responsible for different aspects of a company’s marketing and communications strategies. If you’re interested in a career in marketing or communications, understanding the similarities and differences between these two positions can help you decide which is the right fit for you. In this article, we compare and contrast communications managers and marketing managers, and we provide tips for pursuing a career in either field.

What is a Communications Manager?

A Communications Manager is responsible for planning, executing and overseeing all internal and external communications for a company. They work with different departments to ensure that company messaging is consistent and on brand. They develop and maintain relationships with media outlets and pitch stories to generate positive press coverage. Communications Managers also create and distribute marketing materials, such as press releases, product brochures and website content. They often manage social media accounts and create digital marketing campaigns. In some cases, Communications Managers also serve as the company spokesperson and handle media inquiries.

What is a Marketing Manager?

Marketing Managers are responsible for planning, developing and executing marketing campaigns that promote a company’s products or services. They collaborate with other members of the marketing team, such as graphic designers and copywriters, to create cohesive campaigns. Marketing Managers also work with sales teams to ensure that campaigns are aligned with sales goals. They often conduct market research to understand customer needs and preferences, then use that information to develop targeted marketing strategies. Marketing Managers may also be responsible for managing budgets and tracking campaign results to ensure that campaigns are cost-effective and achieving desired results.

Communications Manager vs. Marketing Manager

Here are the main differences between a communications manager and a marketing manager.

Job Duties

Communications and marketing managers share some job duties, such as creating marketing plans and strategies. However, their duties differ in scope and focus. Communications managers focus on the dissemination of information to external audiences, such as customers, vendors, media outlets and stakeholders. They create communication campaigns that inform these groups about company news, products and services and brand identity.

Marketing managers oversee many aspects of a company’s marketing efforts, but they concentrate on internal audiences. They use the data communications managers collect to inform their teams about new products and updates to current ones. Marketing managers also develop in-house marketing tactics, such as sales scripts, training programs and product demonstrations.

Job Requirements

Communications managers and marketing managers typically need a bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing or another related field. Some employers prefer candidates to have a master’s degree as well, but it is not required for entry-level positions. Additionally, many communications managers and marketing managers pursue certifications through professional organizations like the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) or the American Marketing Association (AMA). These organizations offer training programs that teach professionals how to use communications and marketing software and other tools they might need on the job.

Work Environment

Communications and marketing managers often work in different environments. Communications managers typically work in an office setting, where they can collaborate with other professionals to develop strategies for their campaigns. They may also travel to attend conferences or meet with clients.

Marketing managers usually work in a more fast-paced environment, such as a marketing department within a company. They may spend most of their time working on projects independently, but they still need to communicate with others about their ideas and plans.

Skills

Both communications managers and marketing managers use a variety of skills in their jobs. These can include interpersonal skills, such as communication and negotiation, as well as analytical skills, such as market research and data analysis.

However, there are some key differences in the skills each position uses. For example, communications managers typically need to have excellent writing skills to develop content for various channels, like social media, email and website copy. They also need to be able to edit content created by others to ensure it meets the company’s standards. Marketing managers usually need to have strong project management skills to oversee campaigns from start to finish. This can involve coordinating with different teams, setting timelines and budgets and ensuring that deadlines are met. Additionally, marketing managers often benefit from having creative skills to develop new ideas for marketing initiatives.

Salary

The average salary for a communications manager is $82,899 per year, while the average salary for a marketing manager is $79,797 per year. Both of these salaries can vary depending on the size of the company, the location of the job and the level of experience the employee has.