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    Community Manager vs Influencer Marketing Manager: what is the difference?

    Influencer Marketing Manager is the more senior of the two. Community Manager typically expects 1-4 years of experience and reports to Social Media Manager or Head of Community, while Influencer Marketing Manager expects 4-8 years and reports to Social Media Director or Brand Director.

    Community Manager

    Mid Level

    The Community Manager is the human voice of a brand on social media, responsible for building, engaging, and moderating online communities. This role is distinct from a Social Media Manager: the focus is on relationships and conversation rather than content strategy or publishing.

    Experience
    1-4 years
    Reports to
    Social Media Manager or Head of Community
    Owns
    • Responding to comments, DMs, and reviews
    • Proactive community engagement and outreach
    • Moderating discussions and handling escalations
    • Identifying and nurturing brand advocates
    • Reporting on community sentiment and themes
    Core skills
    CommunicationEmpathyCrisis handlingBrand knowledgeConflict resolutionSentiment analysis

    Influencer Marketing Manager

    Leadership

    The Influencer Marketing Manager owns the brand's influencer and creator partnership strategy. This role manages the identification, contracting, briefing, and performance measurement of influencer campaigns across all tiers, from mega-influencers to nano-creators.

    Experience
    4-8 years
    Reports to
    Social Media Director or Brand Director
    Owns
    • Influencer strategy and tier selection
    • Talent identification and relationship management
    • Commercial negotiation and contract management
    • Campaign briefing, execution, and compliance
    • ROI measurement and reporting
    Core skills
    Influencer platformsCommercial negotiationRelationship managementCampaign managementAnalyticsASA / FTC compliance

    Which title should the job ad use?

    • Use Community Manager when the work centres on responding to comments, dms, and reviews and the hire will report to Social Media Manager or Head of Community.
    • Use Influencer Marketing Manager when the work centres on influencer strategy and tier selection and the hire will report to Social Media Director or Brand Director.
    • If the remit covers both, split the role or advertise at the more senior band and pay accordingly. Benchmarks are in the Salary Report.

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