Skip to main content

    Influencer Marketing Manager vs Social Media Manager: what is the difference?

    Influencer Marketing Manager is the more senior of the two. Social Media Manager typically expects 2-5 years of experience and reports to Senior Manager, Strategist, or Director, while Influencer Marketing Manager expects 4-8 years and reports to Social Media Director or Brand Director.

    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

    Social Media Manager

    Mid Level

    The Social Media Manager is the most prevalent role in the profession. A Social Media Manager owns the day-to-day strategy and execution for a brand's social channels, balancing content creation, community management, reporting, and increasingly paid social oversight.

    Experience
    2-5 years
    Reports to
    Senior Manager, Strategist, or Director
    Owns
    • Developing and executing social media strategy
    • Content planning, creation, and publishing
    • Community management and brand reputation
    • Analytics reporting and performance optimisation
    • Managing relationships with agencies and creators
    Core skills
    Strategy developmentCopywritingAnalytics & reportingCommunity managementContent planningBasic paid socialStakeholder managementTeam coordination

    Which title should the job ad use?

    • 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.
    • Use Social Media Manager when the work centres on developing and executing social media strategy and the hire will report to Senior Manager, Strategist, or 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.

    Related comparisons

    More SocialDay reference guides