Advertising managers work with art directors and advertising sales agents to develop advertisements and campaigns that will generate consumer interest in a product or service. They work for advertising agencies that create advertisements and campaigns as well as media firms that sell advertising space. As managers, they are typically the liaison between clients in need of advertising and the company that will create a campaign and develop and place the ads. Job responsibilities of advertising managers include:
- Developing advertising campaigns
- Negotiating contracts with clients
- Analyzing market research data and developing pricing and marketing strategies accordingly
- Overseeing daily activities of advertising, promotions, and marketing staff
According to the BLS, the next decade will see continued job growth for advertising managers, particularly in the area of digital media. Businesses and organizations will continue striving to expand their market reach in a global economy through advertising in all types of media, including print, radio, television, outdoor signs, and the Internet.
Advertising Manager at a Glance
Projected Job Growth
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Job Growth for
Advertising Manager
Average Pay for Advertising Manager
- Annual Pay National Average
- Hourly Pay National Average
Best States for Advertising Manager
| Employment in 2011 |
Average Annual Pay |
Average Hourly Pay |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 4,310 | $143,060 | $69 |
| Illinois | 2,680 | $110,170 | $53 |
| District of Columbia | 260 | $106,040 | $51 |
Sources:
- From U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2012
- From U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2010
Becoming an Advertising Manager
Most advertising manager jobs typically require a bachelor's degree and related work experience in advertising, sales, or marketing Most employers will favor candidates with a bachelor's in advertising or advertising management or a related degree that includes course study in subjects such as marketing, public relations, communications, consumer behavior, accounting, business law, visual arts, and art history.
More and more nonprofit and for-profit universities are offering online as well as on-campus bachelor degree programs in advertising. The Art Institute of Pittsburgh offers an online bachelor's degree in advertising with courses covering storyboarding, public relations, sales, marketing, and advertising campaigns. Some of the specific course listings for this program include:
- Survey of Advertising
- Creative and Strategic Planning
- Public Relations and Promotion
- Introduction to Design Applications
When it comes to hiring an advertising manager, employers will favor candidates with extensive work experience. Many managers begin their careers as advertising sales agents, buyers, or product, promotions, or public relations specialists. Candidates for jobs as advertising managers must also possess strong analytical, creative, and interpersonal skills.