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Job outlook for directors ecommerce marketing in the United States
Director ecommerce marketing job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected director ecommerce marketing job growth rate is 10% from 2018-2028.
About 33,700 new jobs for directors ecommerce marketing are projected over the next decade.
Director ecommerce marketing salaries have increased 8% for directors ecommerce marketing in the last 5 years.
There are over 26,206 directors ecommerce marketing currently employed in the United States.
There are 90,810 active director ecommerce marketing job openings in the US.
The average director ecommerce marketing salary is $139,548.
Are director ecommerce marketing jobs in demand?
Director ecommerce marketing job and salary trends over time
Director ecommerce marketing jobs over time
Director ecommerce marketing job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 26,206 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 25,407 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 24,794 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 22,609 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 20,590 | 0.01% |
Average director ecommerce marketing salary over time
Director ecommerce marketing salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $139,548 | $67.09 | +3.9% |
| 2024 | $134,326 | $64.58 | +1.9% |
| 2023 | $131,813 | $63.37 | +1.6% |
| 2022 | $129,791 | $62.40 | +0.8% |
| 2021 | $128,760 | $61.90 | +1.9% |
Director ecommerce marketing jobs by state
Most common states for directors ecommerce marketing
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 267 | 38% |
| 2 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 746 | 24% |
| 3 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 724 | 24% |
| 4 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 278 | 21% |
| 5 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 993 | 18% |
| 6 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,164 | 17% |
| 7 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 100 | 17% |
| 8 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 118 | 16% |
| 9 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,257 | 15% |
| 10 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 749 | 15% |
| 11 | Oklahoma | 3,930,864 | 607 | 15% |
| 12 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 533 | 15% |
| 13 | Mississippi | 2,984,100 | 462 | 15% |
| 14 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 282 | 15% |
| 15 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 127 | 15% |
| 16 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 1,388 | 14% |
| 17 | Louisiana | 4,684,333 | 676 | 14% |
| 18 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 575 | 14% |
| 19 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 152 | 14% |
| 20 | Alaska | 739,795 | 102 | 14% |
Most common cities for directors ecommerce marketing
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brea | 1 | 2% | $158,308 |
| 2 | Overland Park | 1 | 1% | $99,963 |
Director Ecommerce Marketing job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of director ecommerce marketing experts
Indiana University Bloomington
Lasell University
University of Houston - Downtown
Towson University
University of West Georgia
Auburn University-Montgomery
Auburn University-Montgomery
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
Tusculum University
West Los Angeles College
Berea College
California State University - Stanislaus
Delta State University
Old Dominion University
Wayland Baptist University, Anchorage
Western New England University
Gulf Coast State College
University of Virginia
What general advice would you give to a Director Ecommerce Marketing?
Rich Johnson: Most job titles have a similar salary. Sometimes the salary is better in urban spaces where the cost of living is higher as well. Before I would assess salary, I would look at the cost of living and your monthly budget to build your personal requirements. You usually need to begin work in a starting salary position, but that doesn't mean that you need to stay there for long. When you get into a role, go all in. Master everything that is asked of you and start providing ideas to solve problems. Your value isn't just your ability to complete a task, it is your ability to provide value and creative solutions. Make sure that you retain credit for your contributions and stay positive. Building value in your role is key for job security and growth. Another part of the ladder of salary growth is self advocating for raises and knowing when you have hit the ceiling in your present position. If you do hit a plateau, the options are to pursue a new role or consider taking your skills to another business. One of the most effective growth tools that I have had in my career has been through freelance. If you have the bandwidth, consider taking on some freelance work. This will build skills and new connections that can lead to your next opportunity.
What Director Ecommerce Marketing skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Rich Johnson: One of the most difficult positions can be the beginning. But, the most potential starts there as well. Once you start down a path, inertia and career trajectory could keep you on that path for a while. Choose wisely... Always be curious and have an open mind. Try something for a while. Learn new skills, gain perspective and let the path unfold before you. A lot of jobs ask for a student to have work experience before they are willing to hire. This creates a dilemma too. One piece of advice that I give to my students is to do volunteer work in the direction that they would like their career to go. If you like the music industry, volunteer to create designs for the musicians and stages. Replace your college portfolio with work that involves collaboration and connects you to the community. Maybe your HR team might have seen that show and was impressed with your work. It can be hard to know when doors will open. The most important thing is to keep going. Don't let setbacks stop you.
What will help Directors Ecommerce Marketing increase their earning potential?
Rich Johnson: Digital media covers a lot of mediums and requires many skill sets (print, static online, animation, interactive). The print arm is a lesser component although still valuable in the scope of marketing. Smartphones, tablets and gaming have moved a lot of digital into a customer expectation of interactive and customizable content. The present model of career specialization in a certain aspect of this spectrum of skills is changing. The age of the generalist is becoming more of a reality as design tools are becoming more accessible and A.I. is assisting in the more complex tasks. I would say that someone working in digital media will need to focus more on the big picture of design, predicting trends and developing solutions from a point of view with perspective. It will be even more important to understand the needs of a system from the top down and provide solutions that enhance that system. This might be through partnering with marketing and sales to conceptualize solutions, pitching product ideas and other functions related to creative and art direction. And be curious, all of the time. Keep up to date with everything that is happening. Take classes, watch tutorials, read articles and be obsessed with the breakneck rate of change. Digital media is constantly changing and possibilities are always expanding. It can be near impossible to be a master of all of these trajectories, but you can understand them well enough to bring in a specialist when the challenge requires it. This is where I predict that A.I. will be a major paradigm shift. There will be a time when you will ask the system to solve a problem, and you can choose what parts of the process that you want to control. So to boil it down... Develop a well rounded set of skills Further develop specialist level skills where you excel Keep on top of change and keep a thirst for learning Strengthen your connection to problem solving and creative innovation Keep an eye on the future predicting what might be around the bend
What general advice would you give to a Director Ecommerce Marketing?
Dr. Kaley Martin M.A. '16: For Digital Media degree graduates whether that’s in my field, Mass Communication, or other fields such as Communication Studies, Digital Filmmaking, Marketing, Social Media, etc. graduates need to have strong work portfolios entering the field. To gain that experience and portfolio work, I encourage students to join academic organizations that align with those interests and also turn every class assignment into an opportunity to gather portfolio work! I think at times students think “this is for a class only”, but really these are great opportunities to double-dip and get portfolio pieces while also completing your course work. Additionally, as much as you can, outside of the classroom create content in whatever medium fits your field of interest. Keep growing and practicing your craft so that your skills are continually worked like building muscle in a sense. Finally, entering the field, do not think your learning stops when you graduate. Our field is changing rapidly and constantly so you need to be plugged in to reputable organizations and resources that help you consistently grow in your chosen digital medium area to always be forward-thinking and able to move forward with our digital media ecosystem.
What Director Ecommerce Marketing skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Kaley Martin M.A. '16: As much as it pains me to say, artificial intelligence will be something to not only be familiar with, but something you need to take time to learn in whatever way that fleshes out for your area in the industry. AI content generation is NOT something I think we should be leaning in to because true creativity and talent is something uniquely human and what you are trained to do through your education, but knowledge of how AI affects your area is very important. For instance, be able to spot AI-generated content, be able to notice misinformation among AI-generated content, and be familiar with the processes and players in this space. Eventually, you’ll be hiring and you want to be able to spot a fake portfolio as well. Learning trends, developing that creative eye, and finding new, unique ways to create content is not going to come from AI any time soon, so I encourage new entrants to the industry to be trained professionals that can recognize when these technologies are in use and abused. Like a tool, they have their place, but a hammer did not build the house for the architect. The architect designed the house and the hammer helped execute that design plan so is AI as a tool for our field.
What will help Directors Ecommerce Marketing increase their earning potential?
Dr. Kaley Martin M.A. '16: The most important thing when negotiating salary in Digital Media fields is knowing your worth and pricing accordingly. So many freelance artists and newcomers tend to take lower salaries and rates due to creative work being culturally underpriced, but knowing you own worth and doing research will help you have those negotiation conversations. Additionally, knowing your worth means providing true value to those hiring you by showing you are bringing true skill, strategy, and artistry to the table — not just a degree. How are you using that degree to advance and innovate the field? My degree from the University of Montevallo, for instance, taught me as an undergraduate to be a consistent learner and be watchful of the changing tides of my field due to my university’s foundation in the liberal arts. Liberal arts foundations immerse students in not only their given area, but also expose them to diverse areas in the arts, sciences, humanities, business, and more. That allowed me to always examine how these areas intersect with my own and has made me a dynamic, sought-after, and decorated professional now. So, even if you are not coming from a liberal arts background, have that mindset about you on how I can show my true value to the employer and what I bring to the table that’s unique, different, and worth the money you are asking for. Also, if you are considering a degree in Digital Media, I strongly encourage you to research the paths we have for you here at the University of Montevallo.
Professor Steve Vinson
Director of Undergraduate StudiesIndiana University Bloomington
Middle/Near Eastern And Semitic Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics
What general advice would you give to a Director Ecommerce Marketing?
Professor Steve Vinson: Be flexible. Don't limit yourself to one geographic area in your job search. And don't decline what appears to be a "bad" job, if that's your one opportunity. It's important to get your foot in the door somewhere, and do a good job, and then you can move up from there. This is especially important if you're on the academic job market, but it's probably also true for non-academic jobs.
What Director Ecommerce Marketing skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Professor Steve Vinson: Digital skills, especially AI.
Meryl Perlson MFA
Professor & Chair, CommunicationLasell University
Communication And Media Studies
What Director Ecommerce Marketing skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Meryl Perlson MFA: Technology and software skills, multiple internship experiences, and a strong portfolio showcasing your skill set can be salary differentiators when landing a first job. Most important, though, is negotiating salary. New graduates often think they can't negotiate their starting salary and are often afraid to try. But, it's important to know your value by researching salary ranges for similar roles in the region, and use that information to negotiate. The worst that can happen is a company will stick to their first offer. But, if you are successful, even a couple of thousand dollars above an initial offer can have a big impact when multiplied over the course of your entire career.
Dr. Richard Conde Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorUniversity of Houston - Downtown
Marilyn Davies College of Business
How have salaries changed over time for Directors Ecommerce Marketing?
Dr. Richard Conde Ph.D.: - There is a small trend in sales to minimize variable comp and increase salaries. There are a few (15 or so) Silicon Valley companies limiting commissions and focusing more on salaries
- You see a correlation between higher salaries and more complex sales processes. I see that trend continuing as more transactional sales will be automated
- Increase in pay for inside sales agents as more and more sales are being handled by inside sales agents (thanks to tech and change in buying behaviors)
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Director Ecommerce Marketing job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Richard Conde Ph.D.: You are already seeing these trends, which will increase in the months to come:
- More remote work away from an office. Flexibility will be key for employees with more control over their time and schedule
- The increase of video in all stages of a business. We feel more comfortable communicating via all the video communication options
- More application of AI and machine learning. Companies are finally figuring out its better to work smart
- Automated personality identification. For example, Crystal Knows can provide a person's DISC profile based on an individual's LinkedIn profile. This type of information will be used by recruiters to determine fit, plus at all other departments
- Training at all levels to accommodate virtual, technology, and cultural changes
- The need for individuals at all levels of an organization to possess (based on the level) analytical skills. Data is king and there is more and more demand for individuals who can identify, interpret, and implement decisions based on complex data analysis.
What soft skills should all Directors Ecommerce Marketing possess?
Dr. Richard Conde Ph.D.: The need for soft skills are consistent through time. With our societal focus on social media, texting, emojis, etc. It appears to me companies are looking for the following:
- Active listening skills
- Willingness to be self-reflective and accept feedback
- Accept different perspectives. The collision of ideas creates knowledge
- Communicate to the listener (at their level). Flex communicators
- Cultural intelligence. Demographics changes will require better understanding of team member's, boss', customer's, etc. cultural context
Erin Steffes Ph.D.
Department Chair and ProfessorTowson University
Marketing Department
What skills stand out on Director Ecommerce Marketing resumes?
Erin Steffes Ph.D.: Entry-level marketing positions span a wide range of responsibilities, and as such, there are many different skill sets depending on the job itself. For example, many recent grads will pursue a position in digital marketing wherein proficiencies in search engine optimization, online advertising, web design, and data analytics are key skill sets. On the other hand, many recent grads pursue a career in sales wherein proficiencies in business development, networking, personal selling, and data analytics are valued. Someone hiring for a general marketing coordinator position would likely look for a candidate with a solid understanding of marketing theory and excellent critical and creative thinking skills.
What soft skills should all Directors Ecommerce Marketing possess?
Erin Steffes Ph.D.: Students often underestimate the importance of soft skills. To succeed in a marketing career, you need to be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, work well in a team environment, use critical and creative thinking, and get along with others. On an individual level, successful marketers are typically good time managers, decisive, adaptable to change, good listeners, and open to feedback. Emotional intelligence plays a significant role in one's career progression and success.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Directors Ecommerce Marketing?
Erin Steffes Ph.D.: As a science and an art, marketing utilizes both soft skills and technical skills on a daily basis. While some technologies are industry-specific, having an understanding and basic mastery of data analysis, statistics, data visualization, digital marketing, marketing research, and customer relationship management will position a candidate well.
What skills will help Directors Ecommerce Marketing earn the most?
Erin Steffes Ph.D.: At the end of the day, firms want to hire candidates that will contribute value over the long term and are adaptable to change. Demonstrating that you have the skills to do the job at hand while signaling that you are willing to contribute to the team is critical in landing that first job. One of the most important lessons for a job candidate or new hire is to eliminate the notion that something "is not my job." Your new career will give you many opportunities to create value for your customers, your colleagues, or the firm as a whole, many of which may lie beyond your immediate scope of responsibility.
Dr. Sooho Lee
Director, Master of Public Administration (MPA) Program, Professor of Public Administration and PolicyUniversity of West Georgia
Department of Civic Engagement & Public Service
What skills stand out on Director Ecommerce Marketing resumes?
Dr. Sooho Lee: The most important skills should be analytical, communication, strategic planning, and leadership skills.
What soft skills should all Directors Ecommerce Marketing possess?
Dr. Sooho Lee: Communication, networking, and interpersonal skills.
What skills will help Directors Ecommerce Marketing earn the most?
Dr. Sooho Lee: It depends on the nature of the job. Generally speaking, analytical competence, communication, strategic planning, and leadership skills will greatly help one earn more.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Directors Ecommerce Marketing?
Jeff Bates: I believe there will be an impact on everyone, but especially our younger generation, as we progress into the Covid future. The current students have entered into a new realm of attending college and will face similar challenges in entering the workplace. The traditional method of interviewing, learning a new job, and even interacting with co-workers will be altered in at least the near future. Graduates will need much greater on-line communication skills and will probably need to be more self-taught in their new positions instead of learning from in-person mentoring.
What's a day at work look like for a Director Ecommerce Marketing?
Jeff Bates: As Covid has spread across the world, we have seen companies find alternative methods to allow their businesses to continue being productive. According to Jeremy Powell, Chair of the Federal Reserve, we are scheduled to have one of the most robust economies that has occurred in a very long time over the next few years. Graduates will acclimate themselves and I believe will probably find the new work environment easier to handle than workers that have been more accustomed to the way business was done in the past. The current generation of graduates has grown up in a tech heavy world so they should be comfortable in this new environment of the workplace that relies heavily on Zoom and other non-traditional methods. It is very likely that the recent graduates will work at least part time remotely. In some instances, we are seeing people find themselves working for a company that is located in another state or even another country without ever going to the office in person. This trend is very likely to continue and grow.
What will help Directors Ecommerce Marketing increase their earning potential?
Jeff Bates: The same thing will help people in any field continue to increase their earning potential as in the past. If an employee can find a way to differentiate themselves in a positive manner and make themselves valuable or even invaluable to their company, they should see increased earnings potential. Learning a foreign language, computer skills such as Excel, good math skills, and the ability to communicate will prove to be extremely important in advancing one's career.
Mary Kiker Ph.D.
Professor of ManagementAuburn University-Montgomery
Department of Business Administration
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Director Ecommerce Marketing job market given the pandemic?
Mary Kiker Ph.D.: Yes, I think there will be an enduring impact of the pandemic on graduates. They now realize that life can change drastically in an instant. They realized that they had to change their behavior, be flexible, and they realized that circumstances out of their control will impact their life dramatically.
What soft skills should all Directors Ecommerce Marketing possess?
Mary Kiker Ph.D.: A good job is one that graduating students can get in their field of study making a decent salary. There are many "good" jobs out there. If you're asking about high-paying jobs or in-demand jobs, then those are most likely in the IT sector.
What will help Directors Ecommerce Marketing increase their earning potential?
Mary Kiker Ph.D.: For people in human resource management, earning an HR certification will increase their earning potential (SHRM-CP or PHR).
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Directors Ecommerce Marketing?
Weichu Xu Ph.D.: There are enduring impact of the covid-19 pandemic on graduate. We have students who are not get used to online classes and asked for suspension for one semester or one year. Some students ever dropped out of school. This will greatly delayed their normal schedule to graduate and their future career.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Directors Ecommerce Marketing?
Weichu Xu Ph.D.: We are designed some certifications to our students after they finish several classes together. For example, soft skills certification after finished business communication, organizational leadership, human resource management, organizational behaviors and team management classes etc. Project management certification after students finish relevant project management classes and pass PMP test. Data analysis certification with SAS after students finish basic data analysis using SAS, advanced data analysis using SAS, Data mining using SAS, machine learning using SAS and data visualization using SAS.
What will help Directors Ecommerce Marketing increase their earning potential?
Weichu Xu Ph.D.: We believe the bachelor degree is only give students the general knowledge to begin their career. Soft skills(good communication, leadership and team work), project management knowledge and data analysis, etc., are very important to the students' success. Google had a project showed its employees are more successful because of their soft skills.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Directors Ecommerce Marketing?
Joshua Ray Ph.D.: The COVID response for graduates and for businesses generally is still uncertain but early indications suggest thinking about remote work, leveraging of technology, and entrepreneurial/intrapreneurial inclinations have changed considerably and are likely to persist. Folks who are entering the workforce post-COVID will have to develop a level of comfort working in distributed teams, relying on virtual tools, and initiating and developing innovation.
What's a good job out of college for Directors Ecommerce Marketing?
Joshua Ray Ph.D.: A considerable amount of anecdotal evidence suggests more people are considering entrepreneurial ventures as COVID uncovered some of the faults in relying on employers for job security. Other pressing issues, including environmental, healthcare, and sustainability concerns, suggest related fields will see growth in the coming years. Additionally, a specific need for supply chain contributors is imminent because of the tremendous strain COVID put on distribution channels and the significant rise in web-based commerce.
What will help Directors Ecommerce Marketing increase their earning potential?
Joshua Ray Ph.D.: For several years my conversations with employers concerning graduate preparation have centered around problem-solving skills and attitude. Employers desperately need employees how can identify, define, analyze, and solve business issues in real-time and who have the demeanor to work well with people inside and outside the organization. These skills also serve entrepreneurial minded individuals. More specific skills in technology, analytics, and leadership have been, and continue to be, highly sought after.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Directors Ecommerce Marketing?
Anthony Cuomo: We have changed the ways in which we communicate with each other. Now, more than ever, we know that technology is pervasive and has revolutionized the way we communicate personally and professionally. Virtual interviews, online group meetings and presentations are the new norm. Job seekers who are able to communicate effectively online will have an advantage in our new context. I don't think Zoom meetings or Skype are going away any time soon. So, practicing how to sustain eye contact with a camera, being personable and communicating enthusiasm virtually will set you apart from other applicants.
What's a good job out of college for Directors Ecommerce Marketing?
Anthony Cuomo: A job that you are passionate about and helps you begin your journey. Pursue jobs that spark your interest and also provide opportunities to learn, grow and seek out mentorship. Think long term and how you a strengthening your professional foundation while also providing opportunities to support yourself and your lifestyle.
What will help Directors Ecommerce Marketing increase their earning potential?
Anthony Cuomo: Personally, every unpaid opportunity I pursued early on in my career led to a paid opportunity in the future. We should know our worth and expect our labor to be compensated, but we should also look at the bigger picture and identify service opportunities, volunteering and working outside of our required job duties provide new prospective, skills and a chance to develop our resumes. It pays off in the future.
J. Ian Norris Ph.D.
Professor of Marketing and Fellow, American Council on EducationBerea College
Economics and Business Department
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Directors Ecommerce Marketing?
J. Ian Norris Ph.D.: There is little doubt that workers will continue some of their work remotely. This was a trend already underway before the pandemic that was greatly accelerated during the pandemic. In marketing specifically, many businesses had to shift business to online that had not been online before. It is likely that this will also have a lasting impact on how business is conducted. This was particularly true in the service industry and in arts and entertainment. The big take-home lesson for marketing graduates is that digital literacy has never been more important. All marketers are digital marketers, to some degree or another, today.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Directors Ecommerce Marketing?
J. Ian Norris Ph.D.: Digital marketing skills are essential for any area of marketing. Luckily there are many online certifications available for this purpose. On the research side, Google Analytics offers a certification. It will also be valuable to know the analytics platforms on social media sites such as facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Conversely, all of these sites also offer training on digital advertising and promotion, such as Google AdWords. Any coursework in digital marketing that provides instruction in Search Engine Marketing (SEM) will also be highly valuable. Finally, digital video and editing skills are also quite valuable, as all kinds of companies and organizations are using the short video format for storytelling and brand advertising.
What will help Directors Ecommerce Marketing increase their earning potential?
J. Ian Norris Ph.D.: No matter what area of marketing you are working in--in fact, no matter what job you are working in at all, statistical literacy is essential. There is so much data out there that data literacy will confer significant competitive advantage to those who can leverage it. This doesn't mean everyone has to be able to do regression modeling, but being able to interpret correlational patterns and draw actionable meaning from it will be a foundational skill. A big bonus would be some basic coding skills. Finally, it is worth mentioning that while most social media marketing still happens on Facebook, it will be essential to know platforms such as Instagram and TikTok for any products or services targeted to younger consumers.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Directors Ecommerce Marketing?
Dr. Veronica Radeva Dawson Ph.D.: According to Nicholas A. Christakis, the author of "Apollo's Arrow: The Profound and Enduring Impact of the Coronavirus on the Way We Live," the coronavirus pandemic will have long lasting impact on the economy, new graduates job market, and the processes of doing work for everyone (among other things). While we are already hearing about projections of the economy coming back stronger than ever in late 2021, those seem to refer to the stock market, and the stock market isn't the job market. I expect that our graduates will have a harder time getting that first professional position as companies are trying to figure out how work will be done, especially in the near future. So, my advice is to remain flexible and focus on gaining experience, even if it happens that it isn't in a graduate's "dream career." Communication remains the top skill sought after by employers, regardless of occupation (see for example, LinkedIn's 2020 Grad Guide to Getting Hired ) and our graduates are obviously in a unique position to claim expertise in this area.
What's a day at work look like for a Director Ecommerce Marketing?
Dr. Veronica Radeva Dawson Ph.D.: A day at work for a recent graduate could look much like a day at school, if the student went to one of the universities where instruction remained virtual. Most job ads at this time, still come out as "temporarily offsite," which means that new hires would work from home. And while recent graduates might have the hang of using Zoom or Microsoft Teams to get their work done, working remotely comes with its own set of challenges. Perhaps most relevant for a new hire is the different onboarding experience and the absence of traditional socialization activities and learning processes (onsite trainings, social gatherings, and impromptu Q&A sessions with co-workers). I think that this precisely (remote organizational socialization) would be one of the biggest challenges for companies that choose to embrace a remote workforce for the foreseeable future. Additionally, familiar challenges from the virtual classroom would remain, such as mastering time management, fostering self-motivation, and avoiding overwhelm and burnout.
What will help Directors Ecommerce Marketing increase their earning potential?
Dr. Veronica Radeva Dawson Ph.D.: As the Internships Coordinator for our department, I have seen an increased demand for communication studies majors who are able to contribute in the areas of web design, videography, photography, and digital media/ graphic design, in addition to more traditional areas, such as public relations. So, I would recommend that prior to graduation students seek out opportunities to take courses that may help them in these areas. Not many Communication Studies programs offer such courses as part of their curriculum, although some might. One of the surest ways to increase earning potential, especially in a time of economic recession, is through more education. This could mean securing a spot in a graduate program where students can mature and hone their interests and skills. Over time, an employee with a graduate degree will earn more (money, opportunities) than someone without one. I do want to caution students and new graduates about going the graduate school route over the job experience route, however, as it comes with a cost, financial of course, but also in terms of work experience. To some degree, and especially early in someone's career, employers value specialized work experience over graduate education.
What soft skills should all Directors Ecommerce Marketing possess?
Lisa Cooley: Soft skills are probably the number one topic we hear from employers. It's crazy how many young people don't have these basic skills. I'm not sure if this is the result of technology and not having to interact directly with people or if it's just something that isn't being taught as well. The most basic soft skill that graduates should possess would be the ability to communicate effectively (both in-person and virtually). Our student should know the importance of making eye contact, providing verbal and nonverbal cues, etc. However, I think one issue that a lot of young people have is focusing on the task-at-hand. There are so many distractions and interruptions that we become easily distracted. We need to learn to shut out the noise and focus. For example, don't look at your phone while you're having a conversation. Additionally, I have heard from employers that recent graduates aren't able to do basic tasks (like address an envelope or answer a business phone). These are things that seem very basic, but if we aren't explaining this to our students, they miss some very critical skills. Although online courses can be very effectives, it's often a challenge to address these soft-skills in an online environment.
How have salaries changed over time for Directors Ecommerce Marketing?
Lisa Cooley: Salaries have certainly improved since I have been in the field. However, the biggest change I have seen is the type of jobs that are available. I teach marketing and there is such a high demand for employees who understand digital marketing. I think when students are able to effectively market a business online, they can demand a higher salary. This is one of those unique situations where recent college grads often have an advantage over seasoned marketing executives.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Director Ecommerce Marketing job market given the pandemic?
Lisa Cooley: Obviously, we are seeing a lot more flexibility in terms of virtual work. A lot of the jobs I have seen allow for their employees to work remotely (at least a portion of the time).
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Directors Ecommerce Marketing?
Jay Walker Ph.D.: Relative to other recessions, this downturn in GDP was self-imposed from the lockdowns and other preventative measures rather than a shock to aggregate demand. GDP and other economic measures have rebounded quickly as restrictions have been lifted. The productive capability of the country doesn't appear to have been drastically affected by the lockdowns, and since the number of deaths was relatively low compared to other historical pandemics the size of the workforce hasn't been greatly affected. Moving forward, the impact will likely be small as the labor market looks relatively healthy and unemployment rates are still relatively low compared to historical measures.
Graduating into a recession has been shown to be detrimental to recent graduates over time as the initial salary many graduates receive sets a trajectory to build from over the course of a career. Simply, the first salary sets a base to build from and while the past year has been difficult economically for many, I remain optimistic for the near to medium term with inflation as my biggest fear over that horizon. My biggest concern for the longer term is the situation with budget deficits and the national debt in the United States and other developed economies.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Directors Ecommerce Marketing?
Jay Walker Ph.D.: At least within economics and related fields, I believe the ability to work with data is imperative moving forward. So many processes generate data now and the ability to capture, synthesize, and make sense of data will be important in the years to come. If graduates can do this they can be of great value to prospective employers.
What will help Directors Ecommerce Marketing increase their earning potential?
Jay Walker Ph.D.: I believe answer to number two is a good response to number three. There is an increasing importance in the ability to work with and understand data. Economics offers a framework to view the world, but through the lens of understanding data.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Directors Ecommerce Marketing?
Dr. Mary Rydesky: Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates? Graduates of the 2020s may be more adept at use of Internet communications technology (ICT) due to pandemic restrictions on in-person meetings. That means these grads will accelerate global business, remote work situations, and by extension, the investment in office properties and centralized services for personnel.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Directors Ecommerce Marketing?
Dr. Mary Rydesky: What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact on your job prospects? Emphases on project management and strategic thinking have been joined by certifications in soft skills that support diversity and cultural awareness. Graduates do need technical skills, but with the shift to remote teams and work from home environments pushed the curve. Now, grads need experience in applying their tech skills from a distance.
What will help Directors Ecommerce Marketing increase their earning potential?
Dr. Mary Rydesky: What will help people in your field increase their earning potential? In most fields, developing a portfolio of projects has high potential. For employers, concrete evidence of experience is a strong influencer when selecting new employees. Any student who can complete an internship or who works while in school has an advantage in this regard. If I can ascertain that an applicant has the knowledge, skill, and abilities as tested by measurable experience, I am not only more interested in the hiring potential, I am likely to be competitive in salary offers.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Directors Ecommerce Marketing?
Harlan Spotts Ph.D.: I think there is going to be an enduring impact on everyone. The pandemic has changed the structure of work. Businesses have been experimenting with remote work for some time, some more widespread than others. There was a trend where businesses were beginning to bring employees back into the office because productivity increased, even if it was for one or two days a week. However, the pandemic forced everyone in every industry to change the way they work. Remote was the only option for many businesses and people just had to figure it out. I think that was actually a good thing for businesses because it demonstrated that most, or a large number, of employees could work remotely and be just as, if not more, productive than being in the office. So, I think that remote is here to stay, and is part of the next normal. I don't think that there will be a "return to normal."
We have even seen the effects in an academic setting. I have been teaching online and hybrid in our MBA program for over 10 years. Students working online were most comfortable with a kind of "post and do" approach. May read some material, watch some videos, and do an assignment. Trying to have an online, interactive session was a struggle for a long time. Part of that struggle was internet access for students, and another part of the struggle was student technology issues. They would have difficulty setting up webcams or microphones. One of the side effects of the pandemic is it forced everyone, students and faculty, to up their game in the live, online environment. A great aspect of this is that it has made everyone much more flexible with delivery. Our grad program is online with live interaction. Our undergrad program is pretty much all on ground, except before the pandemic there would be a hand full of offerings. Now, we flex back and forth between being in the classroom and holding live online sessions. No worries about inclement weather. And, it allows for selecting the best delivery approach for the material being covered. For example, in my marketing analytics course I have been holding live Zoom sessions, basically delivering tutorials on how to set up and do statistical analysis in certain computer programs. This is much easier than doing it in an on-ground classroom, students can easily see what I am doing and ask questions, and I can record the sessions and post them to our virtual learning environment for later review. The pandemic has definitely spurred us to be more technology savvy and adaptive.
What will help Directors Ecommerce Marketing increase their earning potential?
Harlan Spotts Ph.D.: In marketing, developing digital capabilities is extremely important. Marketing was on the forefront of the digital transition in business. With the amount of commerce that has shifted to the web marketers have to be comfortable with living in the digital space. This will demand new and different strategies. Marketers have always needed to be effective communicators, but now it is not just being a great closer. Marketers need to be effective communicators in writing (text, email, etc.) and verbal (person to person live, as well as person to person online)
Students need to start in college developing skills to be successful. It was interesting, we, in the College of Business, were talking about developing student competency in remote work before the pandemic hit last year. The pandemic accelerated our work, and we are in the process now of approving a certificate in remote work that any undergraduate business student can earn. It is designed to develop those competencies that will be critical for success in the "new normal."
What's a day at work look like for a Director Ecommerce Marketing?
Harlan Spotts Ph.D.: We have been talking about post-pandemic work, and the key word is going to be flexibility. Flexibility with work environment, could be in the office, could be at home, could be at Starbucks. The concept of "going" to work has changed. So, I see every day and week potentially being different. Companies are seeing how much can be done via web conferencing, so you will see less business travel (not a good thing for the airlines). There will still be some, but less than before. The pandemic as accelerated technology adoption and use across industries, perhaps by 5 years. students will we working in different environments, and across time zones. They did this before, but it will be even more common.
William Covington
ProfessorGulf Coast State College
Business and Technology Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Director Ecommerce Marketing job market given the pandemic?
William Covington: In my opinion, the job market will continue to stagnate for smaller businesses especially. With the hike in what people can receive in unemployment and the ability to not have that amount taxed It is very probable to be able to live on income from unemployment and a stimulus check. The issue is not, "where are the jobs?" So many small businesses are looking to place people in entry level positions. However many students just out of a secondary institution are looking, or demanding a high salary position. Thus the implementation of the $15 minimum wage, which many small businesses just cannot do. There in lies the "catch 22."
What technical skills for a Director Ecommerce Marketing stand out to employers?
William Covington: Most employers understand that today's world revolves around technology. Therefore having a skill set that may include, web design and marketing of some kind, can be very valuable to an employer.
How have salaries changed over time for Directors Ecommerce Marketing?
William Covington: I am not so sure that salaries have changed as much as tools of the trade and the skills needed to be proficient with those tools have changed. Salaries will always be based on 2 things. Educational experience and real world experience. The real determining factor of a salary is "who" the employer is and which type of experience they consider to be the most relevant.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Directors Ecommerce Marketing?
Ira Harris Ph.D.: As with any major economic or social occurrence, new graduates need to dig deep, draw from their inherent resilience, and be ready to potentially pivot. The impact of our current situation can hopefully be a positive one that encourages students to keep an open mind and broaden their understanding of career options and job functions. It's incumbent on all of us to think outside the box and consider both employers and jobs that might be outside our comfort zone, especially at times like these. The processes of networking and being recruited will endure, at least for a while, though we may see that the virtual environment allows students to scale their networks even faster. Employers are also learning that they can cast a much wider net in a fraction of the time to connect with schools and students who previously may not have been on their radar.
What's a good job out of college for Directors Ecommerce Marketing?
Ira Harris Ph.D.: It's important to keep in mind that for most graduates, their first job out of college will most certainly not be their last, so students should think of an early or entry-level job as a continuation of their skill building and academic enrichment. By identifying a portfolio that contains tasks and duties that will lead to expertise and increase their marketability, students can prepare themselves to ladder into the next phase(s) of a career trajectory. A job that allows for geographic flexibility, varied work hours, and application and expansion of technical acumen should be a safe bet. These components cross a variety of industries, so students shouldn't feel inhibited or limited to certain functions. Over the last several years, we've noticed a drastic decline in jobs that require employees to be consistently hands-on and "sit in one space."
What technical skills for a Director Ecommerce Marketing stand out to employers?
Ira Harris Ph.D.: Graduates must not be complacent and assume their skill base will endure over a long period; they must continue to engage and learn in order to understand changes in the landscape and add value. Beyond listing specific computer software or hardware skills, we know from working so closely with employers to place our students that they are looking for students who possess excellent communication skills - including technical communication. Along the lines of communicating, employers seek graduates with the ability to analyze and succinctly synthesize sometimes ambiguous information. Finally, showcasing flexibility and an interest in learning will be important to employers.