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Job outlook for marketing directors in the United States
Marketing director job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected marketing director job growth rate is 10% from 2018-2028.
About 33,700 new jobs for marketing directors are projected over the next decade.
Marketing director salaries have increased 8% for marketing directors in the last 5 years.
There are over 171,540 marketing directors currently employed in the United States.
There are 93,503 active marketing director job openings in the US.
The average marketing director salary is $114,906.
Are marketing director jobs in demand?
Marketing Director job and salary trends over time
Marketing Director jobs over time
Marketing Director job growth rate over time
| Year | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 171,540 | 0.05% |
| 2020 | 164,352 | 0.05% |
| 2019 | 161,268 | 0.05% |
| 2018 | 148,802 | 0.04% |
| 2017 | 137,341 | 0.04% |
Average marketing director salary over time
Marketing Director salary by year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $114,906 | $55.24 | +3.9% |
| 2024 | $110,606 | $53.18 | +1.9% |
| 2023 | $108,537 | $52.18 | +1.6% |
| 2022 | $106,872 | $51.38 | +0.8% |
| 2021 | $106,023 | $50.97 | +1.9% |
Marketing Director jobs by state
Most common states for marketing directors
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 244 | 35% |
| 2 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 284 | 33% |
| 3 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 252 | 24% |
| 4 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 376 | 21% |
| 5 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 635 | 20% |
| 6 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 945 | 19% |
| 7 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,280 | 17% |
| 8 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 227 | 17% |
| 9 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 174 | 17% |
| 10 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 769 | 16% |
| 11 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 92 | 16% |
| 12 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,237 | 14% |
| 13 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 985 | 14% |
| 14 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 792 | 14% |
| 15 | Louisiana | 4,684,333 | 642 | 14% |
| 16 | Oklahoma | 3,930,864 | 564 | 14% |
| 17 | Mississippi | 2,984,100 | 431 | 14% |
| 18 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 106 | 14% |
| 19 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 521 | 13% |
| 20 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 479 | 13% |
Most common cities for marketing directors
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Annapolis | 3 | 8% | $103,797 |
| 2 | Stamford | 6 | 5% | $121,513 |
| 3 | Cambridge | 4 | 4% | $121,596 |
| 4 | Atlanta | 12 | 3% | $74,314 |
| 5 | Des Moines | 4 | 2% | $84,483 |
| 6 | Irvine | 4 | 2% | $124,727 |
| 7 | Hartford | 3 | 2% | $122,653 |
| 8 | Boston | 9 | 1% | $121,614 |
| 9 | Washington | 7 | 1% | $104,808 |
| 10 | Sacramento | 4 | 1% | $139,583 |
| 11 | Chicago | 13 | 0% | $95,994 |
| 12 | Los Angeles | 12 | 0% | $127,070 |
| 13 | New York | 10 | 0% | $120,706 |
| 14 | Phoenix | 5 | 0% | $104,942 |
| 15 | Indianapolis | 4 | 0% | $84,215 |
| 16 | San Diego | 4 | 0% | $120,846 |
| 17 | San Francisco | 4 | 0% | $141,145 |
| 18 | Baltimore | 3 | 0% | $104,184 |
| 19 | Denver | 3 | 0% | $86,804 |
Marketing Director job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of marketing director experts
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Susquehanna University
Arizona State University
Northeastern University
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
The University of Texas at San Antonio
San Jose State University
Stonehill College
Webster University
Oklahoma State University
Salem State University
University of South Florida
University of San Francisco
What general advice would you give to a Marketing Director?
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 Marketing Director 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 Marketing Directors 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 Marketing Director?
Amy Mehaffey: A Marketing Specialist's daily tasks include developing and implementing marketing campaigns, analyzing market trends, and creating content for various platforms. They also coordinate with other departments at any given company to ensure brand consistency and monitor the effectiveness of marketing efforts through data analysis. Oftentimes, a marketing specialist may be the only person at a company who has an understanding of the importance of outreach, communication, marketing, and telling the business's story. Therefore, this person often becomes somewhat of an internal advocate for the purpose of marketing itself and acts as an educator to their peers on various marketing concepts and tactics. Day-to-day duties are highly dependent on the number of marketing people on the team, ranging from ad buying, writing, public relations, content creation, and more. Larger firms may have marketing specialists with specific emphasis areas like email marketing, social media, analytics, etc.
What Marketing Director skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Amy Mehaffey: There is an increasing reliance on digital marketing and data analytics in the field of marketing. Businesses understand the importance of digital technologies, online platforms, and targeted marketing, creating a high demand for skilled professionals in this dynamic and evolving field. Understanding the strategy behind marketing and the connection between data, psychology, and human behavior is crucial. Marketing offers creativity, strategic thinking, and the opportunity to see tangible results from efforts, making it a rewarding career.
What will help Marketing Directors increase their earning potential?
Amy Mehaffey: People like being a Marketing Specialist because it offers creativity, strategic thinking, and the opportunity to see tangible results from their efforts. It can be fulfilling to help a business grow. However, individuals in this field may dislike the fast-paced environment, tight deadlines, and the constant need to stay updated with rapidly changing marketing trends and technologies. It requires risk-taking, trusting instincts, and a commitment to lifelong learning to succeed in the marketing field.
What general advice would you give to a Marketing Director?
Zachary Moore Ph.D., M.B.A.: Marketing is a very diverse field, and salaries can vary considerably depending on the types of jobs young marketers pursue. But generally, taking a bet on oneself by pursuing jobs with a commission-based compensation plan can lead to higher earnings in the long term. In marketing, these positions tend to be in sales. Being willing to take risks and betting on yourself to succeed are important determinants of your career earnings potential.
What Marketing Director skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Zachary Moore Ph.D., M.B.A.: Marketing is a dynamic, rapidly evolving field. It always has been, and it always will be. Marketing tactics are driven by the popular culture of the societies companies serve. This said, aspiring marketers must realize that as things change, they must be willing to adapt their tactics to meet the consumer where they are. However, just as things change, there are enduring truths that shape marketing practice. Consumers want to be valued and heard. By keeping these touchstones in mind and staying up to date with modern trends, marketers can develop long-lasting careers and maintain relevancy as society evolves. My biggest advice is to be a successful marketer, you must do three things: 1. Keep your customers at the heart of what you do. 2. Meet your customers where they are. 3. Create value for your customers, company, and self. If a marketer can accomplish these three things, they can develop a career that will withstand the forces of change.
What will help Marketing Directors increase their earning potential?
Zachary Moore Ph.D., M.B.A.: Over the next few years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) will continue to evolve and become more important in marketing practice. Learning to work with AI will be a very important skill for marketers. AI skills are broad and encompass many different uses of the technology. While there are some skills that are specific to certain facets of the marketing industry, all aspiring marketers should be familiar with AI tools for content creation (written, graphic, and audio/video), data visualization, text scraping, and marketing research. While AI will certainly shape the marketing field in the coming years, marketers must still be excellent storytellers and communicators. Marketers who can tell compelling stories to various stakeholder groups using traditional tools with the assistance of artificial intelligence will have a potent skill set that will allow them to succeed in their endeavors.
What general advice would you give to a Marketing Director?
Dr. Hualu Zheng PhD: Be data-driven – be able to draw conclusions based on meaningful data analysis is key to the success of a marketing leader. Continuously honing your skills in collecting, visualizing, and analyzing marketing data will pave the way for better knowledge of your company, the competition, and the industry. Be curious and stay updated – marketing is dynamic; it demands the professionals to continue to learn the new trends, news, policy changes, and technology innovations, to keep up with the evolvements and remain competitive. Network – build and expand your connections with other professionals in the field – Stay open-minded; people from other categories can offer invaluable insights that can be inspiring. These connections not only provide fresh perspectives but also open doors to potential future opportunities.
What general advice would you give to a Marketing Director?
Dr. Travis Simkins: Likes: Creativity, Analytical and Quantitative Aspects, Variety, Impact, Collaboration. Dislikes: Pressure and Deadlines, Uncertainty, Measurement and Accountability, Constant Change
What Marketing Director skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Travis Simkins: There are a lot of great reasons to enter the field of marketing now. The demand for digital marketing skills is high, marketing blends creativity and strategy, marketing is about building relationships and understanding consumers, marketing is dynamic and constantly evolving.
What will help Marketing Directors increase their earning potential?
Dr. Travis Simkins: Here are some activities that a marketing specialist might engage in on a day-to-day basis: Market Research, Campaign Planning and Execution, Content Creation, Digital Marketing, Brand Management, Relationship Building, Analytics and Reporting, Project Management, Continuous Learning
What general advice would you give to a Marketing Director?
Ms. Katie Malles: The author is Katie Malles, marketing career consultant at the W. P. Carey Career Services Center.
What Marketing Director skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Ms. Katie Malles: The author is Katie Malles, marketing career consultant at the W. P. Carey Career Services Center.
What will help Marketing Directors increase their earning potential?
Ms. Katie Malles: The author is Katie Malles, marketing career consultant at the W. P. Carey Career Services Center.
What general advice would you give to a Marketing Director?
Rob Durant: To truly maximize the value you derive from your career, start by clearly defining what 'value' means to you - whether it's salary, job satisfaction, work-life balance, or professional growth. Understand your priorities and align your career trajectory to meet these goals. Specific steps you can take include developing a consistent habit of enhancing your skills, actively seeking opportunities that resonate with your personal definition of success, and building a strategic network within your industry and beyond.
What Marketing Director skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Rob Durant: The marketing landscape is increasingly recognizing and valuing two very important, yet significantly divergent, key skill areas: the adept use of advanced digital tools - especially AI, and a strategic approach to social media that focuses on building genuine connection rather than just cultivating 'Influencers'.
What will help Marketing Directors increase their earning potential?
Rob Durant: Congratulations! As you start your career, remember that the 4, 5, 5+ years you spent earning your degree did NOT equip you with all the answers. But hopefully it instilled in you the ability to ask insightful questions. Stay curious, embrace challenges, learn, and grow. Your journey is just beginning, and every experience is a step towards mastering your craft.
What general advice would you give to a Marketing Director?
Paul Yankey: Key soft skills of eye contact, empathy, genuine care. Ability to communicate and engage in person, and humanly online. Technical Skills: AI and Automation Proficiency, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Content Strategy, Customer Experience (CX) Design.
What Marketing Director skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Paul Yankey: I always emphasize these key points for new marketing graduates: 1. Do something you connect with at a heart level. 2. Embrace ethics and diligence. 3. Cultivate curiosity alongside focused work. 4. Harness your UCCS advantage. 5. Prioritize in-person connection.
What will help Marketing Directors increase their earning potential?
Paul Yankey: Remember that a job is really not yours to turn down until you get an offer. Know that you are valuable, first for who you are, also for your education and experiences. Do extensive research on a company you are interviewing with. Practice your interview and self story. Be highly aware of key industry phrases and incorporate them.
Dr. Nicholas Councilor D.M.A.
Assistant Professor of Practice—ClarinetThe University of Texas at San Antonio
Fine And Studio Arts
What general advice would you give to a Marketing Director?
Dr. Nicholas Councilor D.M.A.: -Continuously learn and adapt: Keep working to refine your craft. Stay updated with industry trends, technologies, and best practices.
-Build a strong network: Connect with professionals in your field, attend industry events, and engage in networking opportunities.
-Develop soft skills: Communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability are crucial for success.
-Seek mentorship: Learn from experienced professionals who can provide guidance and support.
What Marketing Director skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Nicholas Councilor D.M.A.: -Digital skills: Proficiency in various digital tools, platforms, and technologies will become increasingly important. This includes being well-versed in audio and video editing.
-Social Media: Learn how to promote yourself on various social media platforms and a professional website by creating content that best serves your career goals and reaches new audiences.
-Emotional intelligence: As workplaces evolve, the ability to understand and manage emotions will be valuable.
What will help Marketing Directors increase their earning potential?
Dr. Nicholas Councilor D.M.A.: -Research industry standards: Understand the average salaries for your role and location to negotiate effectively.
-Highlight skills and achievements: Showcase relevant skills, experiences, and achievements during interviews and performance reviews.
-Pursue additional certifications: Obtaining certifications related to your field can increase your market value.
-Consider job offers carefully: Evaluate factors like salary, benefits, growth opportunities, and company culture before accepting a job offer.
-Avoid doing unpaid work: While taking unpaid opportunities is very common in fine arts fields, doing so often undervalues the skills and craft that you worked so hard to develop. Your work always deserves compensation.
What general advice would you give to a Marketing Director?
Dr. Mithila Guha: To maximize salary potential when starting a career in marketing, focus on demonstrating your value to employers. This means showcasing your skills, achievements, and contributions in interviews and negotiations. Research the industry benchmarks for salaries in your desired role and location to ensure you're positioning yourself competitively. Consider pursuing additional certifications or advanced degrees that align with your career goals, as these can often command higher salaries. Lastly, don't hesitate to negotiate your salary offer – employers expect it, and it's an opportunity to advocate for your worth within the organization!
What Marketing Director skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Mithila Guha: For a marketing graduate stepping into the field, my first advice would be to stay curious and proactive. Embrace every opportunity to learn and grow, whether it's through hands-on experience, further education, or networking with industry professionals. My second advice would be to not be afraid to take on challenges and push yourself outside your comfort zone – it's often where the most growth occurs. Develop a strong foundation in both traditional and digital marketing techniques, and stay updated on the latest trends and technologies shaping the industry. Lastly, prioritize building meaningful relationships and fostering a positive reputation within the industry. These connections can serve as valuable assets, opening doors to exciting opportunities as your career progresses.
What will help Marketing Directors increase their earning potential?
Dr. Mithila Guha: In the next 3-5 years, marketing will undergo significant changes because of AI and large scale data. As the volume of data available to marketers continues to grow, the ability to extract actionable insights from this data will be invaluable. Proficiency in data analysis, marketing automation tools and AI technologies will also be highly sought after, as businesses seek to streamline processes and personalize customer experiences. Moreover, people growing up with AI tech (Gen AI) need different marketing. So, marketers must learn to understand all this data and use it smartly. But, as always, storytelling will still be the key for marketing. This means, skills related to content creation and storytelling will continue to remain crucial for brands to engage with audiences in authentic and meaningful ways across various platforms.
What general advice would you give to a Marketing Director?
Dr. Mischia Taylor: Typically, with any student, my first piece of advice is to be themselves. Make sure the opportunity is a good fit for both you and the organization. There are so many organizations and opportunities for students now. They can work from home, work for a small company or a large one. The first opportunity may not always be the best one.
What will help Marketing Directors increase their earning potential?
Dr. Mischia Taylor: I recommend they keep their options open. We teach our students negotiation skills in a Conflict and Negotiations course. The tactics they learn in that course prove to be essential for more than just maximizing salary. We also encourage students to consider graduate school to maximize their earning potential!
Karen Wallach
What general advice would you give to a Marketing Director?
Karen Wallach: Hi Alex, Happy to help! Quick question - any specific rationale for choosing 'Marketing Specialist'? There are so many different types of jobs/roles for marketing majors. I wasn't sure if you were targeting anything specific.
What Marketing Director skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Karen Wallach: Hi Alex, Just wanted to circle back on this, do you still want me to put something together?
What will help Marketing Directors increase their earning potential?
Karen Wallach: Thank you, AnnMarie! Hi Karen, We are working on an article around upcoming graduates entering the job market in 2024 with a degree in your department. Would you be able to help us by answering these questions: 1. What does a Marketing Specialist do on a day-to-day basis? | What does someone entering the field do on a daily basis? 2. Why is Marketing Specialist a good profession to enter now? 3. What do people like and dislike about being a Marketing Specialist? Thanks! We will be sure to feature your response in the article and send a draft over for your review before we promote it. Alex
What general advice would you give to a Marketing Director?
Kristin McGillicuddy: Marketing is part of nearly every organization and endeavor, so it’s a profession that enjoys multiple opportunities across a wide range of industries. Jobs can be found in most regions of the world, many with hybrid work potential. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, marketing jobs will grow at 6% through 2032, which is considered “faster than average,” and the median pay was $156,580 annually for 2023. Marketing Specialists have the opportunity to move up the ladder in an organization to achieve a salary like this with positions like Marketing Manager and Marketing Director. As they experience a wide range of marketing activities, they can learn which are most appealing and start to focus in on that area, gaining more specialized skills and experience. They can pursue a graduate degree to strengthen their skills even more, facilitating more advancement in their careers. Additionally, many businesses are turning to digital tools and AI as part of their strategy, and this is the perfect time for a Marketing Specialist to enter the job market and contribute to these new and growing areas.
What Marketing Director skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kristin McGillicuddy: The Marketing Specialist role could be considered a “springboard” position in which people experience a wide range of marketing activities before pursuing a more focused path in their career. The role is typically interesting, encompassing a wide variety of different projects, so the work is not monotonous. There is an opportunity to use both creative and analytical skills and improve time management and organizational skills. Marketing Specialists like the opportunity to learn from more senior members of the marketing team as they grow. People also like the potential that is inherent in the Marketing Specialist role, as there is the opportunity to gain experience and grow in responsibility, enjoying promotions and higher salaries. A Marketing Specialist might be dissatisfied if they are not experiencing strong mentorship and leadership on the marketing team, or if their organization does not promote their employees within a reasonable timeframe. Most Marketing Specialists are looking to advance in their careers, so understanding what this trajectory might look like within a company would be an important question to explore in an interview.
What will help Marketing Directors increase their earning potential?
Kristin McGillicuddy: A marketing specialist is often an entry-level position on a marketing team and would be responsible for a wide range of tasks, which is helpful in gaining exposure and experience. Sometimes a Marketing Specialist will actually “specialize” in one particular area like social media or advertising. In other organizations, the role involves working across multiple areas. On a daily basis, the Marketing Specialist will help plan, develop, and execute marketing projects, conduct research and analyze data to ensure the plan for a campaign is sound, assist in planning and executing presentations and events, and collaborate with cross-functional teams like sales. A person in this role takes direction from more senior and seasoned marketers which provides excellent learning opportunities on a daily basis, and the Marketing Specialist will typically play a greater role and enjoy more responsibility on projects as they learn in the field.
What general advice would you give to a Marketing Director?
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 Marketing Director 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 Marketing Directors 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.
Julia Griffey
Associate Professor of Interactive Digital Media and Media ProductionWebster University
Radio, Television, And Digital Communication
What general advice would you give to a Marketing Director?
Julia Griffey: I think a good strategy for graduates or soon to be graduates is to reverse engineer their career. Look at positions and see what excites you. Then see what skills and experience the company or organization wants the applicant to have. Finally - figure out how to get those skills and experience. It helps if you can do this while you are in school because then you have opportunities to take additional classes or land an internship. I often hear students express fear about potentially not liking a job. Of course I would not take a job that sounds horrible - but if you are unsure and it's the best offer you have - just go for it. Sometimes getting into a position that is not perfect helps you clarify what you do want. You may also be able to get some experience which will help you land that next position.
What Marketing Director skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Julia Griffey: Right now it seems like a lot companies are struggling with social media strategy and SEO. It's tricky because new platforms are emerging and algorithms are changing. Someone who can not rush into the next big thing, but instead, systematically formulates a plan, executes it and then measures results is very valuable. Effective marketing is about experimenting and seeing what works and doing more of what does and less of what doesn't.
What will help Marketing Directors increase their earning potential?
Julia Griffey: I think the best way to make the most money is to not have someone else define what that salary should be. There are so many new ways to launch online ventures that anyone can take advantage of. And if you graduate with digital media production skills - you are in a great position to create the content needed for this type of endeavor. But if you decide you want to work for a company or organization and maximize your starting salary - it helps to understand the salary landscape. Any data that you have to support your salary requests will help you get the salary you want. You can also consider living and working in an area where salaries are higher. If this could translate into a remote work situation - you could land a higher paying salary and then move somewhere with a lower cost of living.
What will help Marketing Directors increase their earning potential?
Jerry Rackley: For marketing, understanding how to leverage data, using an analytics process and tools to turn that data into actionable information, is a critical, in-demand set of skills. It's highly likely that marketers will need to learn SQL so they can retrieve data from various sources and join it together for analysis. Then, marketers need communications skills to convey the insights that come out of the analysis to various stakeholders. It's a blend of hard, quantitative skills and soft skills.
What Marketing Director skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jean-Paul James Ph.D.: Experience. Having experience and your network will maximize your salary potential. Once in a position, marketing practitioners need to continue to network—not only within their company but in the industry. The hidden job market refers to jobs that employers do not advertise or publish publicly. Not publicizing these openings can help these employers save on the costs and time associated with posting and evaluating job applications or interviewing. Only through networking can entry-level marketers maximize their opportunities and, thus, their salaries.
Jay Civitillo
University of South Florida
Business/Commerce
What general advice would you give to a Marketing Director?
Jay Civitillo: Yes that should be in plenty of time for their deadline. Thanks.
What Marketing Director skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jay Civitillo: Good evening, Attached are my responses. I look forward to reviewing the draft. Have a great weekend!
What will help Marketing Directors increase their earning potential?
Jay Civitillo: I mentioned this to the department chair. He asked me to develop responses, which he will review with other marketing professors. I can have formal answers back to you by the end of the week. Will this work?
What general advice would you give to a Marketing Director?
Dr. Gulay Guzel PhD: For a graduate embarking on their marketing career, I would stress the importance of staying abreast of industry trends. Marketing is a fast-paced domain that continuously evolves with shifting consumer preferences, technological advancements, and market dynamics. In our Markets, Innovation, and Design program at Bucknell, we emphasize critical thinking and adaptability to navigate this ever-changing landscape. My foremost advice is to remain updated not only on the happenings within their company but also on competitors and relevant socio-cultural trends influencing their target audience. Successful marketers are trendsetters, and staying informed about external factors is crucial for innovation within the organization.
What Marketing Director skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Gulay Guzel PhD: Maximizing salary potential at the outset of one's marketing career requires strategic considerations. Marketing is inherently interdisciplinary, drawing from fields such as psychology, sociology, anthropology, and data science. Graduates should first identify their specialization within the marketing realm, whether it's in market research, product design, pricing strategy, or another area. Next, they should articulate what sets them apart from other candidates and highlight additional value they bring to the table. Realism is key when setting salary expectations; candidates should conduct thorough industry research to inform negotiations. Additionally, leveraging diverse experiences gained from internships and coursework to bolster their applications can significantly enhance their bargaining power.
What will help Marketing Directors increase their earning potential?
Dr. Gulay Guzel PhD: Looking ahead, digital and social media marketing will continue to gain prominence, with no signs of slowing down. Similarly, influencer marketing is becoming a staple promotional tool across various platforms, especially as Gen Z consumers, who have never known a world without social media, dominate the market. Additionally, the integration of machine learning and automation, facilitated by AI, will streamline day-to-day tasks. These developments underscore the need for marketers to possess a comprehensive skill set, particularly in consumer data analysis, research methodologies, and promotion strategies. Furthermore, anticipating increased regulations, particularly in privacy and security, will shape the future landscape of marketing practices.
Esmat Sangari
University of San Francisco
Business Administration, Management And Operations
What general advice would you give to a Marketing Director?
Esmat Sangari: I would advise graduates beginning their career in the field to focus on continuous learning, networking, and developing a strong work ethic. It's essential to stay up-to-date with industry trends and technologies to remain competitive.
What Marketing Director skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Esmat Sangari: In the next 3-5 years, skills such as data analytics, digital marketing, and project management are expected to become more important in the field. Being adaptable and having strong communication skills will also be crucial.
What will help Marketing Directors increase their earning potential?
Esmat Sangari: To maximize salary potential when starting a career in the field, it's important to negotiate effectively, demonstrate value to employers, and pursue opportunities for advancement. Developing specialized skills and obtaining relevant certifications can also help increase earning potential.