Promotions managers collaborate with art directors, sales agents and financial staff members to plan programs that generate interest in a company’s product or service. Most of these marketing professionals work for advertising agencies that create ad campaigns for clients, media companies that sell ad space or time, and in businesses that place heavy focus on advertising.
Pursuing a promotions manager position is an excellent career goal for entry-level marketing professionals. The path toward achieving this goal can begin with enrolling in the online Master of Business Administration in Marketing program from Florida Institute of Technology.
Job Outlook in Promotions Management
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipates an 8% increase in employment for advertising, promotions and marketing managers between 2023 and 2033. However, BLS projects that employment of advertising and promotions managers, in specific, will decline slightly in the coming years.
The drivers of this decline are rooted in the proliferation of internet-based media and the according lack of demand for print media — hence the drop in employment of print-focused promotions professionals. However, professionals with cutting-edge expertise in internet marketing and digital promotions strategy will likely be in demand. Given this, strong competition is expected, especially among promotions managers who are proficient using digital tools.
What Does a Promotions Manager Do? Job Duties and Responsibilities
The primary goal of a promotions manager is to direct programs that combine advertising with promotional content in order to motivate buyers to make purchases. These programs traditionally include newspaper inserts, direct mail, in-store displays, product endorsements or special events. Modernized promotions err toward digital campaigns and offers, integrating with e-commerce and sales funnels. Promotions may also include discounts, gifts, samples, coupons, rebates and contests to further motivate consumers to purchase.
Promotions managers typically work with department staff to discuss contracts, advertising media outlets and products. This involves gathering and organizing information for ad campaigns and choosing the best media outlets, such as radio, print, television, online or billboards. Once the media is planned, managers negotiate advertising contracts.
After contracts are determined, managers must examine the artistic plans for the ad. This may require them to conduct market research to assess which creative content consumers will engage with most. Promotions managers also develop pricing strategies in alignment with a firm’s goals and meet with clients to offer marketing advice. In addition, they manage the hiring of promotions staff and oversee their daily work.
What Is the Typical Promotions Manager Salary?
Along with advertising managers, promotions managers earned a median annual salary of $131,870 in 2023, according to BLS wage data. BLS figures indicate that the middle 50% of workers in this occupational category earned between $88,810 and $188,530, with the highest-paid 10% of professionals making in excess of $239,200 annually.
Promotions managers with experience and advanced education may continue ascending in their field to become higher-level marketing managers or even executive-level chief marketing officers (CMOs). These top positions come with very lucrative compensation packages. In fact, the 10 highest-paid CMOs in the nation all make seven-figure salaries.
How to Become a Promotions Manager: Education and Training Requirements
Most entry- to mid-level promotions manager positions require at least a bachelor’s degree, preferably in marketing or advertising. Job seekers should take relevant classes in marketing, consumer behavior, sales, communication methods and technology, and market research or photography. Experience in advertising, marketing, promotions, and sales is also a must.
Earning an MBA in marketing can provide a distinct competitive edge for those seeking high-level promotions manager positions. This type of advanced degree program helps marketers develop creative, analytical, decision-making, interpersonal and management skills. Students also gain expertise in modern marketing tools, strategic marketing and international business. With the high degree of skills and knowledge an MBA in marketing provides, professionals can advance into fascinating and rewarding career opportunities at the top level of promotions management.
Learn more about Florida Tech’s online MBA in Marketing.
