What Is a Media Director?
The basic responsibilities for a media director are to manage and plan the activities for an assortment of various communication vehicles, such as newspapers, magazines, billboards, radio, television, and the Internet. They oversee the media department, govern, and evaluate the media planning and monetary needs of their clients. Media directors decide the type of advertising that best suits their clients’ needs, and this is done by evaluating their client’s goals and budget, and through research and using statistical models. They generally find themselves working with media sales professionals and they present possible advertisements to clients.
Further duties of a media director include being in charge of placing advertisements in communication channels and always following up with clients. Being a media director puts you in charge of a major part of your client’s business. These companies approach you because they are looking to grow their business and it is up to a media director to make their product available to consumers.
How to Become a Media Director
In order to become a media director, you will need to have at least earned a bachelor’s degree in advertising, marketing or any other related field. It is common that most employers tend to favor those who possess a minimum of five years of experience in media planning and purchasing. Traditionally, potential media directors habitually take courses in business administration, varying types of media, media planning, statistics, and advertising.
To remain on par with other wannabe media directors, know that taking on internships at the same time as obtaining an advertising education is almost expected of you as you will need practical experience in the field upon graduation. Many employers offer some sort of on-the-job training to allow new media directors to study the policies and procedures of the company. Media directors need to have their skills current and stay up to date on any developments in the field.
Media Director Career Outlook & Salary
Looking at the employment of media directors, the numbers show that it is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all professions, increasing 13% from 2008 to 2018. It is technological advances in our society and an increased need for media services that will push job growth. Those who have an advanced education and widespread experience will earn the best job opportunities. Several job openings will be created from the necessity to substitute media directors that retire, transfer, or leave the profession for whatever reasons.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of January 2010, the middle 50% of media directors earn annual salaries between $103,277 and $135,420. For those with a strong interest in managing advertisements through a number of different media outlets, a career as a media director can be a great fit. Media directors are required to have a strong understanding of the conceptions of advertising and how to use the many media outlets our world has today.
