How to become an advertising and promotions manager
Plan, direct, or coordinate advertising policies and programs or produce collateral materials, such as posters, contests, coupons, or giveaways, to create extra interest in the purchase of a product or service for a department, an entire organization, or on an account basis.
Steps to get there
Most employers expect most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not..A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
What advertising and promotions managers do
- Plan and prepare advertising and promotional material to increase sales of products or services, working with customers, company officials, sales departments, and advertising agencies.
- Inspect layouts and advertising copy, and edit scripts, audio, video, and other promotional material for adherence to specifications.
- Direct, motivate, and monitor the mobilization of a campaign team to advance campaign goals.
- Maintain portfolios of marketing campaigns, strategies, and other marketing products or ideas.
- Analyze the effectiveness of marketing tactics or channels.
- Conduct research on consumer opinions and buying habits, and identify target audiences for products, services, or technologies.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Monitoring
- Active Learning
- Learning Strategies
Is advertising and promotions manager a good career?
On the numbers, this job pays above the typical job. Median pay is 162% above the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.
Where it pays most
- New York $173,700
- Illinois $167,330
- California $167,230
- New Jersey $165,390
- Colorado $164,990
Advertising and Promotions Managers salary by state and city
Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.