Marketing Officer

Education and Training: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree
Average Salary: $60,602 to $238,360 per year
Job Outlook: Good

A marketing officer, also known as marketing manager, develops and maintains the marketing strategies for a client, company, or a product. The marketing officer must be able to analyze market and consumer trends as well as frequently develop new ways to sell a concept or product. Therefore analytical ability and creativity are important attributes that a marketing officer must possess. Marketing officers work closely with managers in advertising, sales, and public relations to ensure goals are met.

Marketing officers work in many industries from retail, fashion, telecommunications, advertising, information technology, insurance and financial services, banking, financial services, software applications, manufacturing and distribution, and business consulting.

Typical duties include developing marketing campaigns, conducting surveys and research, developing a marketing budget, and working closely with managers of other advertising, sales, and public relations departments. Marketing officers also hire and train new employees as well as directing their day to day tasks. To put it simply, marketing officers are a key part of the marketing process and they are involved in every aspect of marketing a client, product, or service.

Education and Training Requirements

For high school students interested in a career as a marketing officer, courses in marketing, business law, economics, management, accounting, finance, mathematics, and statistics are beneficial. Many marketing officers have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing, finance, economics, statistics, and operations. Many employers prefer a master’s degree well as experience in brand management, sales, advertising, and marketing.

Certification demonstrates to a prospective employer that you have achieved a certain level of knowledge in your field and also allows you to connect with other certified professionals in your profession.

The American Certification Institute offers certification at three levels: Certified Marketing Professional (Level 1), Certified Marketing Manager (Level 2), and Certified Marketing Executive (Level 3). Potential candidates must be certified at level one before they can proceed to level 2 and potential candidates must be certified at level two before they attempt certification at level three. The level one and two tests cover six modules and also have an 80 question test covering the marketing management body of knowledge. The level three exam is an oral and written examination covering marketing knowledge. Certification is valid for five years and certified individuals must complete continuing education points in order to maintain certification.

Sales and Marketing Executives, International offers certification as a Certified Marketing Executive. The test covers the following competencies: foundations of marketing management, developing marketing strategies, implementing marketing strategies, professional skills, and ethics. Continuing education credits are required to maintain certification.

Getting the Job

Marketing positions are typically filled internally. Employment as a marketing officer is possible for those who posses, the right experience, certification, and educational background.

Job Prospects, Employment Outlook and Career Development

Employment opportunities will increase by 12 percent between 2008 and 2018. Those with a master’s degree as well as experience in marketing, advertising, brand management, sales and a proven track record will have the best chance at employment.

Working Conditions and Environment

Frequent travel is required of the marketing officer and the work environment can be global or local. Travel is required to meet with peers, clients, or to brainstorm marketing concepts with others. The job of a marketing officer is 40 hours in addition to overtime, late hours, and weekend hours. The marketing officer frequently must go above and beyond to meet goals and deadlines. Strong interpersonal skills are required as the marketing officer will frequently work as part of a team. Stress from multiple deadlines, schedule changes, long hours, and client demands are a common occurrence. In addition, the marketing officers work area is typically located in close proximity to fellow manger’s offices.

Salary and Benefits

According to payscale.com, the salary for a marketing officer ranges from $60,602 to $238,360. The Occupational Outlook Handbook lists the median salary for marketing officers at $108,580. Standard benefits such as paid vacation, sick leave, and 401K plans, life insurance, and disability insurance, are the standard benefits package offered to marketing officers.

Where to Go for More Information

American Certification Institute
7616 93rd Ave CT SW
Lakewood, WA 98498, USA
Phone: (206) 350-1518
Fax: (415) 651-8884
American Certification Institute

Northwestern University (Kellogg)
2001 Sheridan Rd.
Evanston, IL 60208
Phone: (847) 491-3308
Fax: (847) 491-4960
Northwestern University (Kellogg)

Sales and Marketing Executives International, Inc.
PO BOX 1390
Sumas, WA 98295-1390
Phone: (312) 893-0751
Fax: (312) 893-0751
Sales & Marketing Executives International, Inc.

University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)
420 Jon M. Huntsman Hall
3730 Walnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone: (215) 898-6183
Fax: (215) 898-0120
University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)