Media Director Career Profile

Media Directors oversee the media department and are responsible for managing the client's media buying and planning needs. A Media Director also places ads in print outlets like magazines and newspapers as well as on TV and radio. Ad placement is carefully calculated through research and analytical models to determine what is best for the client based on the product/service, the client's goals and budget.

$62,250 - 91,250 for Media Directors with at least five years of experience. Reports show some Media Directors making upwards of $118,143. Salaries will vary based on the agency's size, market location and the employee's experience level.

• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to work with a wide range of people, including clients, sales people and your own staff
• Must be able to analyze research data to determine best placement for the client's needs
• Professional appearance and persona
• Must be well-organized
• Working long hours, especially under tight deadlines
• Must be able to handle pressure well
  Education and Training:

  Most Media Director positions require a bachelor's degree and/or related experience. Most companies ask for at least five years of experience in media planning and buying. Many in larger cities ask for at least 10 years experience.

  Typical Day:
  • Meet with media sales people
  • Attend strategy meetings for new business
  • Pitch to potential clients
  • Contact clients to discuss their projects
  • Manage media department to check status of client accounts and plan for future media buys
  Common Misconceptions:

  A Media Director is often thought to do the same job as a Media Buyer or a Media Planner. However, a Media Director manages the media department and is over the Media Buyers and Media Planners. Media Buyers and Media Planners often handle a few accounts whereas the Media Director is responsible for all accounts.

  Getting Started:

  Before you become a Media Director, you will spend a lot of time in the media department working your way up. Media Buyer and Media Planner positions are good jobs to help build your career in the media department.

  If you're still in college, interning at an ad agency gives you the opportunity to see what working in the media department will be like. You can also make contacts to give you references for jobs elsewhere if no positions are available at that particular agency after you graduate college.