Promotion coordinators create programs to increase sales.
Every day, we're bombarded with messages to "Buy one, get one free," "Buy now and get a free gift," or buy something because a celebrity or sports figure says it's "the best." Chances are, all of these messages were prepared by a promotions coordinator, a professional hired by a company to boost sales and public recognition of a particular product or service. In an increasingly competitive business environment, the right promotion can help a business meet, or even exceed, its profit goals.
Job Description
Promotions managers often work closely with the advertising, sales and, in some cases, public relations departments of an organization to develop programs and specials that will entice customers to buy. They are responsible for creating attractive incentives, such as discounts, gifts with purchases or free items with purchases that will encourage consumers to choose one company's product or service over others. Promotions managers also coordinate special events for a business, such as customer appreciation parties and radio or television station live broadcasts, and they will sometimes manage a company's presence at events such as trade shows, consumer fairs and charitable events.
Tasks
Most promotions managers not only develop promotional and incentive programs, but they also coordinate every aspect of a program, such as advertising, writing and designing the materials of the program and managing its implementation. These efforts might include coordinating direct mail, Internet advertising, in-store displays and advertising and soliciting endorsements. Depending on the size of the company, some tasks, such as graphic design, may be outsourced, but in smaller companies, the promotions coordinator may be expected to have a background and skills in writing, design and advertising. Promotions coordinators also need to have friendly, outgoing and enthusiastic personalities, as well as excellent communication skills.
Education
In general, high-level promotions coordinator positions require that you hold at least a bachelor's degree and, in some cases, a master's degree. Although many promotions coordinators have degrees in business, a degree in marketing or advertising is also useful in this position. Courses in communication, writing, consumer behavior, public relations, market research, graphic design and visual arts also give promotions coordinators the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in the field.
Salary
Promotions managers work in almost every industry, from retail and restaurants to financial services, such as banks and insurance companies. Many media outlets, such as radio stations, also hire internal promotions coordinators to work with advertisers to maximize their advertising budgets through radio promotions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, salaries for promotions coordinators average around $80,000 per year although the actual salaries vary widely based on employers, industries and geographic areas. In some cases, promotion coordinators work on commission.
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