Last Updated: November 10, 2020
When an advertising firm takes on a large, multi-platform campaign, someone needs to make sure it all runs smoothly. Think about it: when a firm has teams working on radio, television, and print ads all at the same time, a leaders must step up to make sure everyone is on the right page.
Account executives oversee multiple advertising campaigns, meeting frequently with clients and creative teams to ensure the proper advertising message is relayed. Read on to discover more about the typical duties and qualifications of these expert organizers.
Main Job Responsibilities
Location and Opportunity
According to Indeed.com, the following locations have the most Account Executive jobs available:
The account executive acts as a liaison between a client and multiple divisions of an advertising agency, making sure that a client’s goals mesh with the advertising department’s output. When working in an advertising agency, account executives frequently assign multiple advertising teams to develop advertising campaigns for a single client. While these teams work independently of each other, the account executive communicates with them all and ensures the proper direction is followed.
Account executives frequently meet with clients and advertising executives to keep teams on task, and communicate any concerns a client might have. The account executive has a much more “business-detailed” role than the advertising executive, delivering presentations, organizing meetings, and negotiating contacts.
Account executives meet frequently with many professionals in an agency, including:
Qualifications
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Account executives must be extremely professional, and understand how to negotiate contracts with potential clients. This means that strong inter-personal communication skills are a must, in addition to an ability to envision a campaign’s potential payoff for a client.
Many of these communication skills are first developed through bachelor’s degree programs. Typically, account executive hold at least bachelor’s degrees in marketing or business, with many earning their master’s eventually.
Become an Account Executive
Job outlook for account executives remains steady through 2020, but certain areas will experience more growth than others. Individuals willing to move to major cities where advertising agencies are common will likely experience the best luck finding jobs.
Account executives are typically well-paid individuals who have proven themselves in leadership positions. The regular income for an account executive in 2010 ranged from nearly $50,000 to $100,000, although pay will vary by experience.
If you’re interested in learning more about a career as an account executive, contact some schools offering degree programs in marketing, business, or advertising.