Marketing director vs. creative director

[rhondacwood]

The communications department consists of me (the graphic designer/creative manager), a desktop publisher and the communications director. We three have great working relationships. The company hired a marketing manager who is technically "separate" form our department somehow regarding the organizational structure. Yet, as you can imagine, we work on a lot of projects for this marketing manager. There are some issues from job responsibilities to personality clashes we're all having with this new position and I'm hoping someone can help me clear this up. I've been asked to write a job description for a creative manager and one for the marketing manager. I admit I'm fuzzy on on this one. It is my feeling we are all four (three communications people as well as the new marketing person) pretty fuzzy on this as there was not a clear job description given when upper management hired this marketing manager.

I need help or a resource for comparing the two jobs.

I really hope this helps us as well as upper management get a better handle on this working relationship. My team is too solid and good to risk things getting worse for us.

I'm asking you experts out there for help!

[Rolo]

Does this marketing manager have employees under him/her? Is there an actual marketing department, or is it just one person? Also, it seems odd you are being asked to write a job description if you are not this person's manager. I would think that would be HR's place, or if you don't have an HR department, maybe a manager who the new person would report to.

In general, I think a marketing director is in charge of internal collateral, along with the company website, etc. Basically anything that promotes the company. I think a creative director would be in charge of any design done for external clients. I hope that somewhat helps.

[rhondacwood]

Thank you, Rolo!

The marketing manager does not have anyone reporting to her. She is the only person in her department.

The HR department actually asked me to write the job description because they too are fuzzy on where the lines are drawn between marketing and creative direction. And, I've been asked to do so because the marketing manager's supervisor did not have a clear vision of the position nor a well defined job description.

[Aibrean]

The marketing manager usually defines the projects for the creative director.

[witchyd]

Try looking on Salary.com or AIGA.com to find some general job descriptions.
Generally, I think, the Marketing Managers DO NOT design anything, though sometimes they may be in charge of the design group under a senior MarCom person.
Marketing is usually more sales or product focused (trade shows, sales promotions, etc.) but they will need the design department to carry out their plans.


It's a little difficult, I know. HR gets this stuff wrong all the time and really don't seem to understand the difference.



Marketing Manager
Develops and implements strategic marketing plan for an organization. Stays abreast of changes in the marketing environment to best serve the objectives of the organization and adjusts plans accordingly. Researches and develops pricing policies and recommends appropriate sales channels. Requires a bachelor's degree with at least 7 years of marketing experience. Generally manages a group of marketing professionals. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Typically reports to an executive.


Art Director
Supervises creative design within business groups and directs and develops final visual image that communicates the organization's marketing objectives to the consumer. Requires a bachelor's degree with at least 10 years of experience in the field. Familiar with a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. May direct the work of others. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected. Typically reports to top management.

Creative Director
Responsible for directing audience promotions and advertising. *** with audience research. Requires a bachelor's degree with at least 7 years of experience in the field. Familiar with a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures. Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Leads and directs the work of others. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected. Typically reports to top management.

Graphic Design Specialist
Uses knowledge of current graphic design software to produce graphic art and visual materials for promotions, advertisements, films, packaging, and informative and instructional material through a variety of media outlets such as websites and CD-ROMs. Generates and manipulates graphic images, animations, sound, text and video into consolidated and seamless multimedia programs. Must remain abreast of technological advances in the field and be able to identify areas of use in the organization. May require a bachelor's degree or its equivalent and 2-4 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Works under general supervision; typically reports to a supervisor or manager. A great deal of creativity and latitude is expected.

[rhondacwood]

Thank you for the responses! I really appreciate this. I know I'm not the only one in this situation. I hope others can benefit from this too.

I just love being able to come here for advice. Thanks again, y'all!

[colakyngo]

Hi,

Thanks very much for this comment. It help me to think about my ideals.

Tks again and pls keep posting.

Apart from that, you also can ref more resources at: Promotions manager job description

Goodluck.

[hdblue]

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[Emio]

Hay,
Thanks alot share with us your experiance i am fdoing Marketing Manager Jobs big copany

I like this type of job

Again thanks chreese

[Ets80]

Well I do marketing directing and creative directing for a small company. They can overlap a tad but it sounds like your marketing director is becoming the manager of the creative director team. lol