Media Coordinator Career Profile
Profile Description: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov) media coordinators are typically employed by firms in the public relations services industry or advertising.
Media coordinators are also referred to as communications specialists, media specialists, public relations specialists, and sometimes information specialists. Media coordinators serve as advocates for clients seeking to build and maintain relationships with the public or a specific public image. Their clients range from individuals, businesses, universities, nonprofits, the medical industry, and other organizations. Media coordinators are the primary overseers for planning, communication selection, and promotion ideas. Information is gathered on the perspective or targeted audience. Editorial content is evaluated and monitored to ensure proper usage in public promotions and materials. Numbers are gathered and calculated to determine the types of people that are being reached by the various media types. Media coordinators are typically involved in the negotiation process for ad time and space purchases.
Media coordinators focus on managing all public-facing opportunities, promotions and other media including interviews, speaking engagements, speeches, press releases, newspapers, magazines, television, radio, internet, billboards, and other advertising media. In addition, media coordinators also manage contacts and respond to inquiries.
Work Environment:The average work hours range from the standard 35 - 40 hour work week, but overtime is common and schedules are frequently irregular due to meeting deadlines. Operations are typically fast-paced, exciting, yet stressful. Schedules often have strict time constraints and depend on team efforts throughout multi-level collaborations.
Average Salary: It is reported that 50 percent earn between $38,400 and $71,670
Specialized Skills:Media coordinators include the ability to multi-task, are detail oriented, and have the ability to articulate clearly. They should have good people skills, be strong in decision-making, problem-solving, and research. Media coordinators are often assertive, open to new ideas, and able to contribute as an integral part of a team.
Education/Experience Requirements: Most positions require at least a bachelor's degree in public relations, journalism, marketing, or communications; preferably with related experience or extensive exposure in liberal arts.
Associations:American Association of Advertising Agencies: (www.aaaa.org)American Advertising Federation (www.aaf.org)
Accreditation:Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) provides professional development, sets standards of excellence, and upholds principles of ethics for its members and profession(www.prsa.org).
International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) provides a professional network of about 15,000 business communication professionals in over 80 countries. The IABC offer a wide selection of professional development materials, how-to articles, and case studies of successful communication (www.iabc.com).
