Advertising manager
What does an advertising manager do?
From thinking creatively about how to target the right people with a campaign, to considering how you can maximise your budget, an advertising career involves a diverse range of tasks that ultimately aim to increase brand awareness and sales. As an advertising manager, also known as an advertising coordinator, you could work to promote both products and services. Whether you’re focused on one brand or multiple, you'll have the opportunity to develop advertising strategies and implement campaigns across numerous channels. Campaign creation is often a collaborative effort, advertising managers will frequently work alongside graphic designers, photographers, videographers and internal and external stakeholders.
Advertising jobs can be found within an organisation (in-house) or at an agency. For those working in agency, account director, brand strategist or creative director are common job titles, whereas advertising manager or advertising specialist might be used in-house.
Is a career as an advertising manager right for me?
If you’re creative, enjoy writing or are interested in design, an advertising career could be your ideal next step.
Other skills and attributes beneficial for this role include:
An ability to manage change positively and perform effectively in changing environments.
An ability to analyse and interpret information.
Clear written and verbal communication skills, supported by strong interpersonal skills.
Creative expression, storytelling and original thinking.
Problem-solving and decision-making
The ability to identify issues, evaluate options, and make informed decisions.
Effective time-management and prioritisation skills.
How to become advertising manager
Advertising managers typically need extensive industry experience or a formal qualification in advertising, marketing, communication, media studies, or a related field. Many professionals start with a bachelor’s degree and gain hands-on experience through internships, entry-level roles, or agency work to support career progression.
Every journey is individual, and there are several paths you can take to reach your advertising career goals. A typical path to becoming an advertising manager is:
- Complete relevant study in advertising, marketing, business, communications or a related field.
- Build practical experience through internships, entry-level marketing or advertising roles.
- Develop expertise in campaigns and digital marketing by working with advertising platforms, analytics and market research tools.
- Progress into senior marketing or advertising roles and gain experience leading projects, budgets and teams.
- Move into an advertising manager position, overseeing advertising strategy, campaign performance and brand promotion.
How long does it take to become an advertising manager?
The time it takes to become an advertising manager can vary depending on your education, experience and career pathway. Typically, many advertising managers would first complete a degree in advertising, marketing, business or communications, which is generally three years or full-time study (or part-time equivalent), before developing their skills over several years to gain experience in advertising, marketing or similar roles. This timeframe can change depending on individual factors such as experience and opportunities.
Start your journey with UniSQ
Prepare for a career in advertising management with a UniSQ business degree and develop the creative thinking, market analysis and strategic planning skills valued by employers across a range of industries.
Responsibilities and work settings
Identifying the required advertising needed and determining the style of presentation.
Reviewing available resources and selecting, assembling, and preparing advertising materials.
Deciding on media channels and revising and arranging content for presentation or publication.
Analysing the performance of advertising campaigns and making adjustments as needed.
Overseeing advertising budgets and monitoring expenditure to maximise campaign performance and return on investment.
Digital business and marketing agencies
Government agencies, departments and councils
Media, publishing and broadcasting organisations
Accounting, consulting and professional services firms
Arts and creative organisations
Banks and financial institutions
Universities and higher education providers
Non-profit, charity and community organisations
Advertising manager FAQs
An advertising manager salary in Australia varies based on industry, experience, and company size. For those pursuing an advertising manager career, developing expertise in digital advertising, data analytics, and campaign strategy can significantly enhance earning potential.
For further information on an advertising manager’s salary, please view the salary information on this page.
A successful advertising manager career requires a combination of creativity, strategic thinking, and analytical skills, including:
- Communication skills – effectively conveying ideas, managing teams, and collaborating with clients and stakeholders.
- Building relationships – establishing strong connections with clients, media partners, and creative teams.
- Digital advertising – leveraging online platforms and data-driven strategies to optimise performance.
- Organisational skills – managing multiple campaigns, budgets, and deadlines.
- Team leadership – managing creative teams and collaborating with clients and external agencies
Yes! The demand for advertising managers is increasing as businesses prioritise digital marketing and data-driven advertising strategies.
An advertising manager career is especially sought after in e-commerce, media, and tech industries, where companies rely on effective ad campaigns to reach and engage their audience. Advertising managers with skills in performance marketing, social media advertising, and data analytics are highly valued in today’s competitive job market.
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