Directors of healthcare marketing are typically employed by regional medical centers, physicians’ groups, private and public hospitals, and other healthcare organizations. These medical marketing professionals are responsible for planning and executing marketing initiatives. If your career goals include pursuing a director of healthcare marketing career, enrolling in an MBA program with a specialization in Healthcare Management is a great way to begin.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment of marketing managers and directors will grow steadily in coming years. Job growth will vary according to industry and employer; as the healthcare field continues to grow, demand for healthcare marketing directors should increase. Individuals with advanced degrees should have the best job prospects.
A healthcare organization’s director of marketing undertakes a variety of job duties. Among them are creating standardized marketing practices and procedures, and specific advertising and PR plans to achieve organizational goals and objectives. They are also typically responsible for planning marketing-related projects and managing external marketing partners and vendors.
Increasing organizational awareness through marketing initiatives is another primary function of the director of healthcare marketing position. Through analyzing data and estimating demand for services, these professionals identify potential markets and devise plans to deliver the appropriate message.
Additional aspects of a director of healthcare marketing’s job include creating and maintaining the organization’s brand, and devising brand strategies. These marketing professionals may interface with outside agencies to direct activities or supervise internal marketing staff, supporting them in their assigned duties.
A director of healthcare marketing typically works in an office environment. Depending on the employer, travel could be required to conferences or satellite locations. They typically work a 40-hour week, but overtime can be required.
According to BLS data from May 2009, the median annual salary for marketing managers was $110,030. The middle 50% earned between $78,340 and $149,390 per year, while the lowest 10% brought in around $55,720. The top 10% of professionals in this occupation category were reported to earn in excess of $166,400 annually. Salary levels are typically commensurate with education, professional credentials and experience; those holding advanced degrees often earn salaries at the top end of the range.
A sampling of marketing salaries paid by various employers in the medical field reveals average salaries as high as $148,998. A survey of 544 medical marketers conducted by Medical Marketing & Media in 2007 revealed the following average salaries for various employers:
| Employer Type | Average Salary Reported |
|---|---|
| All Respondents | $133,700 |
| Medical Advertising Agencies | $139,104 |
| Service Suppliers, Including Medical Education Firms | $141,162 |
| Manufacturing (Pharmaceutical) | $148,998 |
Position requirements for directors of healthcare marketing are usually at least bachelor’s degree plus a number of years of experience. Many employers prefer to hire candidates with a master’s degree.
Those competing for a director of healthcare marketing position can stand out from the crowd by earning an MBA with a specialization in Healthcare Management. Coursework typically includes managerial economics, financial management, healthcare policy, and healthcare planning and marketing.
Employers can be confident that professionals who have earned an MBA with a specialization in Healthcare Management are able to:
If you possess a solid educational background, excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to address strategic marketing problems with effective solutions, a director of healthcare marketing career could be a great fit for you. You can position yourself to compete in this field and take your career to the next level by earning an MBA with a specialization in Healthcare Management. A master’s degree may help you land a rewarding position as a director of healthcare marketing.
