Directors of healthcare marketing may be 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 can provide the base of knowledge and expertise sought by employers.
Job Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment of marketing managers to increase by 9% from 2014-24, which is faster than the national average for all occupations. Job growth will vary according to industry and employer; for example, the healthcare field continues to be one of the nation’s fastest-growing industries. Individuals with advanced degrees may enjoy stronger job prospects.
Director of Healthcare Marketing Job Duties
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.
Salary Potential
Nationwide, the category of employees listed as marketing managers had an average annual salary of $144,140 as of May 2016, the BLS reports. The top 10% of earners in this occupational category had salaries exceeding $178,000 a year. 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.
Potential salaries, like employment opportunities, are determined by numerous factors, including a candidate’s education and experience, as well as the specific industry and location.
Education and Training
Many employers prefer to hire candidates with a master’s degree and relevant experience for senior-level positions such as director. For example, an MBA with a specialization in Healthcare Management typically includes coursework on managerial economics, financial management, healthcare policy, and healthcare planning and marketing.
A Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management program should prepare graduates to:
- Solve real-world challenges with modern theories of leadership, management and negotiation
- Apply contemporary business principles integral to a medical organization
- Use creative problem-solving skills to make critical decisions
- Integrate marketing, operations, personnel and financial initiatives
Pursuing a Career as a Director of Healthcare Marketing
If you possess the relevant educational qualifications, excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to address strategic marketing problems with effective solutions, a director of healthcare marketing career could be a rewarding career option. Candidates may expand their opportunities for advancement by attaining an MBA with a specialization in Healthcare Management.