Advertising Account Executive
Advertising account executives plan and manage ad campaigns for print, electronic and social media.
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Account Director, Account Manager
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
Starting | $28.73 |
---|---|
Overall | $36.24 |
Top | $46.68 |
Interest in analyzing advertising needs of establishments; and in developing advertising campaigns and in evaluating promotional and marketing results against budgeted sales, costs, profits and effect on future sales
Interest in consulting with managers of establishments on advertising needs; and in advising clients on advertising and sales promotion strategies
Interest in implementing advertising campaigns for print and electronic media
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Advertising account executives are the link between ad agencies and their clients. Their work varies depending on the agency and the type of account. But in general, they:
They may also be expected to bring in new business.
Advertising account executives usually work in offices in large cities. They may need to travel from time to time.
Dealing with difficult clients or unexpected challenges can be stressful. Advertising account executives may also need to work long, irregular hours to meet deadlines.
Advertising account executives need:
They should enjoy consulting with people and analyzing client needs.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 60 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 17, 2020 and Feb 26, 2021.
Review these skills to learn:
Co-ordinate special publicity events and promotions | 49 |
---|---|
Develop, implement and evaluate communication strategies and programs | 47 |
Assist in the preparation of brochures, reports, newsletters and other material | 47 |
Answer written and oral inquiries | 43 |
Prepare or oversee preparation of reports, briefs, bibliographies, speeches, presentations, Website content and press releases | 41 |
Gather, research and prepare communications material | 39 |
Advise clients on advertising or sales promotion strategies | 38 |
Conduct public opinion and attitude surveys | 31 |
Business Equipment and Computer Applications: MS Word | 28 |
Personal Suitability: Excellent oral communication | 25 |
Advertising account executives specialize in marketing and communications. They need computer skills, related experience and related post-secondary education, such as a 2-year diploma in advertising or marketing or a bachelor’s degree in commerce, management, business administration, psychology or sociology. Recommended courses include marketing, market research, economics, statistics, accounting, communication arts, and persuasion or perception psychology. Some employers require a master’s degree, such as a master of business administration, or experience in a certain industry, such as retail, insurance or health care.
Suitable post-secondary programs are offered across Alberta. For information, see the Marketing Manager occupational profile.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Advertising account executives work at ad agencies and in the advertising departments of large companies.
Most account executives start their careers in junior positions. Advancement usually means dealing with higher-profile clients and bigger campaigns. In agencies, successful account executives may move up to account manager, supervisor or account director positions.
Advertising account executives are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 1122: Professional occupations in business services to management. In Alberta, 75% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the B022: Professional Occupations in Business Services to Management occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.6% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 234 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Advertising account executives may be paid a salary or work on a contract basis.
Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
---|---|---|---|---|
Starting | $15.00 | $46.15 | $28.73 | $27.18 |
Overall | $17.50 | $70.05 | $36.24 | $31.79 |
Top | $20.00 | $128.21 | $46.68 | $36.58 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
Oil & Gas Extraction | $129,304 |
---|---|
Transportation and Warehousing | $103,575 |
Public Administration | $85,162 |
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $77,259 |
ALL INDUSTRIES | $69,165 |
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $67,702 |
Construction | $64,092 |
Educational Services | $62,763 |
Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $61,585 |
Manufacturing | $60,815 |
Wholesale Trade | $59,232 |
Information, Culture, Recreation | $52,724 |
Health Care & Social Assistance | $51,257 |
Business, Building and Other Support Services | $50,269 |
Accommodation & Food Services | $48,986 |
Retail Trade | $48,448 |
Association of Canadian Advertisers (ACA) website: acaweb.ca
Institute of Communication Agencies website: theica.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2019. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.