What Does a Marketing Coordinator Do? (With Skills and FAQs)

A marketing coordinator is a marketing professional who assists others on the team. They help to advertise and sell products and services and report to the marketing manager or director. If you are thinking of becoming a marketing coordinator, you may wonder what a marketing coordinator does each day. In this article, we discuss a marketing coordinator's primary duties, list the helpful skills for this career, provide the steps to become one and answer some FAQs.

What does a marketing coordinator do?

To answer the question, 'What does a marketing coordinator do,' it's helpful to review their overall role and specific job duties. A marketing coordinator is a junior role in the marketing department of a company. Professionals in this position assist the marketing managers in all of their duties, completing any tasks that are suitable for their level of expertise. They may gradually take on more responsibilities until they have the appropriate experience to qualify for more advanced marketing roles.

Duties of a marketing coordinator

The main duties of a marketing coordinator include:

• Performing administrative tasks for others in the marketing team

• Arranging meetings between the marketing department and other departments or collaborating companies

• Working on marketing projects with the rest of the team

• Having creative involvement in some campaigns and working on creative ideas with the manager

• Working on social media marketing for the company

• Staying updated with marketing trends

• Writing up reports for meetings and researching trends

• Analysing marketing campaign performance data

Related: Understanding the 4Ps of Marketing: A Detailed Introduction

Skills of a marketing coordinator

Marketing coordinators typically possess certain hard and soft skills. These skills include:

Information technology (IT)

In the modern world, marketing departments are often highly technology-focused. Marketing coordinators may use computers to communicate with colleagues, analyse data in spreadsheets, draft presentations and create marketing campaigns. Therefore, a high degree of computer literacy is desirable. You could practise this by familiarising yourself with different types of computer software before taking on a marketing coordinator position.

Language skills

Marketing coordinators often use language to portray their messages, so a good command of written and spoken language is essential. They also use their language skills when communicating with colleagues and clients. You can practise your language skills by challenging yourself to write in several different styles, such as creating a persuasive letter or congratulatory message and asking other people for feedback. You could also consider taking a creative writing course.

Related: 4 Common Writing Styles: When and How to Use Them

Mathematics

Marketing coordinators work with budget constraints and need to be competent in basic mathematical skills. However, advanced mathematical abilities are usually unnecessary. You can practise mental arithmetic by challenging yourself to complete different sums. You could gain some budget experience by taking a short course in budgeting.

Problem-solving

Candidates may solve various problems while working as a marketing coordinator. For instance, they may have a tight budget and attempt to create a proposed marketing campaign with this budget. Therefore, excellent problem-solving abilities could be beneficial. You could practice your problem-solving abilities by thinking of a time when you have successfully overcome an issue and writing down how you overcame it.

Communication

Since marketing coordinators work closely with other people in the marketing team and with clients, strong communication skills are required. Candidates must also be able to speak to a range of different people in both formal and informal environments. You can practise your communication skills by thinking about the most relevant things to ask a certain person and noting them down before a conversation.

Ability to work under pressure

Marketing coordinators typically work in fast-paced environments, so improving your ability to work under pressure is helpful. Candidates may have multiple projects to finish before deadlines and ideally can focus on the most important tasks before moving on to others. You can practise your ability to work under pressure by organising all your daily tasks and highlighting the most important ones, ensuring that you work on these first.

Ability to accept feedback

Most marketing professionals are open to feedback on their proposed campaigns. They may experience scrutiny from other people and can usually give solid reasons on why they have decided to choose a particular campaign. You can practise your response to feedback by taking the time to read and understand all comments left on your work in school and university and adjusting your work to include them.

Read more: 8 Marketing Responsibilities (With Tips to Find Employment)

How to become a marketing coordinator

If you are interested in becoming a marketing coordinator, here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Finish secondary school

Most marketing coordinators have finished year 12 with good qualifications in their Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). Relevant subjects to focus on throughout school include mathematics, English, art and media studies.

2. Obtain a bachelor's degree

In addition to secondary qualifications, candidates will benefit from having a bachelor's degree. Relevant subjects include marketing, design, advertising, psychology and business. These degrees are available at universities all over Australia. You may also be able to do an online degree with the Open University.

3. Complete another relevant course

Some candidates benefit from doing other courses, such as a diploma instead of, or in addition to, a bachelor's degree. TAFE offers various relevant courses, including a Certificate IV or Diploma in Marketing and Communication. Some of these are online, whereas others are taught on campus in cities across Australia.

3. Get some work experience

No matter what your educational background is, it's always beneficial to gain some work experience. You can apply for marketing-based internships where you will learn the trade or ask marketing agencies if they accept trainees. Even if it's only for a few weeks, some real-life work experience can help your application stand out from the others.

4. Apply for marketing coordinator roles

Once you have some relevant marketing education and workplace experience, you can consider applying for jobs. Look for positions in marketing agencies or any large company. Marketing coordinator positions are typically at the junior level and they're a great way to get involved in the marketing industry.

Related: How to Write a Marketing Executive Resume (Plus Template)

Marketing coordinator FAQs

The following sections contain frequently asked questions about marketing coordinators:

What is the workplace of a marketing coordinator like?

Marketing coordinators primarily work on projects in office-based settings. They may work closely with other people on the marketing team, such as the marketing manager or assistant. Occasionally, they might travel to meet with vendors. As this is an office-based role, marketing coordinators can expect to sit at their desks for most of their day. Additionally, they may use technology frequently.

Marketing coordinators may work in marketing agencies, or medium or large-sized companies may employ them. They could work in a range of industries, including hospitality, tourism, retail or housing. Usually, they are part of a small to medium-sized marketing team, reporting to the marketing manager.

Related: 10 Careers in Marketing (With Salaries)

What hours does a marketing coordinator work?

A marketing coordinator usually works office hours from Monday to Friday. As this is a highly project-focused role, they sometimes work extra hours in the evening or on weekends when project deadlines are approaching. Likewise, they may work shorter days when they do not have deadlines.

How much does a marketing coordinator earn?

On average, marketing coordinators earn $68,219 per year. This average can vary depending on location, employer and seniority. Although being a marketing coordinator is typically an entry-level position, those who have worked in this role for a few years may earn more than new candidates.

Is there room for professional growth as a marketing coordinator?

There is typically plenty of room for growth when you work as a marketing coordinator. Most marketing coordinators begin in junior positions, and their initial job may involve administrative tasks and shadowing other members of the marketing team. Once they have learned some of the trade, they may be more active in marketing decisions.

After a few years of work as a marketing coordinator, most candidates progress to more senior roles, such as a marketing director or manager. Their company may promote them, or they may move to another company to seek a senior position.

Related: What Is a Marketing Manager? (With Duties and Requirements)

Can marketing coordinators become self-employed?

Typically, marketing coordinators work for a company while they learn about the marketing industry. Many continue to work with either the same or different companies, but it is possible to work on a freelance basis. They may set up their own agency and offer their marketing services to different companies. Some self-employed marketing professionals work solo, while others hire a team.

Salary figures reflect data listed on Indeed Salaries at time of writing. Salaries may vary depending on the hiring organisation and a candidate's experience, academic background and location. Please note that none of the companies mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.