General manager
Plans, directs or co-ordinates the operations of an agency or organisation. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations and planning the use of materials and human resources; however these tend to be too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration - such as personnel, procurement or administrative services. Includes owners and managers who head up smaller operations, whose duties are primarily managerial.

Marketing director
Directs the promotion of the marketing or service activities to customers or prospects. Makes forecasts of anticipated market sales. Develops and implements methods and procedures for monitoring work activities, such as the preparation of records of expenditure and progress reports to inform management of current status of work activities. Submits reports of sales activity and maintains records. Directs advertising and marketing campaigns. Must offer high-level visibility and proven skills in developing an effective strategy, leading to growth. Strong stakeholder management also needed. May recruit, hire, train staff, evaluate employee performance and recommend or initiate promotions, transfers and disciplinary action. A ten-year marketing background and five years’ management experience are preferred; an MBA degree may be required. Alternative titles include: regional marketing director, head of marketing.

Senior marketing manager
Reports directly to the marketing director or the general manager and is responsible for all marketing activities including fiscal accountability. Oversees and supervises marketing staff in the implementation of marketing plans. Typically requires a Bachelor degree and at least seven to eight years in a marketing environment. At least two to three years' management experience will be required.

Marketing manager
Plans, develops and directs the marketing efforts for a particular brand or product. It is not uncommon for a marketing manager to be responsible for co-ordinating the activities of specialists in production, sales, advertising, promotion, research and development, marketing research, purchasing, distribution, package development and finance. Typically requires a Bachelor degree and four years' field experience.

Marketing executive
Under general supervision, he/she is responsible for the co-ordination of marketing and communication materials and the administration of marketing plans and budgets. Supports general marketing team operation. Typically requires a Bachelor degree and at least two to three years' of marketing experience. Alternative titles include: marketing assistant, marketing co-ordinator.

Marketing communications manager
Manages the organisation's marketing communications efforts, including the development of corporate advertising programmes. Advises management on marketing and advertising matters. Responsible for writing and developing corporate communications both internally and externally. Extensive liaison with senior management. Duties may include speech writing, staff media training, liaison with relevant journalists and management of public relations agencies. Often responsible for management of events, writing of annual reports and all corporate communications material. Typically requires a Bachelor degree in a related field and five or more years' experience with management/supervisory skills. Alternative title: marcoms manager.

Marketing communications executive
Responsible for supporting the marketing-related communications needs of designated business groups and departments. Advises businesses in developing and executing communications programmes including product advertising, events management, public relations and internal and external corporate communications. Typically requires a Bachelor degree in a related field and at least two to three years' experience. Alternative title: marketing communications co-ordinator.

Brand director
Oversees the development of the brand identity for a particular product, service or even the overall corporate image. Works closely with external brand agencies to identify, through extensive research, the best brand positioning and platform as an accurate reflection of the product or service offering's USPs or, in the case of developing a corporate brand identity, the core values and key messages. Strives to uplift and uphold these across all customer touch points, working across sales, marketing, communications retail and even distribution channels where required. Also develops brand identity kits and corporate design guidelines.

Product manager/Brand manager
Assumes full control of the marketing mix encompassing product specification, pricing strategy, distribution or channel management and promotion for an entire product or product line. This begins with product research and development, working in tandem with technically savvy product development specialists on product features and direction, as well as navigating legislative issues and making financial calculations related to top- and bottom-line pricing strategy. Maintains close liaison with sales and channel partners to ensure seamless distribution strategy, as well as constant collaboration with marketing communications specialists/agencies to devise advertising and promotions campaigns. Follows up with detailed comparative analysis and revenue reporting.

Assistant brand manager
Reporting to the brand manager, assists in developing and maintaining product lines including packaging. Manages budgets and analyses sales performance of brand. Prepares proposals for brand development. Typically requires a Bachelor degree and at least three years' experience.

Product executive
Supports management in the development of a product or product lines. Performs competitor analysis and collects the data needed in order to evaluate the profitability of a product. Assists in ensuring continuous innovation and product improvement, in alignment with consumer needs. Typically requires four to five years' experience. Some technical skills and/or a Bachelor degree may be required.

Product co-ordinator
Supports the general functionality of the product management team. Supervises all tasks directed towards developing a specific product and its features. Assists in preparing reports and collecting data regarding the profitability of the product and consumer insight. Typically requires a Bachelor degree with three years' experience.

Customer relationship manager
Responsible for data quality management and knowledge generation for the purpose of marketing campaign development and measurement, encompassing data entry standards, user access and database security measures. As part of the role, conducts regular data accuracy reviews and develops the required supporting enhancement strategies. Leveraging this data, the CRM manager will be able to accurately identify customer behaviour and make informed recommendations with regard to marketing campaign development. Typically requires five to seven years' experience.

Category marketing manager
Plays an instrumental role in developing and building the company's brand, through specific product lines. This person oversees the analysis and interpretation of consumer and competitive research as they develop differentiated product/service propositions for priority categories. The category marketing manager will manage the development of marketing plans and budgets that deliver priority categories' business objectives. Typically requires a four to five year background in marketing and five to seven years' business/management experience.

Trade marketing manager
Responsible for growing a business through successful product development and trade marketing strategies. Develops marketing solutions using market research, customer segmentation, product and implementation of advertising campaigns. Working closely with the marketing director, the trade marketing manager takes accountability for public relations strategies, trade events and sponsorships. Should have FMCG experience, management experience and a proven track record in sales development.

Channel marketing manager
Obtains product entry into distributor channel and third-party catalogues and negotiates terms. Drives the channel strategies and programmes that ensure customers have access to products. Responsible for any marketing and promotional packages associated with channels. Trains personnel on needs and objectives of programmes. Channels may include third-party associations, retail, online, direct channels.

Direct marketing manager
Responsible for maximising revenue/sales through the creation of inspirational and creative direct marketing programmes. Position includes strategy development, creating direct marketing campaigns, media selection, market segmentation, creating the offer, testing creative/lists and liaison with sales and telemarketing. Should possess a sound track record in developing persuasive and well-targeted direct marketing and e-marketing, combined with commercial acumen, entrepreneurial flare, commitment, a results focus and the ability to be self-motivating.

Customer retention manager
Develops strategies to retain and grow loyalty of existing customers. Typically focused on segmentation and direct marketing campaigns. Identifies key customers and implements strategies to maintain and improve existing relationships. Requires five to seven years' experience in CRM or related fields.

Loyalty programme manager
Responsible for developing and implementing customer loyalty programmes. Sources loyalty partners, determines communications, advertising and promotions strategies appropriate to loyalty programmes. Typically requires at least five years' experience.

Partnership/Affinity marketing manager
Responsible for developing and maintaining mutually beneficial marketing partnerships. Liaises and maintains contacts, identifies new partnership opportunities and establishes relationships. Oversees contact management. Experience in account management is highly valued. Typically requires five years' experience. Alternative title: sponsorship manager.

Promotions manager
Aims to increase sales through the development and management of promotion strategies including competitions, advertising, loyalty programmes and events. Supervises promotions staff. Typically requires a Bachelor degree in a related area and five years' field experience.

Promotions executive
Co-ordinates all efforts directed towards promotion of a product or product line. Ensures effective distribution of promotional material. Typically requires a Bachelor degree and at least three years' marketing experience.

Promotions co-ordinator
Responsible for collating promotional materials. Supports marketing or promotions team in an administrative capacity. Typically requires a Bachelor degree and two years' experience.

Consumer insights director
Provides strategic direction into the attitude, mindset, motivations and behaviours of the consumer: what drives them to make the decisions they do. This person will have a solid and thorough understanding of all types of research, research tools, trend forecasting and methodologies. Alternative title: research director.

Market research manager
Determines the demand for products and services offered by the organisation through qualitative and quantitative market research and analysis of sales records. Projects market potential and estimates market penetration. Provides management with predictions of future market conditions. Manages several marketing analysts and/or external research bureaus. Typically requires four to seven years' experience in product support, product planning or consulting. Alternative title: Research manager.

Marketing research co-ordinator
Co-ordinates all activities involved in qualitative and quantitative market research and analysis. Gathers results, prepares demand and sales forecasts. Typically requires three years' experience in research, marketing planning or consulting. Alternative titles include: market research executive, research executive.

Database marketing manager
Maintains the organisation's marketing database utilising customer service input, returned mail and directories. Develops strategies for data warehousing. May provide administration support to the marketing communications department. High-level statistics or maths-related qualifications are usually a pre-requisite. Typically requires at least four years' experience.

Database marketing analyst
Under general direction, analyses data on the organisation's existing and potential markets. Provides information that is used to identify and define marketing opportunities for the organisation's products and services. High-level statistics or maths-related qualifications are helpful; experience of SPSS or SAS highly valued. Typically requires at least three years' experience.

Marketing analyst
Undertakes marketing and operational process analysis and delivers insightful interpretation to marketing management, to enable them to deliver measurable impact. This will ensure that ROI is maximised and net income and campaign activity are increased. Activities may include: developing key performance indicators, strategic analysis, campaign evaluation, targeting and operational process reports. Requires a degree in a numerical or analysis-based science, as well as experience working in a field using statistical and analytical approaches to support strategic decision-making. High level of numeracy and computer literacy is essential. Typically requires at least three years' experience.

Business director
Some advertising agencies may omit the group account director level and replace it with a business director. This person will be responsible for the growth of existing accounts, have profit and loss responsibilities and is often the lead person from the agency side who will partner with mid- to senior level clients on the strategic direction for the brand. Typically, this person will have at least 15 years' experience in the business.

Advertising manager
Manages all efforts to promote a product or product line via mass media. Provides creative direction. Determines the methods used to communicate product or product line features. Develops budgets to implement advertising plans. Collaborates with specialist advertising agencies and oversees the activities of all groups involved. Typically requires a Bachelor degree and at least five years' experience.

Advertising co-ordinator
Works closely with management to administrate advertising campaigns for print media. Co-ordinates scheduling and promotions to ensure client satisfaction and project completion. Maintains records of expenditure, ensuring adherence to budgets. Typically requires a Bachelor degree and two years' experience.

Sales director
Overall responsibility for strategic direction of the sales teams within the organisation. Generally at this level sales managers would be reporting into this role. This role would also hold ultimate responsibility for budgeting, setting sales objectives and initiatives with at least eight to ten years' sales management experience. Typically this role would report to senior management, which could include the general manager or managing director.

Sales manager
Generally reports to the sales director. Responsibilities will include managing a team of account managers or advertising sales representatives and ensuring individual and team budgets are achieved. Often this role will include leading new business pitches; will have a natural creative instinct to inspire and lead high performing sales teams.

New business director
Responsible for identifying, evaluating and managing new business opportunities and marketing initiatives. Establishes relationships with potential clients and connects new clients with the appropriate account management team. This person will lead, and is part of, the pitching process. Typically requires a Bachelor degree in business/marketing, accounting or finance and will most likely have been in account management in his/her past roles and with at least ten years' agency experience.

Strategic planning director
Responsible for the agency's entire strategic account planning function, procedure and systems. Goal is to apply consumer insights to the overall branding/communication platform. The position also requires the person to be heavily involved in the strategic direction of new business/creative pitches. This person will work very closely with the executive creative director or creative director and his/her team, together with the account management team, to ensure that the brand is on strategy. Will also be responsible for the integrity of all creative briefs that are written by the account management team. This is typically an executive management position. Relationships are made at the client level. Typically requires at least ten to 12 years' experience.

Senior strategic planner
Requires good marketing, strategic and branding skills to understand the dynamics of a client's business or brand and to leverage this understanding in order to build brand awareness, market share, etc. Enhanced advertising skills will be needed to develop a deep understanding of consumer attitudes, motivations and behaviour - as well as a comprehensive understanding of wider social trends - to generate new insights and ideas that will feed into the strategic development of the brand. Other duties include designing, briefing, conducting and interpreting research, selecting appropriate techniques for quantitative studies and running idea generation sessions (internally and externally). Typically requires at least seven years' experience in planning.

Strategic planner
This is an entry/mid level position in the planning department. Based on the client's brief, planners use research data (quantitative and qualitative) to identify the ideal audience and optimum method of communication. They ensure that campaigns receive input from potential customers and are accurately focused. It is their role to distil data and knowledge to a core proposition that provides a springboard for the creative team to produce advertising ideas that solve defined business problems. The planner is an integral part of the agency, working closely with creatives, account handlers and clients to ensure that an understanding of consumer attitudes and reactions is brought to bear at every stage of the development of an advertising campaign. This person will have at least three to four years' planning experience. Alternative titles include: account planner, account planning manager.

Business development manager
Responsible for identifying, evaluating and managing new business opportunities and marketing initiatives. Establishes relationships with potential clients and connects new clients with the appropriate account management team. This person will lead, and is part of, the pitching process. Typically requires a Bachelor degree in business/marketing, accounting or finance and will most likely have been in account management in his/her past roles, with at least five to seven years' agency experience.

Client service director
Responsible for building and maintaining new and existing client relationships and will serve as the top-level contact for all project- and account-related matters. Must have the ability to set the strategic direction for client engagements and projects, maintaining project vision while possessing a thorough understanding of project details, and identifying and planning (ideal) solutions to meet clients' business needs. Also responsible for overseeing all aspects of project delivery, including: project management, management of the project delivery team, client satisfaction and an account's overall financial performance. Must be able to identify sales opportunities with existing clients, and may be asked to participate in new business development efforts. Will typically have at least seven years' experience in a design or advertising agency.

Group account director
Responsible for all agency services provided to a group of the agency's clients (local or regional). An executive-level position, requiring top-level client contact. Responsible for the growth of the business; has some profit and loss responsibilities and is often the lead person from the agency side who will partner with the client on the strategic direction for the brand. Often highly experienced in one or two industries and may supervise account directors and account managers. Most group account directors must be able to identify sales opportunities with existing and new clients, and are required to participate in new business development efforts. Typically requires at least ten years in the industry.

Senior account director
Responsible for building and maintaining new and existing client relationships and will serve as the top-level contact for all project- and account-related matters. Must have the ability to set the strategic direction for client engagements and projects, maintaining project vision while possessing a deep understanding of project details, and identifying and planning ideal solutions to meet clients' business needs. Also responsible for overseeing all aspects of project delivery, including: project management, management of the project delivery team, client satisfaction and an account's overall financial performance. Must be able to identify sales opportunities with existing clients and may be asked to participate in new business development efforts. Will typically have at least seven years' experience in an advertising agency.

Account director
Manages client relationships within the company or agency, and is involved in delivering presentation and pitches to potential clients. He/she is the day-to-day lead person on the account and will generally be the first point of contact for the client. Performs many of the duties listed for the account manager but with stronger work experience and strategic direction in each function. Often highly experienced in one or two industries and will supervise account managers. Strong interpersonal, customer service, operational, organisational and communication skills are required. Will have at least five to six years' experience. Alternative title: group account director (when accountable for multiple key clients).

Senior account manager
Responsible for developing, closing and managing existing account business opportunities, achieving assigned revenue and sales targets and developing excellent relationships with clients, working closely with the client service director/account director on the account. Ensures that all design projects and creative developments are completed on budget and within the assigned timeline; holds overall responsibility for project management. Also involved in some strategic input and will have more in-depth training in branding from this stage in their career. Other duties include developing proposals, negotiating and closing contracts. Will have at least four to five years' experience.

Account manager
An account manager has ultimate responsibility for project implementation across a portfolio of accounts and reviews and supports the work of account executives as the key person in charge of budgets and administration. Responsible for dealing with all aspects of a communication/design project, he/she will deliver creative concepts to the client and present creative briefs to the studio, maintaining and expanding relationships with existing accounts. The account manager will also develop a network of industry contacts and suppliers in order to deliver projects consistently in line with budgets and timelines. This position is usually attained after at least three years' experience as an account executive. Alternative title: senior account executive.

Senior account executive
Maintains relationships and favourable contacts with current and potential advertising accounts. Targets and develops potential advertising relationships, in order to acquire new accounts. May require a Bachelor degree and at least two years' experience in the field. Relies on extensive experience and judgement to plan and accomplish goals.

Account executive
Serves as an additional day-to-day liaison for the clients and support to the account manager and account director, to ensure successful and timely completion of projects. This is an entry-level position and the role requires the person to handle everything from contact reports, budget reconciliation and being a 'gopher' at shoots to doing competitive reviews under the supervision of an experienced account manager. In addition to taking responsibility for all administration this person will learn how to build brands. He/she will assist in research development and will learn strategy from the senior members of the team. Typically requires a Bachelor degree in marketing, arts, humanities or a general degree and has one year's experience. Alternative title: account co-ordinator.

Account co-ordinator
This is a step up from a PA/administration role and is for someone who shows interest and also the potential to be groomed to become an account executive. Responsible for co-ordinating, day-to-day administration and assisting account executives and account managers to ensure client satisfaction and project completion. A Bachelor degree or Diploma in marketing is preferred but, more importantly, they must possess a passion for, and genuine interest in, the communications industry.

Project director
This person will be responsible for internal communication and ensuring that the work is delivered on time, within budget and according to the internal schedules agreed upon by both the creative and account servicing/consulting teams. In some cases, this person may be required to meet clients from a logistic and scheduling perspective. This tends to be an internally focused role. At least eight years' experience qualifies this individual as a director.

Senior project executive
The scope here will be similar to that of the project director; however this person will be assigned a number of clients and projects to manage internally and handle all the internal logistics including quotes, scheduling, time-management, deliverables, internal communication and overall project management of a specific campaign/task. At least three to four years' experience qualifies this individual as a 'senior'.

Project executive
This person will either support the senior executive/manager or report directly to the director. The role will be similar to a senior project executive, with possibly more guidance from his/her seniors. This person will be required to handle the entire internal running around and contact reports (if and when they meet their clients). This is an entry-level position with the person having at least one year's experience.

Analytics director
Leads on customer value delivery, the team's focus on delivering business/data and CRM strategy, data planning, analysis modelling, targeting and segmentation, contact planning, programme optimisation and ROI improvement. Senior level client contact is required, and working closely with the client servicing teams to deliver contact/one-to-one strategies that build and maximise ROI will be this person's KPIs.

Analytics manager
This person will support the analytics director on the day-to-day execution and data collation and interpretation of the various contact strategies. Should possess a sound track record in developing targeted contact strategies, combined with strong business acumen, commitment and results focus. Strong attention to detail and being numbers-oriented is a must. Typically requires at least three to four years in a similar role.

Data analyst
Numerically literate, strong mathematical and/or econometrics background will be a definite plus. The role requires the person to set up perimeters and scope of the project that will ultimately deliver on the ROI for their clients. To qualify, he/she will have one to two years' experience in an analytics role within a CRM agency, financial, airline or possibly the interactive industry.

Media Director
Leads a team of media professionals in formulating, driving and providing solutions that will encompass all forms of media, in order to best get the communication/brand message across. New business development and top-level client contact is necessary. Must be familiar with media tools and be able to decipher and formulate media communication strategies from existing and acquired data, based on consumer habits/insights. Will generally be responsible for a team of group heads, managers, executives, planners and buyers and is also required to be involved in training and mentoring of the younger members of the team and grooming the next level of media directors. This is generally a management position and will have profit and loss responsibilities. The position will report into the GM/MD or CEO and will have at least ten to 12 years of direct media experience. Alternative title: group media director.

Associate media director
This is a senior position requiring more involvement in strategic media direction, new business pitches, managing a roster of clients and with some profit and loss responsibilities. Mid- to senior-level contact will be normal on a day-to-day basis. People management responsibilities will start being more important at this stage. Although strategic input is very important, this person will also be required to be relatively hands-on and comfortable in formulating research briefs, doing pre and post campaign analysis and be able to stand in front of senior level clients and articulate the media strategy from a brand and ROI perspective. This person will generally report to the media director and have at least seven years' experience.

Media group head
A mid-level position within the media industry and at this level becomes more involved in the strategic side of the business. Begins to learn about mentoring and people management and is groomed to take on greater responsibilities within the group or on a number of accounts. This is a strategic and hands-on role. May also be responsible for leading a smaller piece of business to gain direct experience on growing and leading a specific account. Will report to an associate media director/media director and generally will have around five to six years' experience.

Senior media manager
Responsible for developing, closing and managing new account opportunities and building strong client relationships. Normally the day-to-day lead person on the account and generally will be the first point of contact for the client. Performs many of the duties of the media manager but will have more years of work experience under their belt and will be required to provide a deeper level of strategic input than a media manager. Must possess strong interpersonal skills, have a customer-service, operational and analytical focus and a thorough understanding of media tools. Typically requires four to six years' experience.

Media manager
Has ultimate responsibility for a large account (regional/local) or a number of smaller accounts. Leads and manages a team of media planners and buyers in the day-to-day operations and execution of the overall media strategy. Main job is to ensure that strategy becomes reality. They will have the overall responsibility for internal project management (e.g. timelines, budget reconciliation, etc.) and will also work closely with the more senior members of the team when it comes to media pitches and creative pitches (this will be in partnership with the creative agency). A competent media manager will have at least three to four years' experience.

Planning director
Responsible for the development and implementation of effective communication solutions to clients. The planning director will manage accounts and a planning team. Good strategic media planning skills, staff management skills and negotiation skills are needed. The planning director is a key contact with the client and, as a result, will need to have excellent client servicing skills. They will also be involved in new business pitches when necessary. They will have ten years' media planning experience and strong management skills and report to the GM/MD.

Media planner
Enables their clients to maximise the impact of their advertising campaigns through the use of a range of media. To ensure that campaigns reach their target audiences as effectively as possible, a media planner combines creative thinking with factual analysis, to develop appropriate strategies. They apply knowledge of media and communication platforms in order to identify the most appropriate vehicle for building awareness of a client's brand. Media planners work with media such as radio, the press, television and - increasingly - new media such as text messaging and the Internet. Some agencies combine the roles of media planner and media buyer. A good media planner will have two years' experience. Alternative title: senior media planner.

Media buyer
Responsible for purchasing media space or time, as well as developing the campaign and researching how it will be most effective for the client. His/her mission is to find a combination of media that will enable the marketer to communicate the message in the most effective manner possible at the minimum cost. Typically requires a Bachelor degree with one to two years' experience. Graduates with a keen interest in media will also be considered, as this is generally an entry-level position. Four or more years of field experience qualifies this person as 'senior'. Alternative titles include: senior media buyer, media assistant.

Media assistant
Responsible for co-ordinating the purchasing of print space in newspapers and magazines, and broadcast time on radio and television for the clients of an advertising agency. Analyses statistic models to determine the best media plan for the client, based on maximum media effectiveness for the client. Works with the media team to determine where to place ads based on the client's objectives and budgets. Typically requires up to one year of field experience. Alternative title: media co-ordinator.

Corporate communications director
Develops, manages and directs public relations and corporate communications activities within an organisation. As a member of senior management, works with a company's top executives to create a public relations strategy and supervises PR staff to ensure implementation of initiatives. Develops relationships with senior media contacts and may serve as chief spokesperson for the firm. Also oversees development of internal and external publications, including annual reports, press releases, financial announcements, executive speeches and corporate newsletters. Requires at least seven years' public relations experience and excellent written and verbal communications skills. Journalism and/or agency background is an advantage.

Corporate communications manager
Manages, oversees and implements strategies that enhance an organisation's public image. Duties include establishing relationships with members of the media, pitching stories to publications and monitoring media coverage, identifying key messages and communicating them to potential alliance partners and investors; also oversees the production of internal and external materials such as annual reports, brochures, press releases, web copy, newsletters and executive presentations. Requires excellent written and verbal communication skills. Journalism and/or agency background a plus. Typically requires a Bachelor degree in communications or marketing and five years' experience.

Corporate communications executive
Works with the corporate communications manager to provide the company with internal and external communications advice. This includes writing communications plans that help internal and external public to achieve their goals, writing and producing strategic communications materials (e.g. team briefs, managers' communications packs, internal presentations, press releases), writing articles for internal magazines, weekly news emails, the Intranet, and communications planning. It also involves writing, producing and proofreading internal publications/booklets and ensuring the company's brand has a strong internal presence and external profile. Typically requires two to five years' experience as a communications professional. Alternative title: corporate communications officer.

Public affairs director
Develops, manages and directs public affairs and corporate communications activities within an organisation. As a member of senior management, works with a company's top executives to create a public affairs strategy and supervises staff to ensure implementation of initiatives. Develops relationships with senior media contacts and may serve as chief spokesperson for the firm. Oversees development of external publications including annual reports, press releases, financial announcements, executive speeches and corporate newsletters. Also responsible for crisis and issues management and plays a senior role in reacting to external public affairs that affect the organisation's profile. Requires at least seven years' public affairs experience and excellent written and verbal communications skills. Journalism and/or agency background an advantage.

Public affairs manager
Manages and oversees public affairs and corporate communications activities within an organisation. Develops relationships with media contacts. Oversees external publications including annual reports, press releases, financial announcements, and corporate newsletters. Also manages crisis and issues management. Requires at least five years' public affairs experience and excellent written and verbal communications skills. Journalism and/or agency background is an advantage.

Public affairs executive
Responsible for public affairs and corporate communications activities within an organisation. Generally responsible for implementing strategy from a more senior public affairs colleague. Also generally has greater exposure to related administration tasks than more senior colleagues in the same department. Develops relationships with media contacts. Usually the role includes input into external publications, including annual reports, press releases, financial announcements and corporate newsletters. Alternative title: public affairs officer.

Public affairs executive
Responsible for public affairs and corporate communications activities within an organisation. Generally responsible for implementing strategy from a more senior public affairs colleague. Also generally has greater exposure to related administration tasks than more senior colleagues in the same department. Develops relationships with media contacts. Usually the role includes input into external publications, including annual reports, press releases, financial announcements and corporate newsletters. Alternative title: public affairs officer.

Media relations manager
Manages the organisation's corporate media relationships including development of media relations policy. Advises management on media matters. Requires exceptional writing skills and strong media contacts. Typically requires a Bachelor degree and at least seven years' experience in corporate communications and client relations, including more than one year of supervisory experience.

PR manager
Manages, oversees and implements strategies to enhance an organisation's public image. Duties include establishing relationships with members of the media, pitching stories to publications and monitoring media coverage, identifying key messages and communicating them to potential alliance partners and investors and overseeing production of external materials such as annual reports, brochures, press releases, web copy, newsletters and executive presentations. Requires excellent written and verbal communication skills. Journalism and/or agency background a plus. Typically requires a Bachelor degree in communications or marketing and five years' experience.

PR managing director
Leads and directs group account directors within a public relations agency. Potentially responsible for generating revenue, growing client base and leading strategy and direction with the firm. Requires at least 12 years' industry experience. Alternative title: PR general manager.

PR client services director
Overall responsibility for the account management department. Responsible for directing key agency client(s) in a hands-on manner. Sets strategic direction and is generally very active in executive-level client contact and PR agency new business efforts. Selects and appoints specialists to account groups, and may conceive and execute special PR services for specific clients. Conducts meetings with PR agency personnel to outline and initiate new PR policies or procedures. Typically requires at least 12 years' public relations agency experience.

PR group account director
Leads and directs account services staff within a public relations agency. Responsible for generating revenue, growing client base and establishing direction within the firm. Generally reports to the agency partner. Requires at least ten years' industry experience. Alternative titles include: VP/PR group director.

PR account director
Leads and directs account services staff within a public relations agency. Responsible for strategic advice, generating revenue, growing client base, managing client relationships at a senior level and establishing direction within the firm. Generally reports to the agency partner or group account director. Typically requires a Bachelor degree with at least seven years' field experience. Alternative titles include: account director, principal consultant, PR senior account director.

PR account manager
Manages client relationships and helps to develop public relations strategies for clients. Performs many of the functions of the account executive, but with stronger work experience within each function. May supervise multiple teams of account executives and co-ordinators. Requires excellent communication, project management, customer service, organisational and leadership skills. Alternative titles include: account manager, senior consultant, PR senior account manager.

PR account executive
Works with clients to develop public relations strategies and manages day-to-day activities necessary to ensure completion of communications initiatives. Duties include writing press releases and other promotional materials, pitching stories to the media, fielding media calls and monitoring press coverage; also planning special events, such as analyst tours, press conferences and media briefings. Requires excellent written and verbal communication skills. Journalism background a plus. Alternative titles include: account executive, consultant, PR senior account executive, associate.

PR account co-ordinator
Provides public relations support for account services team, including writing and proofreading promotional materials, conducting research and assisting with media outreach. Often maintains media database, developing and tracking editorial calendars. Requires strong written and verbal communication skills and attention to detail. Alternative title: account co-ordinator.

Event manager
Manage, organise and oversee events and/or functions, conferences and promotional events from end to end. Responsible for the development of event strategy that delivers business objectives. Duties may include creative input, sourcing and managing external service providers, sourcing venues, guest speakers and entertainment, organising agendas, guest and invitee lists and invitations. Strong project management skills are needed and the ability to work within budgetary constraints.

Regional executive creative director
This role is similar to the executive creative director position; the only difference will be the scope of his or her responsibilities. He/she may be a regional executive creative director on a specific brand covering a large region or for a particular agency network where all the executive creative directors/creative directors will report to him or her. Generally this person will have been an executive creative director for the past five to ten years with a string of international awards under their belt.

Executive creative director
Has overall responsibility and accountability for the management of the total creative function for a fully staffed office or division of a national agency. Participates in setting the agency creative goals and policy-making decisions. Establishes the 'creative tone' and pace of the agency. Is a top-level client contact. Alternative titles include: regional creative director, senior creative director.

Creative director
A creative director or design director is the creative head of a design studio, advertising agency or in-house design department and has final creative authority. Key responsibilities can include the development of graphic design, advertising and communication. May have a strong design or copywriting background and experience in managing a team. Should possess at least eight years' experience and advanced leadership, communication and project management skills. Alternative titles include: creative group head, design director.

Associate creative director
Responsible for the preparation of advertising, branding and marketing concepts and the production of collateral materials. In a large advertising agency, the associate creative director works on projects with a team of copywriters and art directors; in a smaller agency setting, the associate creative director may be responsible for the copywriting and create artistic concepts. In a design agency, the key responsibilities can include brand concept development and team management. Financial responsibility and client liaison may be required. Should possess at least seven years' industry experience, strong project management skills and the ability to direct a creative team. Alternative title: design director.

Deputy creative director
This role is more common in larger agencies where there is the requirement to split a creative director's workload. Handling the allocating of briefs and management of teams throughout the creative department, as wells as interacting with the production, client service and planning teams, to ensure the conceptualising and execution of work meets the client's brief and creative expectations. Ideally they would have at least seven years' experience in a number of agencies.

Head of copy/art
The most senior copywriter/art director in the agency. Typically someone who is of group head level or above, has a solid folio and is a good craftsman. Responsible for developing advertising campaign, from concept to development, with the added responsibility of overseeing all copy/art-related matters; may be expected to train or mentor all other copywriters or art directors in the agency.

Art director
A creative who is responsible for the visual creation of advertising campaigns, including print, TV and collateral material. Establishes the conceptual and stylistic direction for client projects and orchestrates their work, as well as the work of production artists, photographers, illustrators, pre-press technicians, printers and anyone else who is involved in the development of a project. Generally selects suppliers and has final creative authority if there isn't a creative director on staff. At least six years' experience qualifies this individual as 'senior'. Alternative title: junior creative director.

Typographer
Must show a high level of skill in the layout of text, utilising kerning, tracking, leading, spacing, styles, etc. Although not always included in the conceptualisation of a design piece, will be expected to contribute to the final piece by adding quality and sophistication in the setting and layout of type.