Content Marketing Manager: The Millenial Dream Job

Most people dream of changing the world with their words while being able to work anywhere in the world – others simply get to call that… work.

In the social media-driven society we are living in today – content marketing continues to be one of the most desirable business skills.

Content Marketers work to build community and provide extraordinary value by creating an authentic conversation with their audience.

The vast majority of purchasing decisions are made online, which means that a company’s online reputation must be handled with the utmost care.

Choosing a career in content marketing is an excellent way to secure your future, as millions of jobs will become obsolete with technological advancements in the next ten years.

Content Marketing roles are projected to grow by 10% over the next ten years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (LBS).

Content Marketing Manager Information Table

Official Job TitleContent Marketing Manager
Average Salary$71,590
Stress LevelHigh
Work/LifeAbove Average
Job SatisfactionHigh
Career AdvancementAbove Average

Content Marketing Manager Job Description

What is a Content Marketing Manager?

A content marketing manager acts as a company’s content powerhouse.

Content Marketing is what companies use to maintain relationships with customers between purchases.

Since a vast number of purchasing decisions are being made online – a company’s online presence must be taken seriously.

Content Marketing Managers capitalize on emerging trends on social platforms so they can serve and expand their target audience.

Content Marketing Manager Facts
Content Marketing Manager Facts

What Does A Content Marketing Manager Do Daily?

Daily, Content Marketers can find themselves creating, editing, and scheduling content that increases brand awareness and builds a community for their customers.

Content Marketers use a variety of different social media channels to deliver their company’s message that is customized to suit each platform’s editorial style.

Managers then monitor and analyze metrics to create goals that will ultimately expand their audience while building a solid relationship with loyal customers.

Content Marketers need to be educating themselves on emerging social media trends constantly so their content strategy remains effective.

Responsibilities, Duties & Roles Of A Content Marketing Manager

An overview of the roles and responsibilities of a content marketing manager include:

  • Conduct Market Research: Identify what competitors are offering.
  • Plan and Coordinate Content: Plan content months and prepare to adjust plans according to emerging trends.
  • Create Content: Produce engaging content that is both on-brand and increases brand awareness
  • Record and Analyze Metrics: Keep track of what your target audience responds well to.
  • Create and Deliver Campaigns: Brainstorm different content strategies that will drive traffic and boost sales.

Content Marketing Manager Salary

Average Salary

According to PayScale, the average salary for a Content Marketing Manager in the US is $71,590.

Starting Salary

According to PayScale, the starting salary for a Content Marketing Manager in the US is $48,533.

Senior Salary

According to PayScale – After several years of experience, most executive-level Content Marketing Managers in the US make $101,000.

How To Become A Content Marketing Manager

The Entry Level: Certification, Training & Degree

In this day and age, there are many ways one can begin a career in content marketing.

Popular online resources include HubSpot Academy, LinkedIn Learning, and SkillShare.

There is a free online certification you can take through HubSpot Academy here.

Aside from online courses, a business degree can help open doors for you early on in your career.

However, thanks to the internet, many companies no longer require candidates to hold a formal designation or degree.

Oftentimes, hands-on experience and having a strong social media presence can be what help you secure a senior-level position at a company.

Start and Advance Your Content Marketing Manager Career
Start and Advance Your Content Marketing Manager Career

Other Skill Sets, Requirements & Qualifications

Unlike other corporate jobs, Content Marketers need to be lifelong learners.

To be successful in a job like this, you need to constantly be educating and improving yourself.

Another critical skill that is required in positions like this is Emotional Intelligence (EQ).

To be a great manager, you must be a great motivator, an inspiring mentor, and lead by example.

Being able to set your emotions aside and address a situation logically is a skill few master.

Being a manager also requires you to do what is best for the company, which can take the form of having difficult conversations, doing what is unpopular, and taking disciplinary measures with employees as needed.

How Long Does It Take To Become A Content Marketing Manager?

Some online courses can give you the skills to become a successful content marketing manager in as little as 12 weeks.

There are also formal university degrees that can take up to four years to complete.

With this being said, every Content Marketer’s path is different.

It depends on your desire to learn and how well you can retain and apply what you’ve learned.

Is It Hard To Become A Content Marketing Manager?

Becoming a content marketing manager is simple, but it is not easy. You need to be not only a lifelong learner but a fast learner as well.

With new Social Media platforms and features constantly complicating digital marketers’ lives, you need to be able to capitalize on opportunities and jump on emerging trends, sometimes in a matter of days.

This job can be incredibly demanding, and there is little to no room for failure.

A content marketing strategy that is poorly executed can ruin a company’s reputation to the point of no return – H&M is a good example.

Content Marketing Career Paths

The Content Marketing Career Roadmap

While it may be valuable to pursue a formal education in business, marketing is a different story.

Oftentimes experience is far more valuable than formal education.

A job in Content Marketing requires you to constantly be learning.

Entry-level jobs include content coordinator, social media specialist, or content strategist.

Getting one of these jobs is a great way to begin your career in content marketing.

Getting hands-on experience in these kinds of roles within the industry will give you the confidence to share your ideas during meetings and give you more insight into what senior-level positions in content marketing require.

Projections For Growth In Content Marketing Jobs

Jobs in Content Marketing and Marketing Management are here to stay.

According to The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) – Jobs for Marketing Managers are projected to grow by 10% between 2020 and 2030.

In Summary: Is Content Marketing Management a Promising career?

Yes! Careers in Content Marketing Management can be financially rewarding and fulfilling for those looking to express their creativity through marketing strategies and campaigns.

It also gives employees the freedom to work remotely, so maintaining a successful career doesn’t need to come at the cost of being chained to a desk cubicle.

Working Conditions

Can A Content Marketing Manager Work Remotely From Home?

The pandemic has been an unexpected opportunity for employers to see just how well their teams can adjust to working remotely.

Luckily, most tasks for content marketers are done from a computer – making this job incredibly flexible.

Can A Content Marketing Manager Work Part-Time?

While it may be possible to work part-time in a role like this, all successful Content Marketing Managers work full-time.

A survey conducted by the Search Engine Journal confirmed this by revealing that nearly ⅔ of Digital Marketing professionals work anywhere from 8-12 hours per day.

It is such a competitive industry that you cannot create massive results with a part-time schedule or work ethic.

How Many Hours Does A Content Marketing Manager Work?

A Content Marketing Manager typically works at least 37.5 hours per week.

However, it is essential to note that this is a job that is typically salaried – meaning employers focus more on results and outcomes as opposed to hours worked.

What Are The Average Vacation Days Of A Content Marketing Manager?

Aside from being able to work from home, the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) shared that the average paid time off for employees in this field is ten days.

It is important to note that top Silicon Valley companies typically provide significantly more than that.

Alternative Careers & Similar Jobs to a Content Marketing Manager

Content Marketing Manager Resume Tips

If you are applying for a job in content marketing, be sure to provide an extensive portfolio with previous marketing campaigns and writing samples.

Regardless of how big or small the project was, recruiters want to know that you have experience in a variety of areas.

It is also essential to have a solid personal brand and social media presence.

The best way to show your capabilities as a content marketing manager is by showing your ability to market yourself to an employer.

Content Marketing Manager Interview Questions

Q1: What is your biggest weakness?

  • Why it works:
    • Hiring managers ask this question to determine if you are self-aware and truthful.
    • Choose a legitimate weakness and what you have done to improve it.
    • And no, never answer this question by saying “being a “perfectionist.”
  • Example:
    • “I often sleep through my alarm and sometimes arrive late to meetings. I recently downloaded an alarm clock app that requires me to answer math questions before my alarm can be turned off.”

Q2: How do you measure success as a content marketer?

  • Why it works:
    • Hiring managers want to know what Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) you use and how it affects your work process.

Q3: Are you comfortable with giving and receiving feedback?

  • Why it works:
    • Hiring managers need to know that the candidate they hire is willing to have difficult conversations and do what is unpopular for the company’s good. Being a manager in any industry requires you to be responsible for the work produced by your employees. With this being said, This is an excellent opportunity for you to talk about how you take complete ownership of your work and those around you.

Jobs Related To Content Marketing

  • Social Media Coordinator
  • Content Marketing Specialist
  • Email Copywriter
  • SEO Optimization Specialist
  • Content Coordinator
  • Digital Content Writer
  • Director of Content Marketing

For HR Manager: Tips For Hiring a Content Marketing Manager

Key Characteristics To Look For In A Content Marketing Manager

#1 Creative Content Ability

The right candidate will be a content powerhouse that is always coming up with new ideas and initiatives that can improve the company’s online presence.

Having the ability to take a small idea and develop it into an extensive strategy that boosts sales is rare and incredibly valuable.

#2 Extensive Copywriting Skills

An ideal candidate will be very comfortable writing in a variety of different tones and formats.

Additionally, they can write persuasive copy that makes customers want to take immediate action and keep them coming back for more.

Minimum Level of Education & Experience

A Content Marketing Manager candidate should have at least two years of post-secondary education or experience in a related field.

Candidates should also have an extensive portfolio with their best marketing work.

Additionally, there should also be a variety of writing samples in different formats.


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