What should my job title be?
September 19, 2021 7:42 PM Subscribe
I work in communications for a non-profit. The department has been restructured and I'm being asked to suggest a title for my role.
Essentially, my official role is looking after all things digital, which includes social media, creating and tracking paid digital ad campaigns, reporting, etc. Throughout the pandemic, nearly everything we did was online so it was an important role and we are really trying to use data and analytics to guide our digital strategy going forward. I'm also in charge of our website and have been overseeing creation of a new site. However, we have a number of specific campaigns that we run throughout the year and I typically create all the marketing materials for those campaigns, including printed materials, TV spots, magazine ads, billboards, posters, etc. Lastly, this year I've also come up with and developed new campaigns for our mission that have been very well received and have extended beyond digital. Essentially I feel that I'm the person coming up many of the the creative marketing and communication ideas for the organization.
My boss is suggesting Manager of Digital and Analytics but I believe I do much more than that. Is there a more appropriate title that includes my main digital role but also encompasses all the other things I'm doing?
Essentially, my official role is looking after all things digital, which includes social media, creating and tracking paid digital ad campaigns, reporting, etc. Throughout the pandemic, nearly everything we did was online so it was an important role and we are really trying to use data and analytics to guide our digital strategy going forward. I'm also in charge of our website and have been overseeing creation of a new site. However, we have a number of specific campaigns that we run throughout the year and I typically create all the marketing materials for those campaigns, including printed materials, TV spots, magazine ads, billboards, posters, etc. Lastly, this year I've also come up with and developed new campaigns for our mission that have been very well received and have extended beyond digital. Essentially I feel that I'm the person coming up many of the the creative marketing and communication ideas for the organization.
My boss is suggesting Manager of Digital and Analytics but I believe I do much more than that. Is there a more appropriate title that includes my main digital role but also encompasses all the other things I'm doing?
Marketing and Communications Manager/ Communications and Marketing Manager
Manager of Communications, Marketing and Data Analytics.
posted by kinddieserzeit at 7:52 PM on September 19, 2021 [1 favorite]
Manager of Communications, Marketing and Data Analytics.
posted by kinddieserzeit at 7:52 PM on September 19, 2021 [1 favorite]
I agree with Director of Marketing and Communications . Keep in mind that this title is the thing that will allow you to grow in your career. You have better paying opportunities as a "Director of" than "Manager of"
posted by Toddles at 7:53 PM on September 19, 2021 [12 favorites]
posted by Toddles at 7:53 PM on September 19, 2021 [12 favorites]
I was going to suggest Director of Marketing and Communications as well. Sounds right for what your role is, and is a wide enough umbrella that you can continue to grow under it.
posted by gemmy at 7:58 PM on September 19, 2021 [2 favorites]
posted by gemmy at 7:58 PM on September 19, 2021 [2 favorites]
Agree with "Director of Marketing and Communications," but it would be helpful to know what your boss's title is/will be. If your boss is already calling themselves the Director, that suggestion might not go anywhere. "Senior Manager?"
posted by Schielisque at 8:23 PM on September 19, 2021 [2 favorites]
posted by Schielisque at 8:23 PM on September 19, 2021 [2 favorites]
Schielisque has a good point. If your boss is already the director, maybe you could be the deputy director.
posted by NotLost at 9:10 PM on September 19, 2021
posted by NotLost at 9:10 PM on September 19, 2021
Director of Digital Engagement
posted by carmicha at 10:09 PM on September 19, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by carmicha at 10:09 PM on September 19, 2021 [1 favorite]
Head of Digital Marketing & Communications
posted by DarlingBri at 3:46 AM on September 20, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by DarlingBri at 3:46 AM on September 20, 2021 [1 favorite]
Director of Digital Innovation
(this may add some future avenues for the job that are not part of it now, but should be)
posted by beagle at 4:36 AM on September 20, 2021
(this may add some future avenues for the job that are not part of it now, but should be)
posted by beagle at 4:36 AM on September 20, 2021
Response by poster: Thank you for all the suggestions. In our organization (150+ staff), there are only a few directors and one VP. So directors are basically the equivalent of VPs elsewhere. The person I'm reporting to is also a manager so unfortunately don't think I can bump up to another level right now. Lastly, for the field we're in, the word "marketing" is no longer being used. Our team is more about communications, partnerships and public education.
posted by gfrobe at 6:29 AM on September 20, 2021
posted by gfrobe at 6:29 AM on September 20, 2021
Maybe "outreach" or "media" instead of "marketing".
posted by NotLost at 7:05 AM on September 20, 2021
posted by NotLost at 7:05 AM on September 20, 2021
I think digital & analytics are more competitive and high-earning than communications, and since your supervisor suggested it, I would not want to lose those title. I would take that or go for Digital & Analytics Communications Manager if you want to keep the communications category. Signed, a long-time “Communications Coordinator” for non-profits who wants the digital title!
posted by areaperson at 7:35 AM on September 20, 2021 [4 favorites]
posted by areaperson at 7:35 AM on September 20, 2021 [4 favorites]
I work in this field but in a different country/sector. Campaigns and Digital Communications Manager might be a option. Or sometimes something like Head of Content and Channels (although that's only great if you will definitely be hired by an comms specialist in your next role). Alternatively Strategic and Digital Communications Manager might also work.
posted by plonkee at 7:36 AM on September 20, 2021 [3 favorites]
posted by plonkee at 7:36 AM on September 20, 2021 [3 favorites]
Senior Manager, Digital Strategy and Innovation
Senior manager only if you can't be a director.
Comma because this is what folks are doing in titles now instead of "of".
Strategy & innovation because this phrasing is all encompassing and also very current.
posted by phunniemee at 8:13 AM on September 20, 2021 [4 favorites]
Senior manager only if you can't be a director.
Comma because this is what folks are doing in titles now instead of "of".
Strategy & innovation because this phrasing is all encompassing and also very current.
posted by phunniemee at 8:13 AM on September 20, 2021 [4 favorites]
I work in this field, too - but not in the U.S. What about good ole: Digital Communications Manager?
posted by Lescha at 1:10 PM on September 20, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by Lescha at 1:10 PM on September 20, 2021 [1 favorite]
Might not be useful to you, but I titled my role as "special ops" and my boss's boss, one below the big guy loved it as much as my boss did.
posted by b33j at 6:23 AM on September 21, 2021
posted by b33j at 6:23 AM on September 21, 2021
1) I've been in orgs where director titles are limited. In that case, I tend to go coordinator --> manager --> lead --> Head of to show escalating responsibility
2) You're doing marketing - the creative side, the digital side, the measurement. I understand that they think that somehow the word marketing is bad (oh, I don't miss working at non-profits). You haven't said what your career trajectory is, but please keep your own next step in mind vs. what's perfect for the org
3) I had an Audience Engagement title when I went from head of marketing --> head of marketing + tech + a whole grabbag of other stuff. Other terms that I've seen in the general area "brand lead" "audience development" "audience growth" "participation growth" "reputation management" etc.
I hate the whole "come up with your own title" thing. Good luck.
posted by Gucky at 7:53 AM on September 21, 2021 [1 favorite]
2) You're doing marketing - the creative side, the digital side, the measurement. I understand that they think that somehow the word marketing is bad (oh, I don't miss working at non-profits). You haven't said what your career trajectory is, but please keep your own next step in mind vs. what's perfect for the org
3) I had an Audience Engagement title when I went from head of marketing --> head of marketing + tech + a whole grabbag of other stuff. Other terms that I've seen in the general area "brand lead" "audience development" "audience growth" "participation growth" "reputation management" etc.
I hate the whole "come up with your own title" thing. Good luck.
posted by Gucky at 7:53 AM on September 21, 2021 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Thank you all for your responses. I appreciate it.
posted by gfrobe at 4:16 PM on September 21, 2021
posted by gfrobe at 4:16 PM on September 21, 2021
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posted by Zephyrial at 7:46 PM on September 19, 2021 [4 favorites]