Laura Lyons of ATO Records says, “the only thing that I can count on being the same every day as a Marketing Coordinator is dealing with a whole lot of emails and spreadsheets. As the “Coordinator” part of my somewhat vague job title suggests, there’s a lot of liaising between different parties involved in our artists’ careers.

“On any given day, I’ll talk to management, [Booking] Agents, Publicists, Venue Promoters, Record Store Owners, Campus Representatives, and Product Managers at our label.”

“My general duties as a Marketing Coordinator can be broken down into a few categories: tour marketing (ticket holds, guest lists, finding promotional opportunities for our artists in the markets they hit on tour); digital marketing (creating assets for our social media and website, tracking and analyzing data); indie-retail marketing (setting up promotions, educating stores on new releases).”

She adds, “I imagine this is slightly different at every label, especially at a major label. I work at a large indie.”

The average annual salary for Marketing Coordinators is approximately $50,900. The salary range for Marketing Coordinators runs from $38,000 to $67,000.

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Hours vary at different record labels, although most Marketing Coordinators will have regular daytime office hours. Some nights and weekends are also part of the deal when the label holds artist events. Lyons says, “I have what’s close to a 9-5, although our hours are a bit more forgiving. . . On top of that, we’re expected to support our bands at all their shows in town.”

The hierarchy of marketing department roles will vary depending on the size of each record label, but generally speaking, the path to becoming a Marketing Coordinator would stem from experience as a Music Intern, Marketing Assistant or Music Marketing Representative, or even Website Marketing Manager. From Marketing Coordinator, an individual could advance to a role as Marketing Manager or Director of Marketing.

To get a job as a Marketing Coordinator, Lyons says, “the best thing you can do is get meaningful internships in the music industry under your belt and be actively involved in your local music scene.” Record labels usually post Marketing Coordinator openings online, but of course, a referral from someone at the label or someone in the music industry who is affiliated with the label will make it much easier to get an interview.

To get on the path towards becoming a Marketing Coordinator, Lyons suggests aspiring record label employees:

• “Get an internship.
• Get involved in your local scene on the marketing side of things, if possible (street teams, working at a venue, etc).”

Industry experience is necessary for aspiring Marketing Coordinators. Lyons says, “I think the most important thing is to do office-based internships at other music companies, preferably in the marketing department. I landed my job after completing an internship with an affiliated company; they referred me when there was an opening at my label.”

She adds, “In college, I spent most of my free time putting on shows, festivals, and events via clubs and part-time jobs so that probably showed I knew what I was getting into.”

The type of person who would make a successful Marketing Coordinator is someone who can “be ready to learn on the go, make mistakes, and learn from them,” Lyons says.

“Over a year into my job, I still learn new things all the time. Since you’re dealing with so many people, it’s important to always have a friendly, positive attitude. Organization is also very, very important–dealing with so many email chains, guest lists, and multiple bands will be overwhelming if you can’t keep it all organized. You’ll also stand out if you’re proactive and find opportunities for artists rather than waiting for people to tell you what to do.”

Most Marketing Coordinators have at least an undergraduate degree, which not only gives them the requisite business-related knowledge but also access to internships that can boost their likelihood of getting hired after college.

Lyons says, “Honestly, I don’t think it matters what you major in. I didn’t graduate from a music industry program and haven’t found that I’m any less prepared for my job than my peers who did. That being said, internships, strong extracurriculars, and involvement in your local music scene are key.

“The music industry is small, and having people that can vouch for your passion and work ethic is what’s ultimately going to get you a job, especially at the entry-level.”

“There’s a Facebook group called the Music Industry Career Networking Group that’s a great resource,” Lyons says. “You have to apply to be added into the group, so it’s only for people who have had experience in the industry (internships, jobs, musicians).”

There are no unions or professional organizations specifically for record label marketing department employees.