A Chief Marketing Officer is an executive with overall responsibility for the company’s marketing strategy. They set marketing goals, develop and implement effective marketing strategies, and contribute to company growth. The role includes collaborating with the sales and development teams to create and implement an annual marketing plan.

They also monitor and evaluate existing marketing strategies, recommend improvements, and create a network of strategic partnerships to enhance the marketing strategy. They oversee the daily implementation of marketing programs and strategies to increase brand awareness.

While the CMO position is a relatively new role in the corporate world, there are already over 68,000 chief marketing officers in the United States. As an executive responsible for marketing for a company, you will find the American Marketing Association to be an indispensable community for networking, advice, and resources. Here’s a list of a few resources to keep in mind as you search for your next CMO:

Knowledge of the marketplace and landscape is vital in this role, so a CMO needs to read the popular press and trades. A CMO can effectively explain the position of a company in the marketplace and how it can differentiate itself in pitch discussions.

They should also have the ability to evaluate the effectiveness of various marketing techniques and choose the most appropriate one for their firm. The Chief Marketing Officer should be able to communicate effectively with all levels of a company.

The salary of a Chief Marketing Officer will vary by location, company size, and experience. A smaller start-up company may pay less than a larger organization, but can also offer stock options and ample room for growth. Generally, it takes 16 years to become a CMO, so it’s essential to earn a bachelor’s degree in business or marketing.

An MBA is helpful but isn’t required, as many companies already have digital strategies in place. To get the job, however, you’ll need to gain experience leading marketing campaigns, and using technology.