What does a Media Specialist do?
Media specialists work with various types of audio-visual equipment in settings including schools, libraries, and businesses. They may be called upon to teach others how to use the equipment for presentations, classroom lectures, or meetings. They set up equipment and may also acquire and catalog materials while maintaining equipment and software. Media specialists take inventory and maintain supplies and equipment.
Media specialists update and maintain a library of available material, including films, tapes, photos, slides, and software. Although many media specialists work in elementary or secondary schools, they also work in high schools, colleges, public and private libraries, and private companies. They advise on types of equipment to use and preview and organize available materials into databases. Media specialists need extensive knowledge of the latest advances in equipment, including cameras, computers, and recorders, and a minimum bachelor's degree in education, library science, or a media specialist degree at the graduate level.
- Execute multivariate tests, including ad copy, asset creative, and landing pages to reach performance targets.
- Build and maintain strong client relationships.
- Manage campaign budget across various platforms daily, weekly, and on a quarterly basis.
- Communicate day to day media updates from vendors/shows to the Account team and/or Media Buyer/Planner.
- Provide input on customer briefs, presentations, and sales literature.
- Support other teams in responding to client requests and special projects as necessary.
- Manage the creation and posting of social media content on all channels.
- Refine, develop, and implement best practices, workflows, and efficiencies in order to improve the user experience.
- Maintain communication with external teams when necessary, including programmatic vendors and partners.
- Advise proper teams on how to best use search to improve consumer trends and understanding.
- Assist with ad copywriting with partners and clients for campaigns.
- Act as final resource for all inventory, billing and invoice discrepancies.
- Analyze and report on paid media campaign data and performance.
- Collaborate with sales team to identify and grow opportunities.
- Oversee planning activity for assigned accounts to assure quality.
- Bachelor's Degree in business or marketing.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Creative Suite.
- Strong writing and editing skills.
- Familiarity with Google Analytics and AdWords.
- Demonstrated strong critical thinking and time management abilities.
How much does a Media Specialist make near United States?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$54,679
/ yrMedia Specialist Career Path
Learn how to become a Media Specialist, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Media Specialist Insights
Sushi Tei“Not good for proper self development and a long term career (for creative department)”
Carat USA“Really dependent on what account you work on to determine happiness at company; Not the best work/life balance”
Webfoot Painting“My pay was not great but not surprising for basically a new entry level position.”
Mekanism Inc“life balance is not a priority here and any employee can expect to work many nights and weekends.”
Publicis Health Media“They are hardworking and knowledgeable and some of the best in the field in my opinion.”
Bayard Advertising“I have really enjoyed my time here at Bayard so far and believe it is a great place to work.”
CodersTrust“This can be a great opportunity for individuals who want to develop their skills and advance their career.”
Effective Spend“From day one my experiences have been positive and I've made some close friends on the job.”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of media specialists
Media specialists spend their workday using various types of audiovisual equipment, such as computers, cameras, and recording devices. Media specialists may work in an educational setting teaching others how to use the equipment, or they may work in a museum or other venue, where they set up and maintain the equipment for others to use.
Media specialists have a versatile career and can work in a variety of industries, including the public sector, private organizations, government entities, business corporations, and educational institutions. Individuals who become a media specialist are often highly creative and enjoy producing resources for others.
Successful media specialists get paid well. The average base pay for a media specialist in the United States is $54,679 per year. Their salary can vary depending on years of experience, level of education, and the industry in which they work.
Working as a media specialist can be demanding at times, as they must have excellent communication skills and well-developed interpersonal skills to navigate work responsibilities, whether teaching about the equipment or setting up a system for others to use during a presentation.