Depending on the company, the titles of promotions director and manager are used interchangeably, which is why the Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies both under "advertising, promotions and marketing managers." Promotions directors introduce promotional strategies to increase sales and profits, which include coupons, free samples, contests, rebates, product endorsements, in-store displays and point-of-purchase merchandise. Most promotions directors work for corporations or advertising agencies. Their salaries vary, depending on their industry or geographical location.

Developing Promotional Campaigns

The primary responsibility of a promotions director is to create the promotional concept -- one that best reaches the intended target audience. Promotional development includes meeting with brand managers or clients, deciding which promotional vehicles -- in-store displays and trade show booths, for example -- to use and overseeing the coordination and production of the printed or multimedia promotional. Promotions directors also create budgets for all annual promotions, ensure their departments don't exceed budgets, and hire and train employees.

Bachelor's Degree Required

The minimum educational requirement for a promotions director is typically a bachelor's degree in business administration, marketing, advertising or journalism. Most promotions directors also have one or more years of experience in promotions or advertising. Other essential qualifications are creativity and analytical, interpersonal, organizational, communication and decision-making skills.

Work in Offices

Promotions directors usually work weekdays, though the BLS reported that 40 percent of them work more than 40 hours per week. These directors can expect some pressure on the job, as most of their projects have deadlines. As with many business management jobs, promotions directors also may travel periodically to meet with clients or see promotions implemented in stores, restaurants or other distribution outlets.

Salary Between $100,000 and $115,000

The average annual salary of a promotions director was $112,870 as of May 2013, according to the BLS. The top 10 percent earned more than $145,250 annually. Promotions directors made the most working for wired telecommunications carriers -- $163,470, while those in advertising and public relations firms averaged $139,020. New York and Delaware employers paid their promotions directors the highest salaries of $160,660 and $150,350, respectively.

Slow Job Growth

The BLS estimates a 7 percent increase in employment for advertising, promotions and marketing managers, including promotion directors, from 2012 to 2022, which is slower than the 11 percent national rate for all jobs. The necessity among corporations to introduce new products in the marketplace to increase sales and build market share should increase jobs for promotions managers or directors.