Typical Agency Departments

Depending on the size of the agency, these departments could combine or overlap. They could even split into smaller sub departments, and in some cases spin off into entirely different companies. 

• Account Services

  • Acts as the primary liaison between clients and the agency, ensuring projects meet objectives, deadlines, and budgets.

• Account Planning​/Research​

  • Conducts market research, audience analysis, and competitive insights to inform campaign direction and effectiveness.

• Creative​

  • Develops compelling visual and written content, including branding, graphics, copywriting, and multimedia production.

• Online Development​

  • Creates and executes digital campaigns across social platforms, utilizing analytics to optimize engagement.

• Business Development

  • Focuses on acquiring new clients, maintaining strong relationships, and identifying growth opportunities for the agency.

• Traffic/Project Management​

  • Oversees workflow, timelines, and team coordination to ensure smooth execution and delivery of client projects.

• Media Planning/Buying​

  • Determines the best channels, platforms, and budget allocations for advertising campaigns to maximize reach and engagement.

• Finance & Operations

  • Manages budgeting, invoicing, and internal operations to ensure financial sustainability and efficiency.

• Production​

  • Handles video production, photography, and other multimedia assets to support marketing and advertising efforts.

• Human Resources​

  • Manages recruitment, training, team development, and workplace culture to ensure a productive and supportive agency environment.

• Information Technology

  •  Supports the agency’s digital infrastructure, including software, cybersecurity, and technical troubleshooting for smooth operations

Roles and Responsibilities

Each department has a clear hierarchy of roles spelled out. The number of job titles will depend on the size of the agency. For example, a large agency would have have assistant and senior versions of the same job title:

• Junior Level

  • Intern

  • Assistant

  • Assistant Coordinator

  • Coordinator

  • Assistant Executive

  • Executive

  • Senior Executive

    
    

• Middle Management

  • Manager

  • Senior Manager

  • Supervisor

  • Senior Supervisor

  • Director

  • Senior Director

    
    

• Senior Management

  • Assistant Vice President

  • Vice President

  • Senior Vice President

  • Executive Vice President