Do you think that hiring a graphic designer with former experience in a marketing firm or department is a good idea to work as a marketing specialist?

Yes, to some extent, in which he can supporting his management with certain view , & I think he should have little TALENT to connect both ideas togather, I,E.
Cars Industries , they have such concept

Marketing is a combination of many things, sales, graphic designer, PR, ..etc,  and it has a wide meaning and majors. 
But the most important is the personality and character of the marketer person, usualy graphic designers are more calm and sensitive (because they are creative).
in my opinion if you love challenge and to try new but related careers.
Go ahead :) Marketing Specialist major is interesting. 
Good luck 

A marketing genius might be from a different academic background!

no, its enough to have a link with more than designer ....
and choose every time the best for you :)

Thank you Rami for the invitation :) Seriously it depends on what is your definition of "Marketing Specialist" job ! When it comes to small businesses a "Marketing Specialist" job can be some online marketing activities, and supervising couple of printings, which will be fine for a graphics designer to do with basic understanding of marketing.
But when it comes to Medium Businesses and above, a "Marketing Specialist" job includes decision making and measurements which needs a deep understanding of marketing strategies, tactics and theories.

Of course, having extra skills means having a better understanding on things. and as a marketing specialist, that will be working with designers on a regular basis, it would be wise to have an understanding of what designers do or need to achieve things.

I think it depends on his talents in dealing with this role.. he could have good knoladge and experience in marketing in additional to the creativity .. and it could be a good formula.. needs to try

A Marketing Specialist is more of strategy, research, analysis, media mixing, and so on and so forth...It's got very little to do with graphic design - if ever. It's a more responsible position and needs specific experience!

 

on the other hand, a Graphic Designer is someone who creates visual communications following a specific brief received from another person. The sole job of a Graphic Designer is to present the communication in a visually appealing form. He/She may or may not know anything else in Marketing. 

 

Hiring a GD to do the job of an MS - not a great idea! 

You could be limiting your Marketing Prospects without knowing to what extent!

 

in my opinion - NO - because graphic designer can never read the research insights, can never incorporate previous marketing campaign feedback in the forthcoming campaign.

Anyone has a vacancy as MARKETING SPECIALIST or MARKETING COORDINATOR ? Take a look at my profile - I am looking for an Opening. My graphic, web and social media skills will be more than helpful for any organization. 

 

Thank you for your time.

Either its graphic designer or IT professional, he can do wonders if have real talent and flair for any specific profession. But we have to consider one thing also that in organization there are proper job analysis is done and for each position there is minimum criteria for entry and one any meeting that criteria could opt for it. In this specific quer, i must saythat graphihc designer could support the marketing team through visualizing and translating it into print format.