Strategic Communications Consultant

If you're interested in a communications-heavy career, consider strategic communications consulting. Strategic communications consultants are in charge of a company's public face, and they handle everything from reputation management and crisis communications to branding and marketing. The best consultants have a deep understanding of communications, marketing, public relations, and business, and they're often creative problem-solvers capable of thinking on their feet when necessary. Strategic communications consultants work across many industries, so you'll find opportunities in tech, healthcare, nonprofits, and so on.

Responsibilities

The responsibilities of a strategic communications consultant can vary depending on the organization they work for and the industry they work in, but some common responsibilities include:

• Developing and executing communications plans
• Managing media relations
• Creating and distributing marketing materials
• Conducting research on target audiences
• Tracking and measuring the effectiveness of communications campaigns
• Providing guidance to senior management on communications issues
• Working with a team of communications professionals to develop and implement strategic communications plans
• Staying up-to-date on the latest communications trends and technologies.

Skills

Strategic communications consultants need a strong foundation in communications, marketing, and public relations. They should also be creative problem-solvers with strong writing and presentation skills. Other important skills for strategic communications consultants include:

• Ability to think strategically
• Excellent communication skills
• Strong understanding of marketing and public relations
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong work ethic
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to travel
• Interpersonal skills
• Leadership skills
• Event planning, experience
• Project management skills
• Social media marketing experience
• Budgeting and financial management
• Customer relationship management (CRM)
• Data analysis and reporting
• Search engine optimization (SEO),

Education

A bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field is required for this role. Master's degrees are not always necessary but can be helpful for career advancement and earning potential. Many professionals in this career also choose to pursue certifications to demonstrate their expertise.

Projects

Strategic communications consultants may work on a variety of projects, such as:

• Developing a communications plan for a new product launch
• Managing media relations for a company during a crisis
• Creating and executing a marketing campaign for a new product or service
• Conducting research on target audiences
• Tracking and measuring the effectiveness of communications campaigns
• Providing guidance to senior management on communications issues

Career Growth

Strategic communications consultants can advance their careers by taking on more responsibility and managing larger projects. They can also move into management positions, such as director of communications or vice president of communications. With enough experience, strategic communications consultants can start their own communications consulting firms. Some may advance to become Chief Communications Officer for a large company.

Challenges

Strategic communications consultants face a number of challenges, including:

• The need to stay up-to-date on the latest communications trends and technologies
• The need to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• The need to work independently and as part of a team
• The need to meet deadlines
• The need to travel
• High-stress environments
• Long working hours
• Working on multiple projects with looming deadlines
• Dealing with difficult clients
• Staying up-to-date with new regulations

Day-to-Day

The day-to-day of a strategic communications consultant can vary depending on the organization they work for and the industry they work in. However, some common tasks include:

• Meeting with clients to discuss communications needs
• Developing and executing communications plans
• Managing media relations
• Creating and distributing marketing materials
• Conducting research on target audiences
• Tracking and measuring the effectiveness of communications campaigns
• Working with a team of communications professionals to develop and implement strategic communications plans

Personal Growth

Strategic communications consulting can provide opportunities for personal growth in a number of ways. For example, consultants can develop their leadership skills by managing teams and projects. They can also develop their communication skills by working with clients and the media and learn about new industries and businesses.

Personality Traits

Successful strategic communications consultants tend to be:

• Creative
• Analytical
• Strategic
• Communicative
• Interpersonal
• Organized
• Detail-oriented
• Flexible
• Adaptable
• Solution-oriented
• Results-oriented
• Client-oriented
• Business-minded
• Curious

Self-Guided Projects

Students who are interested in a career in strategic communications consulting can complete a number of self-guided projects to better prepare themselves for the role. For example, they can:

• Develop a communications plan for a new product launch
• Create a marketing campaign for a new product or service
• Conduct research on target audiences
• Track and measure the effectiveness of a communications campaign
• Volunteer for a local public relations or marketing firm

Online Courses

Online courses can be a helpful way to learn the skills and knowledge necessary for a career in strategic communications consulting. Courses on topics such as communications, marketing, public relations, and even graphic design can be beneficial. Some courses are project-based and will allow you to create a portfolio of your work. Assignments, quizzes, exams, projects, and discussions can provide learners with experience that will better prepare them for this career.

Conclusion

Strategic communications consulting is a rewarding career that offers the opportunity to make a real impact on an organization's success. If you're passionate about communications and have a strong business acumen, then this career could be a good fit for you.