Communications consultants develop and write content for internal and public media communications including Internet, video, print, and email. Consultants are also often expected to create strategies to strengthen communication between employees and with clients. Some communications consultants are hired by organizations or individuals to help them accomplish short or long term communications related goals. They may be hired to help their client complete specific projects, such as a new website, or they may be hired to help an individual or organization develop a branding strategy.

Tasks:

1. Be responsible for developing and delivering training material and programs
2. Communicate with clients and executives
3. Create marketing campaigns and monitor those campaigns for success levels
4. Coordinate and conduct media interviews
5. Conduct a media analysis in order to understand how the organisation is portrayed in the media
6. Prepare and deliver reports based on findings of any research undertaken
7. Reach out to the local media when necessary
8. Work on a more comprehensive projects, such as branding and communications audits
9. Contribute ideas and expertise in planning and implementing solutions for clients
10. Collaborate with teams to assimilate novel communication opportunities and educational trends

Key skills for communications department consultant:

• Computer skills
• Writing and communication skills
• Presentation skills
• Project management skills
• Ability to interact with people at all levels

Average salary (2013):

The United Kingdom: £31,000 per year
The United States of America: $46,400 per year
Australia: AU$72,600 per year

Qualifications and training required:

Bachelor's degree in Communications or related field is standard for communications consultant, but some employers may require a master's. While communications consultant positions most commonly require a bachelor's degree, the major can vary depending on the position or type of company where the candidate applies. A degree in communications is most common, however other possible majors include public relations, journalism, marketing or English. One may also be able to pursue a concentration within a communications degree program, such as mass communication, digital media, or organizational communication.
Candidates way need some prior work experience as well. Although there may be commonalities among some of the job requirements the range included experience in public relations, marketing, managing, speech writing, training, human resources, media, and project management.
Earning a master's degree can improve your chances in the workplace and may be preferred for some consulting positions. These positions may involve performing marketing and various managerial tasks. Some prospective employers may consider job applicants with master's degrees in public relations, communications, or journalism. Earning a Master of Business Administration may also be preferred.