Communications Consultant

COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT

Position reports to: Managing Director.

This position typically does not have a regular or set work schedule, and work hours vary significantly and are dependent on the nature and timing of client project assigned by IRI.

• Day, evening, and weekend work, including project work and travel, is required as needed.
• Frequent domestic travel is required.

As outlined in this document, the job requirements pertain to both IRI employed consultants and contractors who perform work on behalf of IRI.

OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The purpose of the Communications Consultant position is to provide high-quality, customized professional consulting services to IRI clients. The consulting services include, but are not limited to, internal and employee communications, public and governmental affairs, crisis management, industry and competitive research, digital communications, media relations, and graphic design. Often the consulting work is done at client sites that may require travel.

The Consultant is also expected to become knowledgeable about all IRI products and services and to offer ideas and solutions to clients as part of a total solution utilizing all three areas of IRI expertise in labor, communications (including digital and social media strategy and tools), and leadership development (OD).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Deliver a broad range of services to IRI clients. The following descriptions of services provided are examples of the work the consultant may be asked to perform, but additional types of consulting services may also be required.

• Participate in developing the internal / external communications strategy for major organizations.
• Partner with Digital and Design team members to offer robust communication solutions.
• Support creation, and presentation of plans and associated materials to various client teams.
• Counsel clients on fast-breaking situations, including internal and external crisis.
• Manage multiple client projects simultaneously.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no direct reports.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work environment characteristics and physical demands described represent those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

The position primarily works virtually from home, and during those times, the person must maintain a work environment that is free from any distractions, such as childcare responsibilities or other personal responsibilities, which could inhibit the person's ability to be entirely focused and work performed at home.

Consultants must also be able to travel to and from client sites, using airplanes and ground transportation as needed.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor's degree. Degree in IRI area of expertise (Labor/Communications/Leadership Development/Public Relations/Human Resources/Employee Relations/Organizational Development).

• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in Communications.
• Experience must include a blend of direct responsibility for strategy as well as execution.
• Ability to approach client needs from a strategic perspective, based on the consultant’s experience and expertise, and continuously focused on the client’s desired outcomes.

Ability to interact across all levels of management within an organization.

Ability to speak effectively in both small and large groups.

Willingness to challenge and be challenged when discussing client strategies.

Demonstrated ability to interact with and convey complex information to individuals at all organizational levels. ?

• Ability to write complex, professional project reports for clients including writing skills which present well-thought and well-organized information, grammatically and structurally correct, and in IRI-approved report template.
• Ability to manage the needs and requests of clients at all levels of an organization.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to juggle shifting requests and deadlines between clients and internal teams.

Comfortable working in the digital space and able to work with members of the digital team.

Experience working with designers and managing creative projects.

Experience in public relations/public affairs agency; however, government relations preferred.

COMPUTER SKILLS

Proficiency in using Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and Excel.

Ability to use additional computer products:

• Adobe Acrobat (Standard, Professional, Reader)
• Adobe Connect (Web Conferencing Services)
• Video conferencing (Teams, Zoom, other)
• OneDrive, SharePoint (file-sharing software)

Note: The ability to learn additional software and programs is required. Over time the products listed above may be replaced or supplemented with other products.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must maintain complete confidentiality on all client matters at all times.
• Must be able to work independently at client sites, using independent judgment, and be able to work cooperatively in a team environment, often in a virtual/remote format.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• High degree of agility and adaptability to changing conditions and client demands.
• Organizationally savvy to maneuver successfully through complex dynamics across diverse channels of business.
• Ability to relate effectively to people at all levels within an organization.
• Ability to successfully manage multiple projects, including several client projects simultaneously.
• Experience and comfort working in a virtual or remote environment, including limited interaction with co-workers beyond technological connection.