How To Become A Strategic Communications Consultant: What It Is and Career Path

What is a strategic communications consultant and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted experts

F. Michele Abbott,

Dr. Musonda Kapatamoyo Ph.D.

The primary role of the strategic communications consultant involves developing and implementing internal and external communications strategies and plans and the analysis of stakeholder needs. Strategic communications consultants make recommendations for message and information development, selection of communication methods, and scheduling of messages. They develop messages based on the target audience.

They research, write, edit, and publish communications products. This can include print, web, electronic, and briefings. Also, they develop new communication methods to reach target audiences. Additionally, they oversee the activities of graphic designers, briefing developers, photographers, illustrators, and other related staff.

To apply for this position, you need a master's degree in communications, marketing, or a related discipline with at least five years of experience in a similar role. You must possess communication and analytical skills. You must be proficient in Microsoft Office. These experts make an average salary of $54,011 per year. This ranges from $39,000 and $75,000.

What general advice would you give to a strategic communications consultant?

F. Michele Abbott

Professor, Website

A: Analytical thinking – we used to say “critical thinking”, but the term’s been overused
and is sometimes unclear. Being knowledgeable and thinking analytically are not the
same; imagine the difference between checkers and chess.
Then, in no particular order
 Anything media related – from graphic texts to AI. Who’s using what? Why?
Where did it come from and how can it help you? Does your school offer
multimedia options?
 Learn another language, at least on a very elementary level. Language is culture;
it’s a great way to live outside your own bubble while also being a real, tangible
skill.
 Knowledge of basic civics is crucial. In order to fully realize the potential of their
education, students need to understand what current systems are relevant to the
communities in which they live and work, and what that will/could look like in the
future. In a related vein, …
 … An understanding of - and ability to make connections between - global and
local priorities. Be able to consider the tangible applications of communication in
specific situations. Consider this and the above 3 points when choosing
electives.

ScoreStrategic Communications ConsultantUS Average

Salary

6.2

Avg. Salary $79,405

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

7.3

Growth rate 8%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.6

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.59%

Asian 5.32%

Black or African American 10.20%

Hispanic or Latino 12.08%

Unknown 5.10%

White 66.71%

Gender

female 63.69%

male 36.31%

Age - 40

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 40

Stress level

7.3

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.8

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

3.8

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a strategic communications consultant

Explore strategic communications consultant education requirements

Most common strategic communications consultant degrees

Bachelor's

76.2 %

Master's

19.7 %

Associate

1.7 %

Start to develop specific strategic communications consultant skills

Skills	Percentages
Press Releases	10.61%
Web Content	8.33%
Linkedin	7.80%
Public Affairs	7.77%
Facebook	7.41%

Complete relevant strategic communications consultant training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New strategic communications consultants learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a strategic communications consultant based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real strategic communications consultant resumes.

Research strategic communications consultant duties and responsibilities

Manage back-end of website (CMS and technologies); update member directory; create content and news feed on website.
Develop internal intranet communication strategy tie to employee engagement, cultural assessment, company s share values and local business goals.
Organize daily media report for lottery executives and commissioners by gathering clips through media- monitoring services.

Prepare your strategic communications consultant resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your strategic communications consultant resume.

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