Job Description
Principal Communications Consultant
Employment Type: Contract
We are seeking a freelance Principal Communications Consultant to provide strategic internal communications support for key business functions, including Human Resources, Information Technology, and Security. This consultant will serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, translating complex initiatives into clear, compelling communications that engage employees and advance organizational priorities.
The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in internal communications, change communications, executive counsel, editorial strategy, and stakeholder engagement. This role requires strong independent judgment, the ability to manage multiple high-priority initiatives, and a proven track record of using audience insights and performance data to improve communication outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop communication strategies, plans, messaging frameworks, and editorial approaches for complex organizational initiatives.
- Partner with HR, IT, Security, and executive stakeholders to understand business objectives, risks, and employee communication needs.
- Advise leaders on communication timing, channels, stakeholder alignment, change readiness, and audience engagement.
- Write, edit, and review leadership messages, announcements, presentations, FAQs, intranet content, and change-management materials.
- Lead cross-functional communication planning and coordinate contributors to deliver accurate, consistent work on schedule.
- Use employee feedback, communication metrics, and business insights to evaluate effectiveness and recommend improvements.
- Provide mentorship, editorial guidance, and quality review for communications colleagues and business partners.
- Support change initiatives with clear, audience-focused communications that explain rationale, impact, and required actions.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field; equivalent experience considered.
- Seven or more years of experience in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related discipline.
- Demonstrated experience developing and executing internal communications for large or complex organizations.
- Exceptional writing, editing, storytelling, and message-development skills.
- Experience advising senior leaders and tailoring communications for varied audiences and organizational levels.
- Strong project-management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities under deadline.
- Experience using data, audience feedback, and performance measures to inform communication strategies.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in healthcare, health insurance, or another highly regulated industry.
- Experience supporting enterprise technology, cybersecurity, HR, or organizational transformation initiatives.
- Experience with change communications and employee engagement strategies.
- Experience providing informal leadership, coaching, or mentoring to communications professionals.
- Advanced degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Organizational Development, or a related field.
