Crisis Communications Consultant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In our current complex and rapidly changing world, the demand for Crisis Communications Consultants is greater than ever.

As global events unfold, the need for professionals who can skillfully navigate, manage, and communicate through crises increases.

But let’s delve deeper: What exactly is expected from a Crisis Communications Consultant?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager looking to define the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of crisis communication,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Crisis Communications Consultant job description template, crafted for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get started.

Crisis Communications Consultant Duties and Responsibilities

Crisis Communications Consultants are experts at managing and mitigating potential damage from public crises or controversies.

Their role is to protect the company’s reputation by developing communication strategies and managing public relations during times of crisis.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Assess and identify potential risks that could lead to crises
• Develop crisis communication plans and strategies
• Prepare and distribute communication materials during crises
• Coordinate crisis management activities and communication with different departments
• Manage and respond to negative press or public perception
• Train company staff on crisis communication procedures
• Monitor media coverage and online discussions about the company
• Analyze and report on the effectiveness of crisis communication strategies
• Provide advice and guidance to senior management on dealing with crises
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of crisis communication best practices and trends

 

Crisis Communications Consultant Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled Crisis Communications Consultant to manage our company’s crisis communications and public relations strategy.

The ideal candidate will be responsible for establishing and maintaining our organization’s reputation and public image during times of crisis.

The Crisis Communications Consultant will be responsible for preparing communication plans, providing strategic advice during crises, and coordinating the company’s response to crises.

The ability to work under pressure and maintain professionalism in high-stress situations is paramount.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage crisis communication strategies and plans
• Provide advice on communication issues and handle crisis situations
• Coordinate and communicate with media outlets during crises
• Prepare and edit organizational publications, including employee newsletters or shareholders’ reports, for internal and external audiences
• Evaluate advertising and promotion programs to ensure they align with the organization’s reputation and public image
• Respond to requests for information from the media or designate an appropriate spokesperson or information source
• Manage company reputation and coordinate public relations activities
• Monitor company’s presence on social media and address any crisis

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Crisis Communications Consultant or similar role
• Strong understanding of crisis management and public relations
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work well under pressure and make decisions quickly
• Experience with social media platforms
• Proficiency in media relations and corporate communication
• Knowledge of public safety and security issues
• BA/BS degree in Communication, Public Relations or relevant field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Crisis Communications Consultant
• Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Availability outside regular business hours and on weekends may be necessary during crises.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Communications or Public Relations Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $80,000 minimum to $150,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Crisis Communications Consultant Do?

Crisis Communications Consultants are skilled professionals who advise organizations on how to handle communication during a crisis situation.

They are usually part of a public relations team, but can also work independently.

Their primary responsibility is to assess the crisis at hand, develop a strategic response, and manage the communication process with various stakeholders such as employees, clients, media, and the general public.

They work closely with the organization’s leadership to shape the messaging and tone of communication that aligns with the organization’s values and objectives.

This can include preparing statements, press releases, social media posts, and internal emails.

Crisis Communications Consultants also monitor the public and media response to the crisis.

They are responsible for mitigating any negative impact on the organization’s reputation and work towards rebuilding trust post-crisis.

They may also provide training to the organization’s staff on how to communicate effectively during a crisis, and develop comprehensive crisis communication plans for future potential scenarios.

In times of calm, they often analyze the organization’s crisis readiness, suggesting improvements where necessary.

Their ultimate goal is to ensure the organization maintains a positive public image, even in the face of adversity.

 

Crisis Communications Consultant Qualifications and Skills

A Crisis Communications Consultant should possess a unique set of skills and qualifications tailored to the demands of crisis management and public relations, including:

• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively convey information and strategy to clients, team members, and the public.
• Strong critical thinking and decision-making skills to quickly analyze complex situations and develop effective communication strategies.
• Ability to work under pressure, often with tight deadlines, to manage and resolve crises swiftly.
• Deep understanding of media relations and digital platforms, including social media, to efficiently navigate public perception and control information flow during a crisis.
• Outstanding problem-solving skills to identify potential problems before they escalate and to find effective solutions during a crisis.
• Interpersonal skills to build strong relationships with clients and stakeholders, gaining their trust and confidence in crisis situations.
• Experience in public relations, journalism, or a related field, to bring a deep understanding of how information is consumed and perceived by the public.
• Ability to maintain professional ethics and confidentiality when dealing with sensitive information.

 

Crisis Communications Consultant Experience Requirements

Crisis Communications Consultants typically require a background in public relations, journalism, or a related field, with a minimum of 3 to 5 years of professional experience handling crisis communications or reputation management.

Candidates with experience in an agency setting, handling multiple clients and crisis situations simultaneously, are usually preferred.

They should have a proven track record of developing and implementing crisis communication strategies, media relations, stakeholder engagement, and damage control.

Entry-level candidates may have gained experience through internships or part-time roles in PR agencies, corporate communications departments, or similar roles.

These professionals can also gain on-the-job experience in roles such as PR Assistant, Communications Coordinator, or Media Relations Specialist.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience often develop their crisis management skills and strategic thinking in roles such as PR Manager, Communications Director, or Crisis Communications Specialist.

Those with more than 7 years of experience may have significant leadership experience in their background and may be ready for a senior consultant or team-lead position.

They may also have experience in training and mentoring junior staff in crisis communications tactics and strategies.

 

Crisis Communications Consultant Education and Training Requirements

A Crisis Communications Consultant typically holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, journalism, or a related field.

This role requires a solid understanding of media operations and public relations strategies, which are often gained through coursework in media relations, crisis management, and strategic communications.

A strong background in crisis management, public relations, and corporate communications is crucial.

This can be developed through internships, on-the-job training, or work experience in a related field.

Some positions may require a master’s degree in communications or business administration, especially for consultancy roles in large multinational corporations or consulting firms.

While not mandatory, certification in crisis management or public relations from recognized bodies like the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) or the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) can be beneficial.

These certification programs offer specialized training in crisis communication planning, issues management, and public relations strategies.

Additionally, training in areas such as social media management, reputation management, and media law can prove advantageous, as these are often key components of crisis communications strategies.

Continued professional development is critical in this field due to the rapidly changing media landscape and emerging communication platforms.

Therefore, a commitment to ongoing learning and keeping up-to-date with the latest trends in crisis communications is essential.

 

Crisis Communications Consultant Salary Expectations

A Crisis Communications Consultant earns an average salary of $65,562 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can vary greatly based on the consultant’s level of experience, area of expertise, the industry they serve, and their geographical location.

 

Crisis Communications Consultant Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Crisis Communications Consultant need?

A Crisis Communications Consultant needs to have excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively manage and mitigate crises.

They need to have strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, as they will often need to come up with solutions under high-stress situations.

Being able to work in a team, possessing strategic thinking abilities, and having a high degree of emotional intelligence to deal with sensitive issues are also crucial skills for this role.

 

Do Crisis Communications Consultants need a degree?

While not always required, many Crisis Communications Consultants have a degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.

Additionally, experience in crisis management or public relations is highly desirable.

Some consultants may also have advanced degrees in business or law, which can be beneficial in understanding the complexities of certain crises.

 

What should you look for in a Crisis Communications Consultant resume?

A Crisis Communications Consultant resume should demonstrate experience in crisis management, public relations, or corporate communications.

Look for evidence of successful crisis management, as well as skills in strategic planning, communication, and problem-solving.

Certifications in crisis management or related fields can also be a plus.

 

What qualities make a good Crisis Communications Consultant?

A good Crisis Communications Consultant is calm under pressure, can quickly assess a situation and develop an effective response strategy.

They are excellent communicators who can effectively liaise between the company, the public, and the media.

They are also empathetic, understanding the potential impact of the crisis on various stakeholders, and ensuring communication is clear, timely, and sensitive.

 

What are the daily duties of a Crisis Communications Consultant?

A Crisis Communications Consultant spends their day monitoring news and social media for potential issues that could escalate into crises.

They develop and implement crisis communication plans, coordinate with various teams within the organization, and may act as a spokesperson in the event of a crisis.

They also train staff on crisis communication protocols and prepare materials for media and public communications.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve shed light on the true essence of being a crisis communications consultant.

Surprised?

It’s not just about managing messages.

It’s about orchestrating the narrative during critical times, one well-crafted message at a time.

With our comprehensive crisis communications consultant job description template and real-world examples, you’re well-equipped to step forward.

But why limit yourself?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your key to precision-crafted job descriptions or refining your resume to its best potential.

Remember:

Every message has the power to shape perceptions.

Let’s shape them positively. Together.

How to Become a Crisis Communications Consultant (Complete Guide)

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