Change and Communication Lead

We are seeking a Change and Communication Lead for a hybrid (On-site work required) contract position with our Sacramento, California-based client, playing a key role in ensuring that change initiative projects meet their objectives on time and within budget by increasing employee adoption and usage. As the Specialist, you will play a pivotal role in driving successful organizational change initiatives by effectively assessing change readiness, crafting compelling communications, and positioning the organization for cultural transformation. Your expertise in change management and communication will be instrumental in ensuring smooth transitions and maximizing employee and organizational adoption and engagement.

Specific responsibilities will include:

• Conduct thorough assessments of organizational change readiness and identify potential risks and obstacles. Collaborate with executives and senior management to evaluate user readiness and develop strategies to address any resistance.
• Develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies and stakeholder engagement plans that align with the organization and project goals. Tailor messages to represent various stakeholder positions, such as Executive, Project Sponsor, Project Manager, subject matter experts, and senior individuals.
• Prepare updates, progress reports, and issue briefs for executives. Anticipate potential reactions and refine your messages to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
• Work closely with the Project Manager, executives, and senior leaders to finalize communication materials, adapting to their communication styles.
• Lead the development of project communication and feedback mechanisms
• Develop compelling materials for various media, such as PowerPoint presentations, newsletters, web content, status reports, and project marketing campaigns.
• Act in a facilitation capacity for cultural change within the organization. Guide and mentor senior leaders and executives in leading change efforts and making necessary decisions to drive cultural transformation.
• Leverage existing OCM methodologies and best practices to develop education and training plans. Coordinate with Training Material Developers to define and measure success metrics.
• Identify, analyze, and prepare adoption risk mitigation tactics. Manage anticipated resistance and integrate change management activities into project plans.
• Assess the change impact, manage the portfolio, and monitor change progress. Track and report issues related to change initiatives.

Requirements:

• 5 years of combined experience in communications, organizational change management planning, development, and delivery associated with enterprise changes of structure, systems or processes
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages for diverse stakeholders.
• Refined communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate complex subject matters to meet the needs of different stakeholders and organizational structures.
• Strong task management skills with the ability to meet communication deadlines and manage multiple media projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated experience in leading change management activities, assessing change readiness, and developing strategies to manage resistance with emphasis on helping to position the organization for cultural change and transformation.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with various audiences, including executives, senior leaders, and project teams.
• Familiarity with communication tools, media, and project scheduling software.
• Positive, energetic, and self-motivated individual who thrives in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to guide and mentor others through organizational transformations.
• Professional demeanor and acute ability to solve problems
• Experience in meeting planning and facilitation
• Knowledge of Organizational and Cultural Change Management best practices

Preferred:

• Master's degree in communications, Organizational Development, or a related field.
• Experience with crisis communications and managing sensitive issues.
• Knowledge of design software for creating visual assets.
• Consulting experience specifically with public sector clients in CA State Departments
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Education, Certification, Training & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, Organizational Psychology, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Certification as a Change Management Professional (e.g., Prosci, ACMP, or comparable)