Change and Communication Specialist(Need State CA OR Public Sector Experience)

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 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 messages to effectively communicate with diverse
backgrounds.
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.
Mandatory Qualifications:
Minimum of 5-7 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 problem solve
Experience in meeting planning and facilitation
Knowledge of Organizational and Cultural Change Management best practices
Desired Qualifications:
Masters 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 & amp; 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)