Aberdeen Strategies specializes in providing highly experienced senior communications professionals to serve in interim roles as chief communications officers (CCOs) for large organizations, both public and private. These CCOs provide operating oversight of the communications function while a permanent position is filled.
See MoreFinding the right person to direct your communications and public affairs can take time, with some searches taking six months or more. The Aberdeen Strategies approach allows companies to tackle the recruiting process without loss of momentum. Not only will the day-to-day aspects of the communications function continue without waiting for the “new” communications head, best practices will be implemented. The work that is performed by the Aberdeen Strategist is also of value to the incoming chief communications officer for faster ramp-up. The “100 Day Plan” of your new CCO becomes an informed and targeted process for making rapid progress.
Expert oversight of your corporate communications and public affairs function by a proven professional
Seasoned, knowledgeable public affairs counsel in-house during a transition
No lost momentum
Reputation and risk management continuity to protect your brand during the search period
Much of the preliminary assessment required by the permanent CCO will be completed resulting in an easier and more effective ramp-up period
Best practices implemented to drive higher performance now rather than later
Candidates for the permanent position will receive additional insight into the role provided by your Aberdeen Strategies expert
Budget saves are identified early for greater efficiency
Help to reduce attrition of communications team members
Partners with your PR agency and other key consultants
Consultant is backed by the Aberdeen Strategies team
Prioritization of initiatives and identification of key opportunities
Your management team and the incoming CCO will receive a written report on these core areas, with gaps identified and recommendations and key priorities clearly addressed. Additional assessments can also be conducted with the support of specialists and the company’s trusted agency partners.
See The ProcessTalent assessment (Do you have the right people?)
Structure (Is the team organized optimally for the mission?)
Interaction and perception with key stakeholders (Does the team interface well?)
High potentials (Are your high potentials being optimized?)
Issues and gaps (Do you have mismatched team members and capability gaps?)
Goals and metrics (Does the team have the goals and metrics to drive higher performance?)
Budget (Are you allocating dollars in the right places?)
Agency and consultant support (Are they being well utilized?)
Technology (Do you have the right tools to communicate and protect the brand?)
Use of communications channels and tools
Reputation assessment with key stakeholders (media, investors, elected, others)
Legislative issues prioritized, NGO relationships and support assessed
Contributions and philanthropy program fit
Communication effectiveness
Culture review (if appropriate)
Communications plan and implementation
A. An interim CCO will ensure key initiatives don’t falter and the business will continue to receive the level of support that’s needed from your communications and public affairs team. Having an experienced interim CCO can allow your search for a permanent position to progress while at the same time laying the ground work for a smooth transition when the new leader arrives.
A. Our consultants are committed to confidentiality and operate under a non-disclosure agreement with you and Aberdeen Strategies.
A. Our consultants are seasoned individuals who have developed a career of successful management in corporate communications and public affairs. We place them based upon their deep backgrounds and track records of accomplishments.
A. Our agreement with you provides for that possibility and ensures your recruiter is involved.
A. Our minimum engagement is for 60 days, and you can terminate the planned engagement with 30 days notice after that minimum is completed.
A. We work with your agencies and consultants who already serve your company and seek to maintain those relationships through the hand-off to your permanent CCO. Because our consultants have established relationships over the years with some of the nation’s largest agencies, we can also recommend support if it is required.
A. Most of our consultants have more than 25 years of experience.
A. Your experienced consultant will work quickly to build relationships within the organization. Having a senior communications leader in-house during a time of transition is welcomed not only for the counsel but also the bandwidth he or she provides.