Career Definition of Change Management Specialist
A change management specialist focuses on maximizing an organization's human capital resources and assisting them to facilitate change. They utilize a variety of disciplines, such as project management and process improvement, to help employees accept organizational change. Change management specialists work for a variety of organizations, including professional or consulting firm services. They usually work full-time in an office environment.
Specific job responsibilities for change management specialists vary depending on the industry; however, their primary focus is to create streamlined change for organizations. General job duties may include performing needs assessments to decide the best use of employee resources, implementing communications and training strategies designed to create organizational change, and determining and measuring change analytics to gauge the effectiveness of strategies. Change management specialists may collaborate with information technology personnel to streamline operations and foster awareness of change strategies. They may also serve as a resource for organizational leadership to help their personnel through changes. Change management specialists can assist internal departments in including change management strategies into their overall plans. They may also assist with the creation of training programs, including requirements, design, and delivery.
| Educational Requirements | Master's degree |
| Job Skills | Excellent communication skills, project management abilities, and strong analytical skills |
| Median Salary (2021)* | $82,277 |
| Job Outlook (2020-2030)** | 6% (Project Management Specialists and Business Operations Specialists, All Other) |
Sources:*Salary.com, **U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Required Education
Individuals will need a master's degree to work as a change management specialist. A strong background with change management tools and workflows will be beneficial. Interested individuals can pursue membership in professional organizations like the Association of Change Management Professionals. The organization seeks to foster advancement in change management and offers members training opportunities.
Required Skills
Excellent communication skills are essential for change management specialists, as they are responsible for interacting with employees and organizational stakeholders. Change management specialists should have project management abilities in order to create and implement engagement and training strategies. They should also have strong analytical skills to determine an organization's needs, develop strategies to meet those needs, and evaluate their effectiveness.
Career Outlook and Salary
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not collect statistics on change management specialists in particular; however, they reported a 6% job growth for the category of project management specialists and business operations specialists, all other, during the 2020-2030 decade, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. In December 2021, Salary.com reported an average annual salary of $82,277 for change management specialists.
Related Careers
Individuals considering a career as a change management specialist might also be interested in one of the related careers profiled below. They offer candidates the opportunity to utilize their skills in positions that focus on employees, such as training or benefits.
