Susan Schaefer Communications LLC

Susan Schaefer Communications LLC brings a distinctive blend of academic rigor, creative writing, and strategic facilitation to the field of public relations and communications. Based in Philadelphia, United States, the agency was founded in 1984 by Susan Schaefer, whose background as a university professor, newspaper editor, and certified facilitator shapes a practice that emphasizes deep thinking, clear expression, and collaborative problem-solving. Unlike many firms that focus solely on media outreach, this agency specializes in helping organizations and their leaders find their authentic voice—whether through executive coaching, team training, or strategic communications planning.

Specialist Expertise in Creative Facilitation and Executive Training

The foundation of Susan Schaefer Communications LLC lies in its founder's unique qualifications. Schaefer is certified as a facilitator from the MIT-Harvard Public Disputes Program, a Presence Based coach, and holds a doctoral equivalent in European Public Affairs alongside a Master's degree in English. This combination allows the agency to offer services that go beyond traditional PR. The agency’s core strength is in creative group facilitation and global team training, helping diverse groups—from government agencies to financial institutions—navigate complex internal and external communications challenges. By guiding clients to "seek answers in unexpected places," the firm brings a reflective, almost editorial perspective to strategic planning and implementation, ensuring that communications are not just polished but also purposeful.

Core Services and How They Are Applied

While the agency’s primary focus is on public relations and communications services, its offerings are tailored to the specific needs of leaders and organizations. Key service areas include:

• Executive training and coaching for senior leaders in government, business, and non-profits
• Creative group facilitation for strategic planning and implementation sessions
• Global team training to improve cross-cultural and internal communications
• Writing and presentation workshops for professionals
• Communications and marketing communications strategy development
• Media relations, feature writing, and editorial counsel

These services are delivered with a hands-on, collaborative approach. For example, a banking executive might work with Susan Schaefer Communications LLC on presentation coaching, while a university leadership team might engage the firm for a multi-day strategic planning retreat. The agency’s ability to blend writing, coaching, and facilitation makes it particularly effective for organizations undergoing change, launching new initiatives, or seeking to clarify their messaging.

Who They Work With

Susan Schaefer Communications LLC serves a diverse clientele across multiple sectors. The firm’s client base includes leaders from government, higher education, banking, environmental organizations, architecture and engineering firms, finance, and law. Because the agency focuses on high-level counsel and training rather than day-to-day media pitching, it is best suited for organizations that need to strengthen their internal communications capabilities, align their leadership teams around a shared narrative, or improve how they present themselves to stakeholders. Non-profits and NGOs also benefit from the firm’s facilitation expertise, especially when dealing with complex public issues that require consensus-building.

For organizations in Philadelphia and beyond, Susan Schaefer Communications LLC offers a thoughtful alternative to conventional PR agencies. Its emphasis on coaching, facilitation, and strategic clarity makes it a strong fit for mission-driven institutions, professional services firms, and any group that values substance over spin. Whether the goal is to train a global team, craft a compelling annual report, or help a CEO find their authentic voice, this agency provides the tools and perspective to communicate with impact.