Overview:
At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.
Our directorates related to Mission Support & Operations include Office of General Counsel, Business Services, Communications and External Engagement, Operational Systems, Computing and Information Technology, and Performance Management.
Communications and External Engagement (CXE) engages PNNL staff and key stakeholders to amplify meaningful connections between our science and technology mission to accelerate our impact and elevates PNNL’s institutional reputation and impact locally, regionally, nationally, and globally to position PNNL as a leader in mission-driven science and innovation. CXE also inspires stakeholders and staff by facilitating and showcasing PNNL’s scientific leadership, national influence, community commitments, and service to advance the frontiers of knowledge and our distinguished staff.
PNNL’s Communications team engages internal and external stakeholders through strategic communication efforts that support mission outcomes. Working to elevate the reputation and visibility of PNNL, through world-class experts and bold science mission, we aim to inspire stakeholders and to build awareness of the PNNL’s science impact.
Rockstar Rewards:
Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company-funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401 (k) savings plan with company match*. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.
- Research Associates excluded.
**All benefits are dependent upon eligibility.
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Responsibilities:
PNNL’s Communications organization is committed to elevating PNNL’s reputation, inspiring action, and engaging audiences by transforming the Lab’s science, mission, and impact into influential communications and compelling stories.
We are seeking a senior communications professional who advises leaders, shapes communications priorities, and develops and executes integrated communications strategies that advance organizational objectives. This role combines strategic communications, planning and execution, and leadership engagement to support sector priorities while reinforcing enterprise communications strategies and standards.
You will serve as the aligned communicator for the Electricity Infrastructure sector, partnering with leaders to translate organizational priorities into strategic communications for diverse audiences. Working with teammates across Communications, you will lead and execute executive messaging, strategic initiatives, campaigns, events, stakeholder engagement efforts, and other high-visibility communications activities.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership Engagement and Communications Guidance
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Establish and maintain trusted relationships with sector leaders, researchers, communicators, and key stakeholders.
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Serve as the aligned communicator for the Electricity Infrastructure Sector, translating sector priorities and business goals into communications strategies, plans, and deliverables that align with directorate, sponsor, and enterprise objectives.
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Provide communications counsel to senior leaders and develop high-visibility content, including presentations, talking points, reports, leadership correspondence, and other communications.
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Proactively identify communications opportunities, risks, emerging issues, and barriers to success; recommend and implement appropriate communications approaches and solutions.
Communications Planning, Content, and Execution
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Develop and execute integrated communications strategies and plans, managing priorities, scope, resources, and budget to support organizational objectives.
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Create compelling communications content for a range of audiences, channels, and purposes, translating complex scientific, technical, and organizational information into clear and effective narratives.
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Collaborate with Communications colleagues to plan, develop, and deliver communications products, campaigns, events, stakeholder engagement efforts, and other initiatives, drawing on specialized expertise and established resources as appropriate.
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Reinforce communications best practices, governance expectations, and PNNL style and branding standards across communications activities and deliverables.
Coordination and Communications Effectiveness
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Maintain proactive communication with sector leadership and Communications colleagues regarding priorities, progress, risks, opportunities, and changing needs.
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Identify cross-organizational communications needs, opportunities, risks, and overlaps that require broader coordination or leadership attention.
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Define measures of communications effectiveness, evaluate results, and use insights to improve communications approaches and demonstrate value.
Additional Responsibilities:
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Perform other duties consistent with the scope and level of the position.
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This role may support different areas of the Lab over time as organizational needs and priorities evolve.
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:
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BS/BA and 7+ years of relevant experience -OR-
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MS/MA and 5+ years of relevant experience
Preferred Qualifications:
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Demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships, provide communications guidance, and influence senior leaders and other stakeholders without direct authority.
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Ability to translate organizational priorities, business goals, and complex subject matter into effective communications approaches and compelling content for diverse audiences.
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Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with demonstrated experience developing high-quality communications for executive, scientific, and technical audiences.
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Strong judgment, discretion, and decision-making skills, particularly when navigating sensitive, high-visibility, or high-risk communications matters.
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Demonstrated ability to prioritize competing demands, manage complex communications efforts, and focus resources on the highest-value opportunities in a fast-paced environment.
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Experience planning and executing complex communications initiatives, campaigns, or stakeholder engagement efforts in collaboration with others.
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Experience defining and using metrics or KPIs to evaluate communications effectiveness, inform decisions, and improve results.
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Experience supporting communications in energy, environmental, scientific, engineering, research, or technology-focused organizations.
Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment:
Not Applicable
Testing Designated Position (TDP):
This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).
About PNNL:
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!
At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.
Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity:
Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at
[email protected].
Drug Free Workplace:
PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.
If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.
HSPD-12 PIV Credential Requirement:
As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
For foreign national candidates:
If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.
