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.
We are seeking a Senior Administrative Coordinator who thrives on bringing order to complexity. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys building systems, creating structure, and keeping fast-moving organizations operating efficiently. You'll partner closely with Communications leadership to coordinate priorities, manage competing demands, improve administrative processes, and ensure critical work moves forward with precision.
If you're energized by organization, love solving logistical puzzles, and take pride in making teams more effective, we'd love to hear from you.
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:
Responsibilities
The Communications Division operates in a dynamic, rapidly evolving environment supporting Laboratory leadership, major initiatives, and high-profile communications activities. As a Senior Administrative Coordinator, you will serve as a trusted operational partner who anticipates needs, manages competing priorities, and develops efficient systems that enable leaders and teams to focus on strategic work.
The successful candidate enjoys creating order from complexity. They naturally build systems to organize work, anticipate needs before they arise, and ensure that commitments don't fall through the cracks. They are energized by helping leaders and teams operate more efficiently and take pride in delivering consistently accurate, high-quality work.
Key Responsibilities
The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:
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Independently manage complex administrative responsibilities while exercising sound judgment, discretion, and exceptional attention to detail.
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Coordinate multiple competing priorities across leaders and teams, ensuring critical work stays organized, visible, and on schedule.
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Develop, implement, and continuously improve administrative systems, workflows, and tracking tools that increase efficiency, consistency, and accountability.
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Serve as a central coordination point for organizational activities, proactively identifying dependencies, risks, deadlines, and follow-up actions.
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Manage complex calendars by anticipating priorities, resolving conflicts, and balancing changing business needs.
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Assemble, research, and prepare background materials for meetings, presentations, travel, and executive engagements.
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Monitor action items and commitments, following through to ensure deliverables are completed accurately and on time.
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Draft, proofread, and edit correspondence, presentations, reports, and other communications with a high degree of professionalism.
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Coordinate meetings, workshops, interviews, visitor logistics, and organizational events, both virtual and in person.
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Arrange domestic and international travel, manage travel documentation and expense reporting, and resolve travel issues as they arise.
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Perform purchasing and other administrative business processes in accordance with Laboratory policies.
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Identify administrative inefficiencies and recommend practical improvements that strengthen organizational operations and customer service.
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Partner effectively with administrative colleagues across the Laboratory to ensure seamless support and coverage.
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:
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High school diploma/GED and 8 years of relevant experience in an administrative environment -OR-
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AA degree or higher and 6 years of relevant experience in an administrative environment.
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Experience in planning meetings and coordinating travel
Preferred Qualifications:
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Demonstrated success supporting senior leaders in a fast-paced, highly dynamic organization.
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Exceptional organizational and task management skills, with the ability to manage numerous concurrent priorities while maintaining accuracy.
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Demonstrated ability to develop systems, workflows, trackers, or other organizational tools that improve efficiency and execution.
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Strong project coordination skills, including monitoring deadlines, dependencies, follow-up actions, and deliverables.
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Excellent judgment in prioritizing competing requests and adjusting quickly as priorities evolve.
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Outstanding attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.
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Extensive working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Teams, Outlook, and video conferencing applications.
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Experience managing complex calendars and coordinating executive schedules.
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
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Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build productive relationships across all levels of the organization.
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Demonstrated initiative, resourcefulness, and a continuous improvement mindset.
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Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
Additional Information:
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.
