Research Communications Professional

OverviewCommunications creates and provides strategic communications to the Laboratory’s internal and external stakeholders and collaborators. It sets and implements a cohesive strategy to amplify the visibility of PNNL's research and develops standards and efforts that communicate PNNL’s value proposition. In doing so, Communications enhances the Laboratory’s institutional reputation and science and technology agenda. Further, Communications drives employee-focused communications; leads media and outreach to external stakeholders; supports research through robust technical editing, formatting, and graphics support; and protects the Laboratory's reputation through issues management and transparency with news media.PNNL’s Communications organization is comprised of over 100 talented communications professionals committed to elevating PNNL’s reputation, inspiring action, and engaging audiences by transforming the Lab’s science into influential communications and compelling stories.ResponsibilitiesAbout the RoleWe’re seeking an excellent writer and strategic communicator who can collaborate with our broader communications team to drive outcomes for PNNL’s Physical and Computational Sciences research directorate. In this role, you will plan, manage, and execute communications for a variety of projects, campaigns, events, and deliverables.Prime candidates will naturally be able to engage, elevate, and inspire others—core tenets of PNNL’s Communications and External Engagement mission. Engage PNNL stakeholders to foster meaningful connections between them and our science and technology mission and accelerate our impact. Elevate our institutional reputation and impact locally, regionally, nationally, and globally to position PNNL as a leader in mission-driven science and innovation. Inspire 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.Key Responsibilities• Project Management:• Initiate, project manage, and execute communications that further the research directorate’s business goals among specific audiences including but not limited to communications campaigns, event communications, video scripting and production, and website development.• Coordinate across teams—with News and Media, Creative and Editorial Communications, Internal Communications, Institutional Communications, and others—to develop communications strategy and tactics, enforce standard workflows, and carry out best practices for project and event communications.• Content Development:• Interview researchers to better understand their science and its impact.• Write highlights, articles, brochures, summaries, slides, and other communications materials to represent the work, people, and impact of the aligned research directorate.• Develop and update web content for internal and external audiences; identify potential new content; route content for editing and approvals; and stage content using Drupal and/or SharePoint.• Identify source material for prospective social media posts, script social media content, work with the News and Media team on timing, staging, and publishing content.• Create content for use in internal communications, writing content for the internal website, internal newsletters or emails, and for PNNL’s other internal channels.• Communications Planning, Problem Solving, and Tracking:• Contribute to overarching annual communications plans.• Develop smaller, finite communications plans for events, campaigns, and projects.• Set goals for communications efforts and track impact.• Assist your Team Lead in problem solving to remove distractions and barriers to progress; provide strategic direction, context, and clarity to other communicators.• Quality Assurance and Metrics:• Align with and support the PNNL brand through all communications efforts/products.• Collaborate with staff throughout the Communications Division to resource and execute the work, ensure quality, and adhere to brand standards.• Foster transparency and collaboration by communicating often with your teammates and leadership about your communications projects and priorities.Additional Responsibilities• Assist with other event coordination and execution, as needed, across the Research Communications group.• Take on additional work and duties within job family expectations, as assigned by your line manager.QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:• BS/BA and 5+ years of relevant work experience -OR-• MS/MA and 3+ years of relevant work experiencePreferred Qualifications:• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal skills.• Strong project management skills and a familiarity with project management software to track job progress.• Experience developing event communications and motivating audiences towards attendance and engagement.• Experience and proficiency customizing content for multiple audiences.• Prior communications work experience or interest in and capacity to learn any of the following research areas: physical science, computational science, artificial intelligence, data science, energy science, material science, or environmental science.• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively with cross-functional and multidisciplinary teams.• Experience with content management systems, e.g. Drupal, Hubspot, SharePoint.• Intense focus on and commitment to detail and accuracy of work.• Self-directed, with good time management skills the ability to work effectively on multiple simultaneous projects with varying priorities and timelines.• Comfort and familiarity working with scientists and engineers.• Power user of common software (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, Teams).• Metrics-minded, with experience defining and tracking outcomes to prove value of communications efforts.Hazardous Working Conditions/EnvironmentNot ApplicableTesting Designated PositionThis is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).About PNNLPacific 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, flexible work schedules and telework options. 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, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Employment OpportunityOur laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In support of this commitment, we encourage people of all racial/ethnic identities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment.Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), 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 careers@pnnl.gov.Drug Free WorkplacePNNL 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 RequirementIn accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.Mandatory RequirementsPlease be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.Rockstar RewardsEmployees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, 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 401k savings plan. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.• Research Associates excluded.• *Once eligibility requirements are met.Click Here For Rockstar RewardsNotice to ApplicantsPNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.Minimum SalaryUSD $83,200.00/Yr.Maximum SalaryUSD $128,800.00/Yr.