Overview:
Communications 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.
Rockstar Rewards:
Employees 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.
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Responsibilities:
As an internal communications specialist for PNNL, you will strategically orchestrate and optimize crafted, targeted, and impactful messages tailored to diverse stakeholders, ensuring alignment with organizational outcomes and leveraging advanced communication tools and methodologies. Our commitment is to elevate the lab's culture, promote effective information flow, and contribute to the overall success of the Lab through seamless and efficient communication strategies. This pivotal role involves driving effective communication strategies that support Computing and Information Technology initiatives throughout the Lab. The successful candidate will be a seasoned communications professional with a proven ability to translate complex technology and platforms into clear, engaging messages. This position offers a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of shaping messaging for the Computing and Information Technology team and beyond.
We seek a savvy communications professional to build strategies, campaigns, and communication products for PNNL’s digital transformation efforts. In this role, you will partner closely with digital transformation leaders to understand technology changes and new features and execute employee-facing communications that maximize employee awareness and adoption. The successful candidate is a strategic thinker, exploring new ways to tell and present information for maximum impact, thrives under deadlines, and quickly delivers succinct and effective products.
- Develop and implement comprehensive communication plans that articulate branding, objectives, benefits, and impacts
- Use strategic thinking, planning, and project management skills to conceptualize and execute highly impactful internal communications plans to help meet and communicate Lab-wide technology launches, visibility campaigns, and events
- Create textured communication materials to support strategic initiatives, including emails, newsletters, videos, presentations, and other relevant collateral
- Translate digital tools and features to a diverse, non-technical audience
- Develop communication toolkits and resources to create strategic outcomes
- Engage with key stakeholders to understand perspectives, concerns, and feedback
- Provide strategic and tactical counsel and guidance to leaders for their Lab-wide messaging needs, primarily supporting PNNL’s Communications and Information Technology directorate
- Collaborate with Communications colleagues to deliver relevant information to all audiences through appropriate channels, focusing on timeliness, efficiency, and quality
- Have the ability and passion to learn and use digital workplace technologies to catalyze new ways of work
- Build trust and meaningful relationships with Lab leadership and staff
- Regularly assess and report on communication outcomes, making data-driven adjustments as needed
- Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of communication strategies
- Analyze engagement trends and pivot as needed
Accountabilities:
- Serve on a team of communications professionals contributing to a broad spectrum of projects across the Communications Division
- Create and implement strategic internal communication plans for Lab-wide initiatives
- Work independently and within cross-functional teams, including writers, editors, designers, photographers, programmers, developers, internal clients, and project managers
- Improve existing communication channels that inform and resonate with all audiences
- Possess a deep understanding of industry trends applied to modern communications approaches
- Exhibit excellence in all areas of customer service
- Use the division’s Jira-based workflow system to record assignments, monitor progress, and route work
- Interact positively and professionally with all levels of reviewers, effectively resolving conflicts and building consensus at every step in the revision process while ensuring accuracy, consistency, and quality of the final product
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:
- BS/BA and 5 years of relevant work experience -OR-
- MS/MA and 3 years of relevant work experience
Preferred Qualifications:
- Strategic thinker with the ability to align communication strategies with organizational objectives
- Preferred experience and proficiency in developing strategic communications plans with diverse campaigns and deliverables
- Demonstrated success consulting and working effectively with leadership within a large organization
- Diplomacy, listening skills, and a consultative mindset
- Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills
- Adaptable and comfortable navigating through ambiguity
- Results-oriented with a focus on achieving measurable outcomes
Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment:
Not Applicable.
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, 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 Opportunity:
Our 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 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:
In 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.