Energy and Environment Communications Professional

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.

PNNL’s Communications organization is comprised of more than 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.

Responsibilities

Job Description

We are seeking a senior-level communicator who can imagine and execute communication strategies that strengthen the understanding, impact, and reach of PNNL’s energy and environment work among select stakeholders. As a point-of-contact, production manager, communications planner, and lead executor for communications in PNNL’s Energy and Environment Directorate (EED), you will pair your experience in communications leadership with your knowledge of the science and stakeholders in the energy and environment domain.

Working with teammates in PNNL’s wider communications division, you will execute communications work that drives reputation and business growth. You will lead or contribute to a variety of communications activities—events, campaigns, tours, visits, promotional opportunities, presentations, etc.—to support EED and its goals internally and externally.

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.

You are a listener, convener, creator, and one who can make sense of numerous—sometimes divergent—ideas, priorities, and requests. You have a passion for strategic communications plus enthusiasm and experience engaging science and industry stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Communications Planning & Execution:

• Develop and execute annual strategic communication plans aligned with EED business goals
• Lead communications efforts for high-profile events and stakeholder visits
• Manage internal and external communications priorities
• Track and report KPIs to demonstrate communications impact

Stakeholder Management:

• Build and maintain relationships with EED leaders and researchers
• Understand and engage with key audiences including funding agencies and external partners
• Work with Protocol team to coordinate high-level stakeholder visits
• Maintain awareness of energy and environment science trends

Content Development:

• Create and manage high-level communications materials including:
• Briefing documents
• Executive presentations
• Talking points
• Reports
• All-staff messages
• Develop content for web, social media, newsletters, and sponsor reports

Project Management:

• Lead cross-functional communications projects
• Use established task management system to track projects and assign work
• Coordinate with broader Communications Division team
• Problem-solve to remove barriers and provide strategic direction

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA and 7+ years of relevant experience -OR-
• MS/MA and 5+ years of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proven track record in strategic communications planning and execution.
• Experience defining and tracking communications KPIs.
• Background in energy efficiency, renewable energy, or sustainable energy communications role; knowledge of stakeholders in these domains.
• Strong executive presence and ability to advise senior executives.
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated expertise in handling sensitive business information.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong project management capabilities.
• Power user of common software (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, Teams); experience with or knowledge of content management systems (Drupal, SharePoint).

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

• Position is on-site at PNNL-Richland in Richland, Washington.
• Some travel may be required (<10%).

Testing Designated Position

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, 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.

Mandatory Requirements

Please 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 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.

Click Here For Rockstar Rewards

Notice to Applicants

PNNL 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 Salary

USD $105,600.00/Yr.

Maximum Salary

USD $163,500.00/Yr.

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