Executive Communications Specialist - Partnerships

The Executive CommunicationsOfficewithin the Communicationsand Community EngagementDirectorateat Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks an experienced communications professional and content creator to support the Partnerships Office with strategic communications, digital storytelling, and integrated marketing initiatives. This position will play a key role in advancing ORNL’s technology transfer, innovation, and economic development mission through compelling written and digital content that engages a wide range of audiences.

The successful candidate will be an agile writer and communicator who is equally comfortable developing written collateral, as well as managing digital communications. This role requires strong project management skills, creative storytelling ability, and experience coordinating communications initiatives from concept through execution.

The ideal candidate will be highly collaborative, capable of working across technical and communications teams, and able to translate complex scientific and technology topics into clear, engaging, and audience‑focused messaging.

Major Duties / Responsibilities

Work closely with the Executive CommunicationsOfficeand Partnerships Communications Lead to provide strategic communications support for the Partnerships Office and related initiatives.

Develop and manage written communications products including presentations, executive talking points, articles, reports, newsletters, feature stories, strategic messaging, and marketing collateral.

Create and manage digital content for websites, social media platforms, email campaigns, and multimedia storytelling efforts.

Support and execute communications campaigns that amplify key Partnerships Office programs and events, including technology transfer initiatives, innovation showcases, entrepreneurship programs, and regional economic development efforts.

Cover events from planning through post‑event communications, including attending events, interviewing participants and stakeholders, gathering visual and written content, developing promotional campaigns, and producing post‑event recaps and updates.

Coordinate website updates and digital communications efforts in collaboration with internal stakeholders and communications teams.

Develop strategic content that supports audience engagement across industry, government, academic, entrepreneurial, and community stakeholders.

Create accessible and audience‑centered content aligned with ORNL branding, messaging, and communication standards.

Manage communications projects and campaigns simultaneously while maintaining strong attention to detail and meeting deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.

Collaborate with communications professionals across ORNL to ensure consistent messaging and coordinated outreach efforts.

Strengthen internal and external branding through high‑quality storytelling and strategic communications execution.

Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with the laboratory’s core values of impact, integrity, teamwork, safety, and service.

Abide by the Safe Conduct of Research principles, including raising safety concerns, maintaining a questioning attitude, and ensuring safe operations.

Basic Qualifications

BS degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, English, or a related field and a minimum of two years of progressive communications experience.

Demonstrated experience producing both long‑form written content and digital communications deliverables.Excellent written, editing, and verbal communications skills with strong attention to detail.

Experience managing digital communications platforms including websites, social media, email marketing systems, and newsletters.

Proficiency with web content management systems, presentation software, analytics tools, and digital communication platforms.

Ability to organize and synthesize information from scientific, technical, and business sources into clear and compelling communications products.

Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively across multidisciplinary teams.

Strong interpersonal skills and confidence to work with senior leaders, executives, researchers, and external stakeholders.

Demonstrated ability to support communications campaigns from concept to completion.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience supporting technology transfer, innovation, entrepreneurship, research partnerships, or economic development initiatives.

Experience planning and executing integrated communications and marketing campaigns.

Experience writing about science, technology, research, or innovation topics.

Experience with SharePoint, WordPress, Drupal, or other enterprise content management systems.

Familiarity with email marketing platforms such as Mailchimp, Emma, or Constant Contact.

Knowledge of accessibility and inclusive communications best practices.

Experience within a national laboratory, research institution, higher education, or federal environment.

Experience developing executive communications materials including presentations, talking points, briefing documents, and strategic messaging.

Photography, video storytelling, or multimedia production experience is a plus.

Special Requirements

Visa sponsorship: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Benefits

Prescription Drug Plan

Dental Plan

Vision Plan

401(k) Retirement Plan

Contributory Pension Plan

Life Insurance

Disability Benefits

Generous Vacation and Holidays

Parental Leave

Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection

Employee Assistance Plan

Flexible Spending Accounts

Health Savings Accounts

Wellness Programs

Educational Assistance

Relocation Assistance

Employee Discounts

Equal Opportunity Statement
ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT‑Battelle is an E‑Verify employer.

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