Strategic Communications Professional

Senior Communications ProfessionalPacific 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.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.PNNL's Communications organization is committed to elevating PNNL's reputation, inspiring action, and engaging audiences by transforming the Lab's science, mission, and impact into influential communications and compelling stories.We are seeking a senior communications professional who advises leaders, shapes communications priorities, and develops and executes integrated communications strategies that advance organizational objectives. This role combines strategic communications, planning and execution, and leadership engagement to support sector priorities while reinforcing enterprise communications strategies and standards.You will serve as the aligned communicator for the Electricity Infrastructure sector, partnering with leaders to translate organizational priorities into strategic communications for diverse audiences. Working with teammates across Communications, you will lead and execute executive messaging, strategic initiatives, campaigns, events, stakeholder engagement efforts, and other high-visibility communications activities.Key Responsibilities:Establish and maintain trusted relationships with sector leaders, researchers, communicators, and key stakeholders.Serve as the aligned communicator for the Electricity Infrastructure Sector, translating sector priorities and business goals into communications strategies, plans, and deliverables that align with directorate, sponsor, and enterprise objectives.Provide communications counsel to senior leaders and develop high-visibility content, including presentations, talking points, reports, leadership correspondence, and other communications.Proactively identify communications opportunities, risks, emerging issues, and barriers to success; recommend and implement appropriate communications approaches and solutions.Communications Planning, Content, and ExecutionDevelop and execute integrated communications strategies and plans, managing priorities, scope, resources, and budget to support organizational objectives.Create compelling communications content for a range of audiences, channels, and purposes, translating complex scientific, technical, and organizational information into clear and effective narratives.Collaborate with Communications colleagues to plan, develop, and deliver communications products, campaigns, events, stakeholder engagement efforts, and other initiatives, drawing on specialized expertise and established resources as appropriate.Reinforce communications best practices, governance expectations, and PNNL style and branding standards across communications activities and deliverables.Coordination and Communications EffectivenessMaintain proactive communication with sector leadership and Communications colleagues regarding priorities, progress, risks, opportunities, and changing needs.Identify cross-organizational communications needs, opportunities, risks, and overlaps that require broader coordination or leadership attention.Define measures of communications effectiveness, evaluate results, and use insights to improve communications approaches and demonstrate value.Additional Responsibilities:Perform other duties consistent with the scope and level of the position.This role may support different areas of the Lab over time as organizational needs and priorities evolve.Minimum Qualifications:BS/BA and 7+ years of relevant experience -OR-MS/MA and 5+ years of relevant experiencePreferred Qualifications:Demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships, provide communications guidance, and influence senior leaders and other stakeholders without direct authority.Ability to translate organizational priorities, business goals, and complex subject matter into effective communications approaches and compelling content for diverse audiences.Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with demonstrated experience developing high-quality communications for executive, scientific, and technical audiences.Strong judgment, discretion, and decision-making skills, particularly when navigating sensitive, high-visibility, or high-risk communications matters.Demonstrated ability to prioritize competing demands, manage complex communications efforts, and focus resources on the highest-value opportunities in a fast-paced environment.Experience planning and executing complex communications initiatives, campaigns, or stakeholder engagement efforts in collaboration with others.Experience defining and using metrics or KPIs to evaluate communications effectiveness, inform decisions, and improve results.Experience supporting communications in energy, environmental, scientific, engineering, research, or technology-focused organizations.