Communications Specialist

Paid time off, tuition assistance, 401(k)

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is seeking a Communications Specialist with a passion for scientific research and storytelling to support the Energy & Environment Science and Technology (EES&T) directorate. As a Communications Specialist, you will work closely with scientists and engineers to translate their research for both technical and non-technical audiences. We’re also looking for someone equally comfortable working with C‑Suite executives and rolling up their sleeves to ensure every project detail is covered.

You will work a 9/80 schedule with every other Friday off. This position will be ONSITE in Idaho Falls.

In this role you will report to the Communications Manager, Energy and Environment Science & Technology.

• Manage internal directorate communications, including our newsletter and website
• Create monthly presentations and reports for government stakeholders
• Lead our social media calendar
• Coordinate story development, routing, and review processes
• Develop and/or oversee the creation of internal and external communication efforts or products.
• Consult on standard methodologies for sharing the organization's successes to help its experts create and tailor their messages to effectively reach target audiences.
• Prepare messaging for target audiences, choose effective communications channels, and refine messages to optimize performance. Ensure alignment with INL and DOE expectations regarding branding, messaging, awareness, and approvals.
• Create feature stories and news releases, an array of informational products (e.g., website(s) and web content, newsletters, social media, videos, fact sheets, annual reports, special reports, images, topical PowerPoint presentations, FAQs, and talking points), special event planning, and activities designed to create internal and external business awareness. May maintain digital content calendar, and schedule posts for social media and INL website, that ensure INL engages in relevant discussions.
• Partner with subject matter experts to develop comprehensive reports for the public, industry, and critical stakeholders. Ensure technical documents follow appropriate style (i.e., APA, etc.).
• Provide specialized training to employees on developing appropriate messaging to various audiences. Advise employees and managers about how to conduct interviews with the news media, stakeholders, and customers.
• Advise leadership on strategy and solutions for achieving the organization's outreach goals. Counsel the senior leadership team on all matters with respect to public engagement, crisis communication, and government affairs.
• Manage multiple deliverables simultaneously and anticipate short-, medium-, and long-term communication needs.
• Develop and sustain working relationships with public affairs counterparts across the laboratory, customer agencies, private industry, academia, and state, regional, and federal elected officials.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Level 2:
  Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a relevant field and 2 years of experience or a Masters degree.
• Level 3:
  Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a relevant field and 5 years of experience or a Masters degree and 2 years of experience.
• Relevant experience commensurate with level which includes prior communications experience.
• Experience in writing skills, familiarity with AP Style, and excellent oral, digital, social media, and visual communications skills.
• Depending on work location, qualify as a Radiological Worker I to gain unescorted access to most of the Nuclear and Radiological facilities.
• Depending on work location, qualify for and maintain a position within the INL's Emergency Operations Center or Joint Information Center.

• Previous experience with science or engineering public communication.
• Experience and knowledge of nuclear energy.

The pay range for this position is:
Level 2 ($57,444-$112,068) / Level 3 ($66,504-$136,356). At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in an office environment. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires the operation of office equipment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds with assistance.

Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with people is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer…