Communications Specialist, National Security Sciences

Overview

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking an early career writer and content creator who is passionate about contributing to critical national security missions. The position resides in ORNL’s Science and Technology Communications Office and is part of a team of experienced communicators embedded with the National Security Sciences Directorate (NSSD). The ideal candidate will have experience in writing and developing a variety of content and communication products (such as presentations, fact sheets, social media, web content, and video).

NSSD provides focused expertise and integrates ORNL’s capabilities to deliver science‑based solutions that bolster our nation’s capabilities, strengthen our allies and partners, and ensure a prosperous global future.

The directorate addresses challenges such as cyber‑physical attacks, disaster recovery, nuclear proliferation and supply chain vulnerabilities by capitalizing on ORNL’s unique scientific assets to deliver real‑world solutions that protect the people, infrastructure, and economy of the United States.

NSSD’s communications team is made up of experienced and skilled writers, graphic artists, and strategic communications experts who are passionate about telling the stories of this critical work. The team is proud to support NSSD researchers as they pursue science‑based solutions to some of the nation’s most difficult challenges and is seeking an innovative colleague to bring new ideas to storytelling and expand its communications portfolio.

• Interact with researchers and communications colleagues to produce timely, interesting, and compelling communications products that demonstrate the mission‑critical impact of the research.
• Convey the importance of the work in NSSD to multiple audiences, including DOE, congressional staffers, scientists, national security sponsors, the ORNL employee community, and the public.
• Create content such as feature articles, social media posts, website and newsletter content, marketing content, video scripts, and internal communications products that align with strategic plans.
• Work under supervision from the NSSD Communications Lead and in collaboration with other team members to provide needed support and products.
• Work with graphic designers, animators, photographers, and video producers to develop attractive and high‑visual‑impact materials.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

• BS degree in communications, English, journalism, public relations, marketing, or related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience producing communications products for general audiences.
• Excellent reading, writing, and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to assist the team in developing communications projects from concept to completion within deadlines.

• Ability to organize and analyze information from various scientific and technical sources, including interviews with subject matter experts and review of published papers, to produce content in concise and approachable language without loss of technical meaning.
• Experience creating web and social media content, including with content management systems such as Drupal, Word Press, SharePoint, and/or Sprout Social.
• Video production and editing skills.
• Communications experience in a research institution or national security setting.

• Q clearance with SCI:
  This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre‑placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program. In addition, due to the SCI, you may also be subject to random polygraph testing.

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has…