Group Leader, Technical Communications

Requisition Id15912

We are seeking a dynamic Technical Communications Group Leader to oversee a talented team of technical writers, editors, and electronic publishers. In this leadership role, you will be responsible for guiding the team as they rewrite, edit, and format a diverse range of publications – including technical reports, scientific journal articles, funding proposals, manuals, presentations, and procedural documents – for both internal and external stakeholders.

You will provide expert project management, ensuring that every project is delivered with exceptional quality, on time, within budget, and to the satisfaction of our customers. This position is ideal for a proactive leader who excels in a creative, detail-oriented environment and is committed to delivering compelling technical communications. This position resides in the Communications and Community Engagement Directorate, External Communications Division.

• Manage and lead a team of technical writers, editors, and electronic publishers.
• Collaborate with the External Communications Division leadership, including working closely with the division director, to ensure strong coordination in helping ORNL effectively communicate with key stakeholders.
• Work with Research and Development leaders and staff to identify and implement ways Technical Communications can support R&D staff through editing and writing to increase publication of high-quality technical and scientific communication products.
• Support development of resources for ORNL staff related to communicating science to peers and the public.
• Hire and train new editors to support group's increasing workload and expanding roles.
• Help staff set and meet goals.
• Advise staff on career development, identify appropriate training, and give opportunities to build and use new skills.
• Evaluate staff performance, provide constructive feedback and guidance, and address areas for improvement.
• Work with other related support organizations across the lab to provide the best communications–and publishing-related resources, tools, and training possible.
• Be actively engaged in directorate committees and working groups.
• Personally edit, write, and revise scientific and technical documents.
• Maintain awareness of emerging trends and technologies in publishing, business, and technical communications as part of continuously improving and modernizing the technical communications function.

• BS degree in communications, journalism, English, or a science and at least 10 years of experience in technical writing and editing or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Some level of management or comparable experience.
• Significant experience as an editor and technical writer with an extensive knowledge of editorial standards and styles, to include intimate familiarity with standard style guides (especially the Chicago Manual of Style and scientific style guides such as ACS), polished writing skills, and general knowledge of science and technology.
• Above‑average knowledge of standard word‑processing programs.
• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines; be comfortable working both independently and with all levels of researchers and staff in a team‑based environment; and have strong skills in solving problems and developing and implementing solutions.
• Excellent attention to detail; the ability to understand, follow, and implement complex instructions; strong organizational skills, including the ability to simultaneously handle multiple assignments; and excellent verbal communication skills.
• Ability to effectively interact with all levels of researchers, scientists, industry partners, and lab managers and leadership concerning projects, budgets, and support needs in a professional manner.

• MS degree in communications, journalism, English, or a science.
• Skills in leadership including good interpersonal skills and the ability to handle staff concerns and issues effectively and tactfully.
• Outstanding project‑management skills to allow appropriate assignment of jobs, oversight of processes, and coordination with other directorate and lab…