Manager of Internal Communications & Mission Support
Apply NowCompany: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Location: Richland, WA 99352
Description:
Overview
Communications creates and provides strategic communications to the Laboratory's internal and external stakeholders and collaborators. It sets and implements a cohesive strategy to amplify the visibility of PNNL's research and develops standards and efforts that communicate PNNL's value proposition. In doing so, Communications enhances the Laboratory's institutional reputation and science and technology agenda. Further, Communications drives employee-focused communications; leads media and outreach to external stakeholders; supports research through robust technical editing, formatting, and graphics support; and protects the Laboratory's reputation through issues management and transparency with news media.
PNNL's Communications organization comprises over 100 talented communications professionals committed to elevating PNNL's reputation, inspiring action, and engaging audiences by transforming the Lab's science into influential communications and compelling stories.
Responsibilities
Position Overview
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is seeking an exceptional leader to join our organization as Director of Internal Communications & Mission Support (ICMS). This pivotal leadership role will report directly to the Chief Communications Officer and lead a diverse team of communications professionals responsible for creating an integrated, strategic communications ecosystem that drives clarity, engagement, and mission success across PNNL. Your team encompasses both enterprise-wide internal communications and dedicated communications specialists embedded within mission support organizations, working together to transform how PNNL connects with its 6,000+ staff members.
The Ideal Candidate
We're looking for a transformational leader who thrives in complex environments and can balance strategic vision with tactical execution. You should be equally comfortable developing high-level communications strategy and rolling up your sleeves to resolve immediate team challenges. Your leadership style should emphasize clarity, empathy, and accountability.
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Transformation
Strategic Communications
Organizational Development
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment
Not Applicable
Testing Designated Position
This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).
About PNNL
Pacific 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.
Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity
Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov.
Drug Free Workplace
PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.
If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.
Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements
In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
For foreign national candidates:
If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO)risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.
Mandatory Requirements
Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a "country of risk" without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.
Rockstar Rewards
Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, supplemental parental bonding leave**, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401k savings plan. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.
* Research Associates excluded.
**Once eligibility requirements are met.
Click Here For Rockstar Rewards
Notice to Applicants
PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual's relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.
As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.
Minimum Salary
USD $160,100.00/Yr.
Maximum Salary
USD $240,200.00/Yr.
Communications creates and provides strategic communications to the Laboratory's internal and external stakeholders and collaborators. It sets and implements a cohesive strategy to amplify the visibility of PNNL's research and develops standards and efforts that communicate PNNL's value proposition. In doing so, Communications enhances the Laboratory's institutional reputation and science and technology agenda. Further, Communications drives employee-focused communications; leads media and outreach to external stakeholders; supports research through robust technical editing, formatting, and graphics support; and protects the Laboratory's reputation through issues management and transparency with news media.
PNNL's Communications organization comprises over 100 talented communications professionals committed to elevating PNNL's reputation, inspiring action, and engaging audiences by transforming the Lab's science into influential communications and compelling stories.
Responsibilities
Position Overview
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is seeking an exceptional leader to join our organization as Director of Internal Communications & Mission Support (ICMS). This pivotal leadership role will report directly to the Chief Communications Officer and lead a diverse team of communications professionals responsible for creating an integrated, strategic communications ecosystem that drives clarity, engagement, and mission success across PNNL. Your team encompasses both enterprise-wide internal communications and dedicated communications specialists embedded within mission support organizations, working together to transform how PNNL connects with its 6,000+ staff members.
The Ideal Candidate
We're looking for a transformational leader who thrives in complex environments and can balance strategic vision with tactical execution. You should be equally comfortable developing high-level communications strategy and rolling up your sleeves to resolve immediate team challenges. Your leadership style should emphasize clarity, empathy, and accountability.
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- A balanced approach to addressing immediate team concerns while building for the future
- Strong emotional intelligence and ability to navigate team dynamics during change
- Decisive problem-solving skills with a focus on sustainable solutions
- Excellent prioritization abilities and resource management
- A collaborative mindset that fosters partnership across organizational boundaries
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Transformation
- Lead and develop a multifaceted team of communications professionals structured into Enterprise Communications and Directorate Support teams; provide mentorship, professional development, and performance management
- Implement the ICMS vision through strategic integration that enables clear, compelling communication connecting staff to our mission
- Manage team resources effectively, addressing current workload challenges and establishing sustainable practices
- Build strong partnerships with directorate stakeholders, executive leadership, and cross-functional teams
- Serve as a trusted advisor to executives and directors, helping them effectively communicate organizational changes, strategic initiatives, and critical information
Strategic Communications
- Design and implement a comprehensive internal communications strategy with shared editorial calendars, joint campaign development, and coordinated message timing
- Establish and maintain governance mechanisms including monthly all-communicator forums, weekly coordination meetings, quarterly planning sessions, and annual strategy refreshes
- Implement measurable outcomes and analytics to demonstrate value and drive continuous improvement
- Create balanced approaches that maintain enterprise alignment while respecting directorate autonomy and identity
- Transform PNNL's digital workplace through channel governance and optimization that reaches staff effectively while reducing information overload
- Lead crisis communications planning and execution for internal audiences, ensuring timely, transparent information-sharing
Organizational Development
- Transform team structure and processes to enhance performance and reduce resistance to change
- Establish effective governance and coordination mechanisms between enterprise and directorate communications
- Create systems for cross-team collaboration that strengthen collective impact and resource optimization
- Develop a culture of innovation, adaptability, and excellence in communication delivery
- Create opportunities for two-way communication and staff feedback that prioritizes the employee experience
- Implement best practices for engaging a hybrid workforce, with specific strategies for reaching remote, onsite, and field-based employees
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- BS/BA and 10 years of relevant experience -OR-
- MS/MA or higher and 8 years of relevant experience
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience leading transformational change in communications functions within complex organizations
- Demonstrated success implementing strategic communications ecosystems that integrate enterprise and business-level communications
- Experience establishing governance structures and operating models for communications teams
- Proven track record of creating measurable improvements in employee engagement and leadership communication effectiveness
- Strong organizational development skills with experience in balancing standardization with flexibility
- Knowledge of best practices for reducing information overload while maintaining effective communications
- Experience with channel optimization and governance to improve communication effectiveness
- Strong project management skills with ability to prioritize based on organizational impact
- Experience with change management communications and supporting organizational culture initiatives
- Certification in communications, change management, or related field (e.g., IABC, Prosci)
Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment
Not Applicable
Testing Designated Position
This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).
About PNNL
Pacific 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.
Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity
Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov.
Drug Free Workplace
PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.
If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.
Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements
In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
For foreign national candidates:
If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO)risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.
Mandatory Requirements
Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a "country of risk" without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.
Rockstar Rewards
Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, supplemental parental bonding leave**, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401k savings plan. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.
* Research Associates excluded.
**Once eligibility requirements are met.
Click Here For Rockstar Rewards
Notice to Applicants
PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual's relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.
As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.
Minimum Salary
USD $160,100.00/Yr.
Maximum Salary
USD $240,200.00/Yr.