Overview

PNNL’s Communications organization is comprised of 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.

Position Overview:

PNNL is seeking a dynamic and visionary strategic communications leader to head our RISE (Recognition in Science and Engineering) Program. This unique opportunity involves spearheading PNNL's high-visibility science awards initiatives, including prestigious recognitions such as the R&D 100 Awards, Federal Laboratory Consortium (FLC) Awards, and nominations to top-tier academies of science. The RISE Program Leader will play a pivotal role in enhancing PNNL's culture of excellence by increasing our win rate for top-level awards and fostering an environment that celebrates and pursues external recognition.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and implement strategies to increase the win rate of top-level science awards, working in collaboration with leaders across PNNL.

• Facilitate award wins across all levels of the organization, ensuring broad participation and recognition.

• Continuously assess and refine award strategies to improve success rates and program effectiveness.

• Stay updated on industry trends and best practices in award management to introduce innovative approaches.

Program Development:

• Establish the RISE Program as a formal and robust program of record within PNNL.

• Lead and steward a RISE committee that reflects the laboratory's research breadth and enables nimble, effective decision-making.

• Develop and update policies and procedures related to the award nomination process to ensure transparency and consistency.

• Manage the award program budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources.

Skill Enhancement:

• Strategically identify and cultivate the skills necessary for winning prestigious awards and preparing competitive nominations.

• Utilize outsourcing, when necessary, and deliberately develop in-house skills that can be nurtured within the laboratory to support the RISE program.

• Implement succession planning and cross-training to ensure skill stability and continuity.

• Mentor and coach staff on preparing effective award nominations.

Cultural Transformation:

• Drive improvement in PNNL's culture regarding the nomination and pursuit of external awards and recognition.

• Undertake efforts to increase institutional understanding of what it takes to win, including placing staff on award committees.

• Promote an inclusive approach to nominations and recognitions, ensuring diversity and representation.

Resource Management:

• Manage the resourcing of Tier 1 award preparations to ensure appropriate resource allocation and high-quality standards.

• Promote a culture of award pursuit by making the nomination process more accessible and rewarding.

• Efficiently allocate resources to support nomination efforts across the Lab.

Communication & Metrics:

• Establish, monitor, and communicate PNNL's performance against appropriate metrics related to awards and recognitions.

• Inform and educate line managers and staff about awards and their roles in the nomination process.

• Elevate recognition of program by communication award achievements through various channels.

• Provide regular reports and analytics to leadership on award program performance.

Knowledge Management:

• Maintain a library of useful materials accessible to all staff, including past submission examples and an inventory/calendar of awards.

• Ensure recognition extends beyond award winners to include nominators and others involved in the process.

• Develop feedback mechanisms to gather input from participants and stakeholders for continuous improvement.

Stakeholder Relations:

• Cultivate strong relationships with awarding bodies and serve as the primary point of contact.

• Build and maintain relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including industry partners and academic institutions.

• Enhance the organization's visibility and influence within the scientific community.

Training and Mentorship:

• Provide guidance and mentorship to staff on preparing effective award nominations.

• Conduct workshops and training sessions to educate staff on the award nomination process and best practices.

• Implement training programs to develop in-house expertise in award submission processes.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA and 9+ years of relevant experience,-OR-

• MS/MA and 7+ years of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proven track record of leading successful award nomination processes or similar initiatives.

• Demonstrated experience in managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders and tight deadlines.

• Familiarity with major science and technology awards and recognition programs.

• Exceptional strategic planning and organizational skills.

• Strong leadership abilities with experience in committee stewardship and cross-functional team management.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to cultivate relationships across a diverse organization and motivate others toward common goals.

• Strong ability to analyze award criteria and tailor nominations to meet specific requirements.

• Experience in skill development, succession planning, and cultural transformation initiatives.

• Track-record of an taking long-term goals and bringing clarity and structure to deliver program outcomes.

• Demonstrated ability to manage resources effectively and promote a culture of excellence.

Additional Information

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, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Employment Opportunity

Our laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In support of this commitment, we encourage people of all racial/ethnic identities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment.

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.

HSPD-12 PIV Credential Requirement

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.

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 (https://careers.pnnl.gov/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 $121,100.00/Yr.

Maximum Salary

USD $191,400.00/Yr.