Job Description (show details...)

Summary

Responsible for a wide variety of internal and external communications activities, strategic and tactical, conceptual and deliverable. Attains measurable results and improves continuously.

Considered an expert. Has wide-ranging experience, uses best practices to resolve complex issues in creative and effective ways. Has a sophisticated understanding of Laboratory objectives, organizational relationships inside and outside the Laboratory, and highly developed interpersonal skills. Adept at solving a wide range of complex problems. Frequently innovates and contributes to the development of new and improved approaches. Works well independently. Work products generally require little if any rework. Actively attaining management and leadership skills. May direct or coordinate activities of other personnel. Effective at giving and receiving coaching and constructive criticism. Typically requires at least eight years of related experience.

Job Duties

1. Safety and security are a primary responsibility for all Laboratory employees. Maintains required safety and security training, assures safety and security compliance, and makes safety and security an integral part of every task, including taking the necessary steps to stop work if continuing the job is unsafe or compromises security.
2. Contributes articles to employee publications and other media, including the Laboratory Web site variously conceiving, writing, editing, securing approvals.
3. Plans internal and external communications programs and campaigns.
4. Contributes ideas and work products to help achieve Labwide communications plan.
5. Plans and writes news releases.
6. Develops responses to media inquiries and questions or requests from the general public.
7. Speaks and writes on behalf of the Laboratory as required.
8. Writes and contributes to position papers and white papers.
9. Contributes to and draws from CGA database.
10. Contributes to executive communications plans, products, and feedback mechanisms.
11. Conceives and executes marketing communications products as required.
12. Coordinates, as appropriate, with the Government Affairs Office.
13. Coordinates as appropriate with NNSA and other customers.
14. Helps anticipate and manage public affairs and employee issues.
15. Learns, uses, and teaches others to use CGA issue management tools.
16. Participates in emergency and crisis communications preparedness and execution.
17. Researches and applies best practices to his or her work.
18. Understands and adheres to applicable Laboratory and regulatory guidance and governance.
19. Ensures that all work processes and products meet established requirements.
20. Fosters a mutually respectful work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment.

Job Knowledge

• Outstanding writing and editing skills
• Excellent oral communications abilities
• Ability to translate technical concepts and material into compelling and persuasive communications products
• Sound knowledge of business practices
• Sound knowledge of the news business
• Sound knowledge of marketing communications practices
• Degree in communications, journalism, English, business--or equivalent experience
• Relevant communications experience in corporate, government, university, or journalistic settings
• Good computer skills
• Working knowledge of the World Wide Web

Desired Traits:

• Demonstrates mature judgment
• Meets commitments
• Takes initiative
• Strategic outlook
• Precision
• Strives for continuous improvement
• Demonstrates appropriate assertiveness
• Works collaboratively
• Effectively organizes and manages multiple critical activities
• Effectively gives and receives feedback
• Adheres to CGA's behavioral covenants

Education

• Position typically requires a bachelor’s degree and a minimum eight years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.  Graduate degree or postgraduate coursework may be desirable.

Direction

A. Supervision Received

• Receives functional and operational direction from manager 4.

B. Supervision Exercised

• Provides functional and operational direction to the work of administrative or matrixed personnel, if assigned.

C. Contacts

• Maintains regular contact with internal customers, external customers, Laboratory management, Communications Office colleagues, journalists, and editors.

This description is not intended to be a complete statement of every aspect of the position, but rather to act as a guide to the essential functions to be performed. Assigned functions of this job may vary, and other duties and responsibilities may be assigned or changed at the discretion of management.