Science Communications Manager

Argonne National Laboratory is hiring a Science Communications Manager to support the lab’s Physical Sciences and Engineering (PSE) area. The individual will join a small team that carries out internal and external communications for areas including chemistry, nuclear physics, high energy physics, materials science and nanoscience.

The successful candidate will tell the stories of Argonne science through digital media, develop and execute communications plans and products, support events for laboratory staff and the public, advise and support researchers as they seek to communicate their successes, and more. The Manager is responsible for translating complex scientific and technical topics for a variety of audiences from the general public to Ph.D. researchers. Additional communications products include e-newsletters, PowerPoint presentations, talking points, website content, social media content, press releases, feature articles, and other content that reports Argonne research to peers, sponsors and other stakeholders.

As a member of the lab’s Communications and Public Affairs division, the Science Communications Manager is part of a team dedicated to sharing stories from across the lab’s scientific and technical areas. They leverage the expertise of teams of graphic designers, video producers, photographers, media relations professionals, web and social media experts, and event coordinators to support the needs of the PSE organization.

Primary Activities:

Reporting to the Head of Communications for Physical Sciences and Engineering, support the implementation of the organization’s annual strategic communications plan.

Understand the work of the research in the PSE area, its key priorities, objectives, sponsors and partners. Build relationships with researchers and leaders within the area.

Write a variety of communications such as news releases, social media posts, internal memos, talking points, content for web and PowerPoint presentations, etc.

Coordinate with Public Information Officers at other institutions on articles and news releases.

Support internal and external events as needed.

Track and report key metrics that guide effective communications strategies.

Ensure that communications products align with overall laboratory messaging and branding.

Seek opportunities to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of Argonne communications.

Position Requirements

Demonstrated expertise in the delivery of clear and concise communication to internal and external audiences, using traditional and digital means of delivery.

Ability to translate scientific and technical content for audiences with varying backgrounds, interests, and levels of understanding, focusing on the impact of the work in real-world terms.

Writing skills in a variety of formats, in varying levels of formality, with strategic attention to tone.

Success in delivering measurable results (increased awareness, higher client satisfaction, increased engagement, etc.).

Client service mindset, able to attune to and clarify objectives and goals of researchers and leadership.

Deadline driven, highly responsive and organized with strong attention to detail.

Passion for the mission and Core Values of Argonne National Laboratory: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork.

A background in the physical sciences is preferred.

Hybrid Schedule: This position requires a hybrid schedule, blending on-site and remote work; on-site presence will be required at the Argonne campus in Lemont, Illinois 1-3 days each week.

Job Family

Professional Administrative (PA)

Job Profile

Communications/Marketing 4

Worker Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time

As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. In support of this commitment, Argonne encourages minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment. Argonne considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonnes Legal Department.

All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.