Senior Public Affairs Advisor

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.
Responsibilities
The Senior Public Affairs Advisor leads and manages several lab-level and cross-cutting communications activities at PNNL which are designed to advance and protect the Lab's reputation with stakeholders. We are seeking a highly experienced and dynamic Senior Public Affairs professional with a proven track record in Public Affairs, public relations, media relations, and crisis communications. The successful candidate will play a critical role in developing and implementing strategies to manage our public image, engage with stakeholders, and effectively respond to crises while upholding our organization's values and reputation. The incumbent manages several key relationships outside the Laboratory including those within federal level Public Affairs and communications offices, and representatives in the news media and community. The incumbent also provides counsel to the Chief Communications Officer and interacts with senior laboratory officials.
Key Responsibilities

• Serves as the primary media spokesperson for PNNL
• Tracks breaking news and works across the organization to effectively implement rapid response and crisis communications
• Develops and implements media strategies for various high-level, lab-wide or cross-cutting issues, initiatives and projects, then develops and implements communications strategies and tactics to support and advance them
• Enhances PNNL's thought leadership profile through earned media efforts and works with the communications colleagues to develop and write content for PNNL external channels.
• Crafts clear, compelling messages around nuanced issues to reach key audiences including policymakers and policy influencers
• Through engagement of the media promotes and raises awareness around the mission and work of PNNL
• Integrates media strategies with broader communications efforts by partnering cross-functionally to assist with social media, promoting programs, and disseminating organizational messaging to achieve media coverage
• Cultivates, enhances, and maintains strong relationships with key reporters and stakeholders, including government officials and community leaders, and the media
• Serves as the primary day-to-day liaison with Department of Energy Public Affairs and other federal communications and Public Affairs offices
• Provides communications and Public Affairs advice and counsel to the Laboratory Director (LDO), the Laboratory Leadership Team (LLT), other PNNL leaders, and the Communications leadership team
• Prepares leadership and spokespeople for media interviews, which includes preparing materials, reviewing expectations, and conducting training
• Leads the Communication Division's role in PNNL emergency response activities, including activation of the PNNL Joint Information Center, and serves as the Public Information Officer assigned to the Laboratory's Management Support Group

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA and 11 years of relevant experience -OR-
• MS/MA or higher and 9 years of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience advising C-suite executives on media and crisis issues
• Significant experience in Public Affairs, public relations, or crisis communication, with a proven track record of successfully managing high-stakes situations
• Experience in Public Affairs or communications leadership positions where you have had regular opportunities to convey an organization's vision, strengths, and messages to stakeholders
• Ability to remain calm and strategic under pressure, with strong problem-solving skills
• Possess highly effective interpersonal skills with the ability to develop effective relationships and trust throughout all levels of the organization. Possess a high level of personal and professional integrity, sensitivity, and confidentiality
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a solid foundation in grammar, spelling, and the composition of various communication types
• Knowledge of the Laboratory's mission, vision, strengths and distinguishing factors
• Experience working in a scientific or technical organization, particularly in a national laboratory or other complex research-based organization
• Understanding and familiarity of DOE, the federal budget process, policies that govern and influence the national laboratory system, and other issues and organizations that impact the Laboratory
• Knowledge of digital and social media strategies for Public Affairs and crisis communication
• Expertise in media monitoring, tracking metrics, and utilizing technology platforms to inform strategic direction
• Experience training senior executives for national media interviews, webinars, conferences and podcasts

Additional Information
This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.
Requirements:
* U.S. Citizenship
* Background Investigation: Applicants selected will be subject to a federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance 10 CFR 710, Appendix B.
*Drug Testing: All Security Clearance positions are Testing Designated Positions, which means that the candidate selected is subject to pre-employment and random drug testing. In addition, applicants must be able to demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the requisite Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP).
Note: Applicants will be considered ineligible for security clearance processing by the U.S. Department of Energy until non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 months can be demonstrated.
Testing Designated Position
This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The candidate selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, consistent with the Controlled Substances Act and the PNNL Workplace Substance Abuse Program.
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, flexible work schedules and telework options. 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.
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Minimum Salary
USD $160,000.00/Yr.
Maximum Salary
USD $264,000.00/Yr.