Integrated Communications Team Leader

Requisition Id 13585 

 

Overview:

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a Team Leader to support a staff of science writers on the Lab’s Integrated Communications Team, as well as write and produce a wide array of communications deliverables. The position is a great opportunity for a communications professional to move into a management role while maintaining the capacity to write and create.

 

The team leader will supervise a portion of the staff, providing oversight and guidance on policies, procedures, and lab directives, as well as training and development opportunities. The team leader will also partner with the Communications leads from each Science & Technology directorate to ensure science writers have what they need to complete tasks and projects in a high-quality, timely manner within budget and to each customer’s satisfaction.

 

The successful candidate will join more than 120 professionals in the Lab’s Communications and Community Engagement Directorate.

 

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

 

Supervisory Role:

• Supervise and lead a staff of 7-10 science writers and communications professionals, which may include full-time exempt staff, subcontract writers and interns.
• Help staff set specific, measurable and timely goals each year. Provide counsel on developing appropriate career development plans, seeking meaningful training, and securing opportunities to develop and use new skills. Evaluate staff performance twice a year, provide constructive feedback and guidance, and address areas for improvement.
• Meet regularly with staff in scheduled check-ins to determine bandwidth, provide guidance and address any concerns.
• Partner with Communications leads within each Science & Technology Directorate to recruit, hire and onboard new communications professionals.
• Ensure team members comply with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
• Maintain a strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics.

Writer Role:

• As central writer, interview subject matter experts and write a variety of communications deliverables, such as scientific news releases, feature stories, internal announcements, web content, video and live scripts, talking points and campaign strategies.
• Collaborate with other members of the Creative Services Directorate, including graphic designers, photographers and editors to produce high-quality communications deliverables.

Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace- in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

 

Basic Qualifications:

• A BS/BA degree in communications, journalism, English, a science, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience producing communications products for general audiences. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience as a science communicator at a DOE national laboratory and experience managing communications professionals are strongly preferred.
• Proven skills in leadership, including strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to handle staff concerns and issues effectively, tactfully and equitably.
• Ability to work collegially and professionally with all levels of researchers, scientists, industry partners, and lab managers to support projects, budgets, and business needs.
• Experience writing for general audiences about scientific/technical subjects; scientific/technical reading, writing, and editing skills; experience in social media, development of web content, and project management; excellent attention to