Digital Communications Specialist

Requisition Id16212

Overview:

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a Digital Media Specialist to support the Biological and Environmental Systems Science Directorate (BESSD). This position resides within the Digital Communications Group in the Communications and Community Engagement Directorate and works in close partnership with BESSD communicators, researchers, and leadership to advance the directorate's digital presence.

The selected candidate will support the planning, creation, and execution of digital content across ORNL's web and social platforms, with a focus on highlighting BESSD research breakthroughs and staff achievements. Responsibilities include developing short-form video, contributing to web content, and supporting social media execution. The role requires strong storytelling skills, attention to detail, and the ability to translate complex scientific topics into clear, audience-focused digital products.

BESSD advances understanding of natural systems and provides innovative solutions to critical challenges in energy, environment, and health. Researchers expand scientific understanding and develop new strategies to support productive, resilient ecosystems and informed decision-making for energy and infrastructure. Scientists develop biotechnology and engineer complex biological systems that benefit the environment and strengthen energy security, American competitiveness, and economic prosperity.

The Digital Communications Group leads the strategy, governance, and execution of ORNL's web and social media presence, including stewardship of ornl.gov, editorial planning, and performance measurement through analytics and SEO. This role contributes to delivering high-quality, consistent digital content that aligns with ORNL's brand, accessibility standards, and strategic priorities, while supporting a cohesive and effective digital experience across the enterprise.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Conceptualize, shoot, and produce short-form videos optimized for social media platforms.
• Develop video and campaign concepts that highlight BESSD research, capabilities, facilities, and partnerships in formats designed for digital engagement.
• Collaborate with researchers, technical staff, and communicators to translate complex science topics into visually compelling and accurate multimedia content.
• Edit video content using professional editing software, incorporating graphics, captions, motion elements, and branding consistent with ORNL standards.
• Identify trends and platform best practices to improve content performance, audience engagement, and shareability.
• Develop and manage BESSD's social media content strategy in alignment with enterprise communications priorities, including editorial planning, content scheduling, and platform optimization.
• Publish and manage BESSD social media content across relevant platforms; monitor performance metrics and use data-driven insights to refine content strategy and improve engagement.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for BESSD digital media strategy, ensuring consistent messaging, brand alignment, and coordination with enterprise-level accounts.
• Develop, update, and maintain web content optimized for performance in generative search environments and evolving AI-driven discovery platforms.
• Collaborate with leadership, subject matter experts, and communications staff to ensure accuracy, clarity, and consistency across digital materials.
• Maintain organized digital asset libraries and ensure proper archiving of multimedia materials.
• Work collaboratively within the Digital Media Team to align BESSD content with enterprise communications standards and priorities.
• Comply with environment, safety, health, and quality requirements and uphold laboratory values and ethics.
• Align behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace - in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• BSdegree in communications, multimedia journalism, digital media, film production, marketing, or related field with two to four years' relevant experience.
• Experience coordinating multi-stakeholder digital projects.
• Demonstrated proficiency in video production workflows, including filming, lighting, audio capture, and post-production editing.
• Experience creating social media content designed for engagement and platform optimization.
• Demonstrated experience managing organizational social media accounts, including content planning, publishing workflows, and performance analysis.
• Strong visual storytelling skills and the ability to communicate complex technical topics to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated experience applying effective web design practices that enhance usability and engagement within a CMS.
• Ability to work directly with senior leaders and technical subject matter experts in a deadline-driven environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to visual detail and brand consistency.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a research institution, national laboratory, university, or technology-focused organization.
• Experience using social media analytics and reporting tools to evaluate performance and inform strategic content decisions.
• Experience supporting communications for high-visibility leadership engagements, such as congressional briefings or sponsor reviews.

Visa Sponsorship: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.
• For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required.
• Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.
• 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.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation's most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email:ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.