Nuclear Energy Communications Manager

Idaho National Laboratory is seeking a Nuclear Energy Communications Manager to lead strategic communications supporting the nation's leading nuclear energy research laboratory.

Reporting to the Communications Director, this leader will oversee a team of communications professionals responsible for advancing understanding of INL's nuclear energy mission among employees, government leaders, industry, academia, media and the public. The team supports world-class research and operations across INL's Nuclear Science and Technology directorate, the Materials and Fuels Complex, the Advanced Test Reactor Complex, and nationally recognized programs including the Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN), the National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC), the Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) and other strategic initiatives.

This position combines people leadership, communications strategy and scientific storytelling. The successful candidate will partner closely with laboratory executives, researchers and operational leaders to translate complex science and engineering into clear, credible communications that strengthen INL's reputation and support its mission to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.

As a manager, you will build and develop a high-performing communications team while helping shape enterprise communications strategy during one of the most significant periods of growth and innovation in nuclear energy.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of communications professionals supporting nuclear science research, operations and national programs, establishing priorities, coaching employees and fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Serve as the strategic communications advisor to senior laboratory leadership across Nuclear Science and Technology, the Materials and Fuels Complex, the Advanced Test Reactor Complex, and associated national programs.
• Develop and execute integrated communications strategies supporting laboratory priorities, scientific accomplishments, major operational milestones, research initiatives and executive communications.
• Partner with scientists, engineers and operational leaders to translate complex technical topics into compelling communications for employees, government stakeholders, industry partners, media and public audiences.
• Ensure communications products accurately represent technical information while aligning with laboratory priorities, DOE expectations and organizational messaging.
• Oversee development of strategic communications plans, executive messaging, media engagement, digital content, employee communications, presentations, publications and other communications products supporting assigned organizations.
• Establish priorities across multiple customers and competing initiatives, balancing long-term strategic work with emerging operational and executive needs.
• Build trusted relationships with laboratory leadership and serve as a communications advisor during significant research announcements, operational activities, issues management and other high-visibility initiatives.
• Partner across the Communications organization - including media relations, digital communications, internal communications, creative services and stakeholder engagement - to deliver integrated communications supporting laboratory objectives.
• Identify opportunities to improve communications effectiveness through analytics, audience insights, AI-enabled tools and continuous process improvement.
• Manage budgets, workforce planning, resource allocation and operational performance for the organization.
• Ensure communications activities comply with laboratory policies, security requirements and applicable DOE guidance.
• Support emergency communications activities, including participation in the Emergency Operations Center or Joint Information Center as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in communications, journalism, public relations, English, marketing, organizational communication or a related discipline and five (5) years of experience in nuclear energy communications. Degrees in science, engineering or other technical fields are also considered relevant when combined with professional communications leadership experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading communications strategy within a complex scientific, technical, government or highly regulated organization.
• Experience managing communications professionals and developing high-performing teams.
• Exceptional writing, editing and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical information for diverse audiences.
• Experience advising senior leaders and building productive partnerships with technical subject matter experts.
• Strong organizational, strategic planning and project management skills.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE "L" security clearance.

  The Ideal Candidate Will Possess

• Experience supporting nuclear energy, national laboratories, DOE, engineering, research or other science-based organizations.
• Experience developing communications strategies supporting large, multidisciplinary organizations.
• Knowledge of media relations, executive communications, employee communications and digital communications.
• Demonstrated ability to balance multiple high-priority initiatives in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience communicating during significant operational activities, emerging issues or crisis situations.
• Familiarity with AI-enabled communications tools and data-informed communications planning.
• A collaborative leadership style with strong emotional intelligence, sound judgment and the ability to influence across organizational boundaries.

Job Information

The target pay range for this position is ($104,649-$160,458) annually.

The full pay range is grade 520 ($93,840 - $225,180). At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in an office and field/laboratory environment. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job-related equipment and driving a vehicle. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with people is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits and Relocation

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match (regular positions) or self-contribute access (postdoctoral positions)
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance for eligible positions)
• Comprehensive Relocation Package
• Benefit eligibility subject to multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

At this time, BEA will not sponsor any H1-B visas obtained outside of the United States of America (U.S.A.), including consular visas.

INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 6,300 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

INL Mission:

Our mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.

INL Vision:

Our vision is to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

Selective Service Requirements:

To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation:

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Other Information:

When applying to positions please provide a resume and answer all questions on the following screens. Applicants, who fail to provide a resume or answer the questions, may be deemed ineligible for consideration.