Chief Communications Officer and Senior Director of Communications and Public Affairs (CPA)

at Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, Illinois, United States

Job Description

Argonne is currently inviting applications for the position of Chief Communications Officer and Senior Director of Communications and Public Affairs (CPA).

Argonne National Laboratory is shaping the future through groundbreaking research and transformative discoveries. We seek an exceptional individual to join us as the Chief Communications Officer (CCO) and Senior Director of Communications and Public Affairs. This key leadership role presents an unparalleled opportunity to shape and fortify Argonne’s standing among diverse stakeholders, including the Department of Energy, national laboratories, academia, industry, Chicagoland communities, and the broader scientific community worldwide. The CCO will spearhead strategic initiatives, steering our communications, and public affairs efforts to spotlight our cutting-edge user facilities and contributions in fundamental and applied sciences, quantum advancements, national security, clean energy, and beyond. This role is instrumental in cementing Argonne’s reputation, fostering internal engagement, and driving a narrative that underscores our commitment to excellence, safety, and impactful teamwork. The successful candidate will be an astute strategist, a collaborative leader, and a visionary communicator capable of amplifying our narrative across diverse platforms and forging connections that propel Argonne toward its mission. Join us in this critical role and be an integral force in advancing Argonne’s legacy as a global leader in scientific innovation and societal impact.

The CCO reports to the Laboratory Director and facilitates a coordinated and effective approach to marketing and communications across the Laboratory, and with the University of Chicago and Department of Energy, building on Argonne’s reputation and brand identity. The CCO is responsible for driving awareness of the Laboratory’s leadership in science and technology, operational excellence, and world-class community of talent among key stakeholder groups. Other key responsibilities include:

+ Aligning marketing, communication, and public affairs activities to support the strategic direction of the laboratory, including the development and execution of an annual strategic communications plan.

+ Supervising and directing a diverse team that includes the laboratory protocol office and centers of excellence in digital, events, media relations, writing and creative services, including design, photo, video and print services.

+ Directing the management of, and enhancements to, Argonne’s external website, its intranet, and social media tools.

+ Maintaining a strong focus on internal communications and employee engagement, while ensuring proactive senior management visibility.

+ Advising the Laboratory Director and other senior management on a broad range of internal and external communications issues, including laboratory strategy, safety, employer brand, and research program impact.

+ Playing a primary role supporting the Office of the Director including presentation and speechwriting for internal, external, and technical audiences.

+ Working collaboratively with other offices to foster positive regard for the laboratory’s activities around its Lemont campus and in Chicago with local/regional audiences.

+ Shaping and managing external public relations activities and communications challenges in times of crisis or emergency.

+ Leverage Argonne’s core values of Impact, Safety, Integrity, Respect and Teamwork to enable Argonne to better achieve the goals, role, and mission it has designated for itself.

Position Requirements

Leadership

+ Ability to navigate and lead in a matrixed or complex organizational structure, effectively aligning diverse teams and stakeholders towards common goals and objectives.

+ Proven capability to execute large-scale communication campaigns or initiatives, coordinating efforts across multifunctional teams to achieve cohesive and impactful outcomes.

+ Ability to lead and manage change communication strategies effectively, guiding stakeholders through organizational transitions while maintaining alignment with the laboratory’s mission and core values.

Strategic Communications

+ Strong, demonstrated written, presentation and public speaking skills, including message development and consistency for the organization and various priorities.

+ Excellent and demonstrated skills in the management of a high-quality, multi-media, multi-channel communications program in all its aspects, from needs analysis to conception, design, writing and production.

+ Required knowledge of, and experience with, a wide range of communications tactics, including traditional and social media, events/protocol, technical writing, intranets and websites, creative services (design/photo/video/print), internal and executive communications.

+ Proficiency in utilizing data analytics and metrics to assess communication strategies’ effectiveness and to drive informed decision-making.

+ Experience leveraging emerging technologies and trends in communications, such as AI-driven tools or innovative digital platforms to enhance outreach and engagement.

+ Track record of managing and fostering important internal and external relationships with a broad range of stakeholders.

+ Demonstrated experience in crisis communication and risk management, including the ability to navigate and mitigate communication challenges during sensitive or high-pressure situations.

+ Experience in developing and implementing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility strategies within communication initiatives, fostering an inclusive environment.

+ Ability to align communication strategies and initiatives with Argonne’s core values of Integrity, Safety, Respect, Impact, and Teamwork, ensuring that all communication efforts reflect these guiding principles.

Operational Excellence

+ Demonstrated success in resource allocation, budget management, and strategic planning for a large communications department, ensuring efficient utilization of resources while achieving laboratory objectives.

+ Track record in talent acquisition, development, and retention within a dynamic and multifaceted communications environment, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous growth.

+ Proven ability to develop and nurture a work environment that upholds Argonne’s core values, promoting a culture of ethical behavior, safety consciousness, mutual respect, impactful contributions, and collaborative teamwork.

Candidates should have a level of knowledge and skills typically achieved through advanced formal education at the level of M.S./M.A. or equivalent, supplemented by progressive experience in managing an internal and external communications staff. Degree in journalism, communications or public relations or equivalent experience preferred. Familiarity or previous experience working with government relations is highly desirable.

We offer a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package. For consideration, please apply via our website at: http://www.anl.gov/careers , refer to requisition #pending (http://bit.ly/2yrUTmc) .

Job Family

Professional Administrative (PA)

Job Profile

Communications and Public Affairs Leader 5

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,