Communications Specialist, Strategic Deterrence

Overview

LLNL has an opening for a Technical Information Department (TID) Communications Specialist to provide matrix support to the Laboratory’s Strategic Deterrence (SD) Principal Directorate office.

In this unique mission-driven and multidisciplinary environment, you will work with administrative, management, and technical staff to communicate complex science and technology information to a wide range of audiences. You will collaborate with the communications team and with scientists, engineers, and experts to support the Laboratory’s national security mission.

• Plan, coordinate, and/or develop content; provide research, writing, and editing services for the full spectrum of communications services (e.g., editing/writing for external reviews, stakeholder briefings, reports, news, and multimedia assets, including web content).
• Interpret complex technical information with help from subject matter experts and translate it into clear, accurate, relevant, and compelling language for targeted audiences across various communications products.
• Participate in all aspects of print and web-based publishing from concept through scheduling, writing, editing, review, production, and/or publishing; adhere to style guides and standards for communication products.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Oversee all aspects of print and web-based publishing from concept through scheduling, writing, editing, review, production, and/or publishing; serve as final quality check; review work of team members and provide technical guidance to less-experienced peers.
• Contribute to the evaluation and implementation of new tools, technologies, and processes; help develop metrics and process improvement methods; may represent the organization on working groups or committees.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. Citizenship.
• Bachelor’s Degree in English, communications, journalism, or a scientific area, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in strategic and executive communications across various types of communication platforms.
• Knowledge of and experience using style conventions, professional principles, and technical communication practices and standards; may have experience with web production tools.
• Project management experience leading complex production and editorial assignments; in-depth knowledge of multiple digital and analog media production processes.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and Confluence.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills and experience collaborating with all levels of an organization, including senior managers, clients, team members, peers, and stakeholders; ability to handle sensitive or restricted documents and information.
• Self-starter, comfortable multitasking with ability to meet deadlines and respond to tight, shifting schedules; effective interpersonal skills and ability to work independently and in a team.

• Significant experience leading complex multi-functional technical communication projects and teams with multiple technical groups to translate and develop communication materials that are easily understood by various customers, including establishing team commitments of cost, schedule, and quality.
• Expert written and verbal communication skills and experience managing multiple large technical writing and production assignments and collaborating with all levels of an organization.
• Advanced knowledge of and experience using style conventions and editing/writing skills across scientific areas; experience handling highly visible and sensitive technical content.
• Expertise in the theory and techniques of high-quality technical communication for both printed and web-based publications.

• Advanced degree in English, communications, journalism, or in a scientific area.
• Current U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance or equivalent.
• Thorough understanding of LLNL’s primary mission.
• Knowledge of the current U.S. nuclear weapons programs and/or the underpinning science and capabilities that support the…