Research Communications Strategist

The Berkeley Lab's Strategic Communications Office seeks a Research Communications Strategist. This role supports the Deputy Laboratory Director for Research/Chief Research Officer (CRO) with communications needs. The strategist will handle diverse problems requiring data analysis and sound judgment in method selection. Key duties involve collaborating with the CRO and senior leaders to develop and maintain communication priorities and products aligned with the Lab’s overall communication strategies.

 

What You Will Do:

At level 3, the individual is expected to do the following under minimal guidance:

• Collaborate with the CRO, senior Lab leaders, and stakeholders to develop and maintain high-level communication priorities and products, including strategy documents.
• Create and implement communications plans for various research management priorities, supporting processes for activities such as Laboratory Directed Research and Development, Research Integrity & Ethics, Export Control, Intellectual Property, Strategic Partnerships, and Careers Pathways.
• Develop presentations, speeches, articles, scripts, videos, and other communications for the CRO and senior leaders with impactful messaging.
• Assist the CRO and senior leaders with event preparation, including slide presentations and content management.
• Ensure Berkeley Lab messaging is consistent across all audiences.
• Update and recommend strategic messaging for senior leaders on social, political, and community issues.
• Advise on social media strategy and manage accounts, including drafting thought leadership content for the CRO.
• Work with the Strategic Communications team and senior leaders to plan engagements that support institutional goals.
• Oversee internal and external communications plans, ensuring proper reviews and managing frequency and channels of communication.
• Develop change management communication plans and materials.

At level 4, the individual is expected to work independently on the complex issues listed for level 3 above.

 

What is Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, or related field, OR equivalent experience.
• Experience in research, research management, or science communications.
• Minimum 5 years in institutional communications, including internal and executive communications, or equivalent education and experience.
• Experience building strong relationships with and counsel executives, understanding the organization, leadership style, and high communication standards.
• Proven experience supporting senior executives with communications deliverables, including creative slide presentations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; multimedia expertise is a plus.
• Strong project management skills with experience in building, scaling, and managing multiple projects under tight deadlines.
• Effective team player who can collaborate in a matrixed structure and identify key communication issues for leadership.
• Ability to evaluate and improve communication activities.
• Strong ability to create and execute prioritized communication plans.
• Skilled in communicating technical or scientific information to various audiences.
• Proficient in office software (Google suite, MS Office), WordPress, Google Sites, and expert-level PowerPoint skills.
• Proficient in using image editing software.

 

Desired Qualifications:

• At least 8 years of related experience in institutional communications, including internal and executive communications, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

 

Notes:

• This is a full-time career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.
• The Research Communications Strategist Level 3 position is expected to pay $103,000 to $126,000, which fits within the full salary range of $92,004 to $155,244. 
• The Research Communications Strategist Level 4 position is expected to pay $121,000 to $148,000, which fits within the full salary range of $107,556 to $181,524. 
• It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary for this position will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualifications and experience (including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications), as well as aligned with the internal leadership peer group.
• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule - a combination of teleworking and performing work on site a minimum of 1 day per week at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Work schedules are dependent on business needs. 

 

Learn About Us:

Berkeley Lab is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory managed by the University of California and designated a Federally Funded Research and Development Center. Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, we have a close relationship with UC Berkeley, as well as robust partnerships with other academic institutions and industries, including those in Silicon Valley. The Laboratory conducts world-class research that supports clean energy, a healthy planet, and solution-inspired discovery science. Berkeley Lab is defined by our deeply felt sense of stewardship , which we describe as a commitment to taking care of the Laboratory's research, people, and resources that are entrusted to us. Our values of team science, innovation, service, trust, and respect knit us together as a community. We practice these values and prioritize our principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability (IDEA ) to build highly effective teams that produce world-class science and technology and where all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds, disciplines, and experiences, can thrive.

 

Working at Berkeley Lab has many rewards including a competitive compensation program, excellent health and welfare programs, a retirement program that is second to none, and outstanding development opportunities. To view information about the many rewards that are offered at Berkeley Lab- Click Here .

 

Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab’s mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. 

 

Equal Opportunity and IDEA Information Links: Know your rights, click here for the supplement: "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law" and the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.40.