Communications Coordinator

Requisition Id 14853 

Overview:

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a forward-looking Communications Coordinator to support the Information Technology Services Directorate (ITSD) in driving its digital transformation. This position will play a pivotal role in shaping and amplifying narratives around the directorate’s modernization efforts, particularly in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, research computing, and user experience innovation. The successful candidate will serve as a bridge between technical teams and the broader ORNL community. The position reports to the Communications and Community Engagement Directorate (CCED).

Responsibilities:

• Craft clear, compelling narratives around emerging technologies (artificial intelligence, machine learning, high performance computing, cloud-native services, zero-trust architecture), tailored to internal stakeholders and external partners.

• Lead strategic campaigns supporting ITSD initiatives such as AI readiness, digital workplace modernization, and security awareness, with measurable adoption goals.

• Partner with change management and IT training leads to promote upskilling programs, IT roadmap awareness, and cultural adoption of digital tools.

• Serve as communications liaison between ITSD and CCED, ensuring compliance with ORNL communications standards. Partner with CCED peers when there is overlap in efforts.

• Work with graphic designers, technical editors, videographers, subject matter experts and others to produce concise, understandable content and/or deliverables.

• Develop resources (toolkits, video explainers, executive briefs) that support leaders in explaining AI ethics, digital trust, and technology impact.

• Gather data through regular customer engagement to measure success of efforts and help identify and drive strategies; adjust strategies based on user feedback and benchmarking with peer labs.

• Help ITSD communications team to plan and prioritize work and advocate for additional resources as needed.

• Comply with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.

• Maintain a strong commitment to implement and perpetuate ORNL’s core values and ethics.

• Complete all other duties and tasks as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• BS degree in communications, data journalism, technical writing, or related field with 8+ years of experience in a scientific, technical, or government context.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate technical concepts into user-centric language.

• Strong knowledge of generative AI, its communication risks, and governance frameworks.

• Proficiency in tools such as Office365, PowerPoint, Adobe Creative Suite, and interactive visualization or CMS platforms (e.g., SharePoint, Power BI, WordPress).

• Experience in building communications for change adoption, technical training promotion, or DevSecOps initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications:

• MS degree in communications, organizational change, or digital media.

• Prior experience in DOE or National Laboratory environment.

• Proven experience supporting communications for IT modernization efforts, especially in domains like AI, cybersecurity, or enterprise architecture.

• Familiarity with AI literacy frameworks, federal data privacy standards, and cybersecurity communication practices.

• Exposure to crisis communications and high-stakes incident response.

• Background in communicating technical training opportunities and digital skilling initiatives.
   

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.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

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.