What You Will Do
This position will be filled at either the Communications Specialist 2 or the Communications Specialist 3 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.
Do you live for producing stories that inform, inspire, and engage, helping shape how employees experience their workplace?
Communications Specialist 2 $80,400-$127,900
We're looking for a dynamic communications specialist to amplify our human resources initiatives and keep our Lab's workforce informed, motivated, and proud to be part of our community. This job requires a go-getter and problem-solver, capable of coming up to speed quickly and delivering top-level customer service in an exciting, fast-paced environment. Your mission will be to provide communications counsel, plan and execute communications products - including campaigns, leadership messaging, website content, employee newsletter articles, employee presentations, and more - and help facilitate opportunities to increase awareness of and adherence to the Lab's human resources important policies and practices.
Communications Specialist 3 $96,600-$158,000
In addition to the above, a candidate at this level will bring with them demonstrated experience working with executive-level managers and leaders, an ability to develop and execute strategies that align with goals and objectives, lead communications projects and initiatives, and have extensive project management knowledge and experience to coordinate publication projects (including establishing and maintaining schedules).
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Communications and interpersonal skills
Solid written and oral communication, problem-solving, project management, and interpersonal skills. Demonstrates excellent written and oral communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal abilities. Comfortable writing and editing content on a broad range of employee-related topics and producing varied communications products.
Writing, editing, and grammar expertise
Fluency with English grammar and punctuation and professional experience in editing and writing. Experienced in creating polished documents using Word styles and templates.
Project management and flexibility
Demonstrated ability to work on multiple-sometimes conflicting-deliverables and deadlines in a high-pressure work environment where priorities frequently shift.
Collaboration and teamwork
Works effectively within teams and with a variety of technical personnel and managers, fostering smooth cross-functional collaboration.
Tools and systems
Basic familiarity with web-based content management systems. Medium to advanced proficiency using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat. Solid understanding of Word styles and templates and PowerPoint-specific formatting.
Communications Specialist 3 level : In addition to increased expertise, competency, and experience with the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:
Leadership and advisory skills
Demonstrated expertise with advising high-level leaders and managers on communication strategy and execution. Strong leadership skills, including demonstrated abilities with time management, problem-solving, team building, and setting a positive work environment.
Human resources and/or institutional experience
Prior success working in a communications role with human resources departments, or background in a sizable, complex institution or corporation, understanding the organization's structure and communication channels.
Multimedia and visual storytelling
Ability to strategically use visual assets, selecting and integrating photos, videos, and infographics to boost message impact and audience engagement.
Education/Experience at Communications Specialist 2 level : Bachelor's degree in English, journalism, communications, or a physical, life, or social science and a minimum of five years of relevant experience.
Education/Experience at Communications Specialist 3 level : Bachelor's degree in English, journalism, communications, or a physical, life, or social science and a minimum of eight years of relevant experience.
Desired Qualifications:
Industry knowledge about best practices (in communications in general, or employee-facing communications in particular).
Strong listener and collaborator who is able to work gracefully with people of all backgrounds and interests and provide excellent customer service.
Familiar with AI applications and ideas of how they can be incorporated into editing workflows, enhancing efficiency and quality.
Work Location: The work location for this position is hybrid with offices in Santa Fe, NM, and Los Alamos, NM. Hybrid is defined as working a minimum of two full workdays onsite with flexibility to work offsite but within 2 hours ground commute of Los Alamos, NM, on other days. All work locations are at the discretion of management and can change at any time with appropriate notice.
Position commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.
Note to Applicants:
Cover letter and portfolio containing relevant writing and editing examples will be required. Candidates for this position may be asked to take a timed writing and editing test.
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Where You Will Work
Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:
§ PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
§ Dental and vision insurance
§ Free basic life and disability insurance
§ Paid childbirth and parental leave
§ Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
§ Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
§ Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
§ Onsite gyms and wellness programs
§ Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)
Additional Details
Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2 (https://int.lanl.gov/org/ddops/oma/prime-contract-management/applicable-directives/_assets/docs/DOE-O-206.2-Chg-2-LtdChg-Identity,-Credential,-and-Access-Management-ICAM-1.pdf) . Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.
Clearance:Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance. and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.
*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 (https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives-documents/400-series/0472.2-border-a-chg1-ltdchg/@@images/file) for additional information.
New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.
Regular position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.
Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 (https://int.lanl.gov/policy/documents/P701.pdf) for applicant eligibility requirements.
Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947.
