Head of Quantum Science Communications

Argonne National Laboratory • Lemont, IL

4d • $95,250 - $148,590 • Hybrid

About The Position

Argonne National Laboratory is hiring a Head of Quantum Science Communications to lead communications strategy and execution for Argonne’s quantum science portfolio. This role is devoted primarily to the Q-NEXT National Quantum Information Science Research Center (75%), with additional responsibility for the Argonne Quantum Institute (AQI) (25%). The successful candidate will develop and implement integrated communications strategies that elevate Argonne’s leadership in quantum information science and support the success of Q-NEXT and AQI. Working closely with laboratory leadership, researchers and communications counterparts across national laboratories, universities and industry, this individual will ensure that quantum research priorities, milestones and impact are communicated clearly and effectively to sponsors, stakeholders and the broader scientific community. This position requires a strategic communications professional who can lead through influence in a complex, multi-institutional environment. As a member of the Communications and Public Affairs division, the Head of Quantum Science Communications will leverage the division’s Centers of Excellence — including writing and editing, creative services, media relations, digital strategy and events — to deliver coordinated, high-impact communications products. Reporting to the Head of Scientific and Technical Communications, this individual serves as a senior communications advisor and representative for Argonne’s quantum initiatives. Primary Activities In partnership with the Head of Scientific and Technical Communications, develop and execute strategic communications plans that support the goals and priorities of Q-NEXT, AQI and Argonne. Advise Q-NEXT and AQI leadership on communications strategy, messaging and positioning. Set communications priorities and coordinate activities across Argonne and Q-NEXT partner institutions to ensure alignment and consistency. Build and maintain strong working relationships with researchers, laboratory leadership and communications counterparts across a multi-institutional consortium. Translate complex quantum science and engineering concepts into compelling communications tailored to diverse audiences, including sponsors, policymakers, scientific peers, industry partners and the public. Write and oversee the development of communications products including news releases, feature articles, web and digital content, presentations, talking points, internal communications and other materials. Coordinate with public information officers and communications leads at partner institutions on joint announcements and shared initiatives. Support seminars, workshops, reviews and high-profile events with integrated communications strategies and materials. Track and report key performance metrics to evaluate and strengthen the effectiveness of communications activities. Ensure that communications align with Argonne’s strategic priorities, messaging and branding. Identify opportunities to enhance the visibility, impact and efficiency of quantum science communications across the laboratory. Work with Communications and Public Affairs peers on other laboratory communications and initiatives. Serve as a member of the Argonne Crisis Response team. This position will have a hybrid work arrangement. The person who will fill this position will need to reside locally to the Lemont campus to work onsite a minimum of 1+ days per week.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 6 or more years of relevant professional experience, or a Master's degree and 4+ years of relevant experience in communications, preferably within a scientific, technical or research environment, or equivalent.
• Demonstrated success developing and implementing strategic communications plans in complex, multi-partner organizations.
• Experience advising senior leaders and working in environments that require coordination across institutions.
• Strong ability to translate advanced scientific and technical concepts into clear, accessible messaging for varied audiences.
• Excellent writing and editing skills across multiple formats and levels of formality.
• Proven ability to lead through influence and collaborate effectively across organizational boundaries.
• Experience tracking and reporting communications metrics to demonstrate measurable results.
• Highly organized, deadline-driven and responsive with strong attention to detail.
• Commitment to Argonne’s Core Values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity and Teamwork.

Nice To Haves

• Background or familiarity with quantum information science, physical sciences or engineering preferred.

Responsibilities

• In partnership with the Head of Scientific and Technical Communications, develop and execute strategic communications plans that support the goals and priorities of Q-NEXT, AQI and Argonne.
• Advise Q-NEXT and AQI leadership on communications strategy, messaging and positioning.
• Set communications priorities and coordinate activities across Argonne and Q-NEXT partner institutions to ensure alignment and consistency.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with researchers, laboratory leadership and communications counterparts across a multi-institutional consortium.
• Translate complex quantum science and engineering concepts into compelling communications tailored to diverse audiences, including sponsors, policymakers, scientific peers, industry partners and the public.
• Write and oversee the development of communications products including news releases, feature articles, web and digital content, presentations, talking points, internal communications and other materials.
• Coordinate with public information officers and communications leads at partner institutions on joint announcements and shared initiatives.
• Support seminars, workshops, reviews and high-profile events with integrated communications strategies and materials.
• Track and report key performance metrics to evaluate and strengthen the effectiveness of communications activities.
• Ensure that communications align with Argonne’s strategic priorities, messaging and branding.
• Identify opportunities to enhance the visibility, impact and efficiency of quantum science communications across the laboratory.
• Work with Communications and Public Affairs peers on other laboratory communications and initiatives.
• Serve as a member of the Argonne Crisis Response team.

Benefits

• comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.
• Click here to view Argonne employee benefits!
• As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation.
• Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment.
• Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.
• Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A.
• All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level