Senior Communications Manager

Savannah River National Laboratory•Aiken, SC

21h

About The Position

Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) is seeking a Senior Manager of External Communications to lead and elevate the laboratory’s external communications strategies, building awareness, trust, and support for SRNL’s mission and position as a leader in science and technology. This role focuses on crafting and executing integrated communications initiatives that elevate SRNL’s reputation and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, including media, federal agencies, national laboratories, industry leaders, academic institutions, and the general public. The successful candidate will provide leadership and expertise in shaping external messaging, including the oversight of media relations, community engagement, protocol activities, and high-level public communications. They will serve as both a strategist and a hands-on communications leader, working to ensure a unified and impactful external voice that aligns with SRNL’s mission and goals. Additionally, the candidate will collaborate closely with SRNL senior leadership, Department of Energy (DOE) headquarters, and the wider national laboratory community to effectively represent SRNL to external audiences and stakeholders. This position reports directly to the Director of Institutional Planning & Communications and plays a crucial role in ensuring SRNL’s science and technology achievements are effectively communicated on regional, national, and global stages.

Requirements

Master’s degree in communications, public relations, strategic communication, or a related field, OR a bachelor’s degree with substantial, demonstrated external communications experience.
Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in external communications, public relations, or strategic communication, with a proven ability to lead and deliver results in high-profile organizations.
Demonstrated expertise in media relations, stakeholder engagement, and the development and execution of comprehensive communications campaigns.
Exceptional skills in writing, editing, and presenting, with a proven ability to translate complex technical or scientific concepts into clear, accessible messaging for diverse audiences.
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to confidently interact with senior leaders, public figures, media representatives, and key external stakeholders.
Extensive experience utilizing a variety of communications channels, including digital platforms, social media, traditional media, events, and marketing campaigns, to maximize engagement and visibility.
Self-motivated and highly organized, with strong verbal and written communication expertise and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Proven ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and lead teams effectively in a deadline-driven environment.
Capable of working both independently and collaboratively across all organizational levels.
Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify challenges, propose solutions, and implement strategies to achieve communications goals.
For ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, US Citizenship is Legally Required

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience in communicating large, sophisticated, and complicated national or international research efforts; experience working in a research or scientific project environment; and ability to translate complex technical concepts into language easily comprehensible to non-specialists.
Previous experience with federal agencies is preferred with preference give to DOE and the National Laboratory System.
Previous experience in science writing is highly valued and strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and implementation of SRNL’s external communications strategy, with a focus on media relations, community outreach, brand management, and public communications.
Act as the laboratory's spokesperson, cultivating relationships with key media outlets, trade publications, and journalists to bolster positive media coverage, manage narratives, and address inquiries.
Develop campaigns, materials, and content to share SRNL’s impact on topics such as national security, environmental stewardship, energy resilience and innovation with external audiences.
Support stakeholder engagement through strategic messaging, briefings, public presentations, and reputation-building initiatives.
Ensure alignment and coordination with protocol and government affairs staff to communicate messages effectively to local, national, and global governments, agencies, and decision-makers.
Advance SRNL’s digital and social media presence with a focus on reaching thought leaders, industry partners, and science enthusiasts. This includes developing innovative social campaigns, creating impactful web content, and expanding brand reach.
Foster strategic community connections by leading outreach efforts that promote SRNL’s commitment to education, workforce development, and economic vitality.
Create and oversee messaging for high-profile laboratory publications to highlight SRNL’s achievements on a national stage.
Proactively identify emerging opportunities to showcase the lab’s successes, technologies, and workforce to external audiences.
Ensure adherence to operational security and information safeguards while maintaining transparency and brand integrity.
Monitor public perception and media presence, leveraging metrics to assess the success of campaigns and recommend ongoing improvements.
Collaborate directly with other DOE facilities and national laboratories to align messaging and explore cross-promotional opportunities.
Champion SRNL's core values of Integrity, Innovation, Service, Teamwork.
Demonstrate skill in creating, monitoring, and adhering to budgets and schedules to meet deadlines, using strong project management skills.
Support development for communications staff with an aptitude for mentoring teammates and peers through supportive feedback and coaching.