Communications ManagerSenior Communications Manager Strategic Deterrence

We have an opening for a Communications Manager/Senior Communications Manager to support LLNLs Strategic Deterrence (SD) Principal Directorate where teams of experts from diverse fields work together to solve complex problems of national importance. In our uniquely multidisciplinary environment the SD Communications Manager will collaborate with senior management to plan and implement strategic communications projects establish a framework to enable a strong culture of communication both with external stakeholders and within the internal community that is effective and timely and direct highlevel technical communication projects to meet SD goals and ensure the fulfillment of deliverables. This position is in the Technical Information Department and matrixed to the SD Principal Directorate.

This position offers a hybrid schedule blending inperson and virtual presence. You will have the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week.

This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experiences as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities outlined below will be assigned if you are selected at the higher level.

You will 

• Define communications strategies messages and key deliverables for a variety of projects targeting internal and external audiences; ensure messaging aligns across the program and supports strategic goals; coordinate all aspects of development and review work of team members. Participate in and oversee all aspects of publishing from concept through writing review production and distribution.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on key communication projects; identify recommendations for engagement to achieve communication objectives; and plan and implement communications projects complex communication materials and presentations for senior leaders.
• Develop original technical content provide writing and editing services and/or coordinate the full spectrum of editorial and communication services (e.g. editing and writing for external reviews stakeholder briefings reports news and multimedia assets including webbased content).
• Manage complex project schedules tracking production costs and coordinating the work of others; serve as an expert project management tactician and strategic thinker regularly making highconsequence decisions in consultation with senior leaders.
• Manage efforts of a multidisciplinary team in executing complex documents/projects with multiple contributors who may be affiliated with other government international or commercial entities. Collaborate with senior managers team members and peers to meet project and programmatic objectives.
• Take a leadership role in fostering an inclusive work environment for the team empowering and engaging team members and creating a collaborative culture.
• Schedule and lead communications project meetings that include communication team staff management and technical experts to ensure roles are clearly understood.
• Manage and coordinate SDs internal and external publications newsletters website and materials to ensure message consistency effectiveness and audience appropriateness.
• Contribute to the evaluation and implementation of new tools technologies and processes; help develop metrics and process improvement methods; may represent organization on working groups or committees.

In addition at the G04.5 level:

• Use creative independent thinking to solve complex problems. Operate with significant decisionmaking latitude in developing highconsequence communication products for senior leaders leveraging expert knowledge of the program and communication techniques to execute complex projects with very little advanced guidance from the customer.
• Oversee budget and monitor expenditures working with resource management staff. Manage deployment of resources and oversee scheduling budgeting and cost control activities; resolve complex issues.
• Contribute to the development of the SD staffing plan determine functional hiring needs and sources establish technical/artistic/service competencies and participate in the hiring of candidates against criteria ensuring appropriate capabilities.
• Serve as an expertlevel technical communications resource and subject area expert for senior leaders recognized institutionally as an expert in your area of communication. Work under consultative direction toward goals and objectives for technical communications projects which frequently have significant institutional or national impact high visibility and high consequence of error.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications :

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Qlevel security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelors Degree in a field relevant to technical communications such as English communications journalism or a scientific area or the equivalent combination of education and related experience in technical communications.
• Experience in strategic and executive communications as well as in leading and managing complex highvisibility projects with a diverse group of exempt and nonexempt technical communications staff.
• Advanced communication and interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively with all levels of personnel including senior management internal and external to the organization.
• Advanced organization problem solving analytical and decisionmaking skills to enable the organization to achieve its overall objectives and goals including making difficult project management decisions rebalancing project scope timeline and resources midproject to adjust to a changing environment or customer needs.
• Knowledge and experience with specialized technical concepts methods techniques and practices related to technical communications; subject matter expert in a core communications discipline (e.g. technical writing graphic arts photography).
• Selfstarter comfortable multitasking with ability to work to deadlines and respond to tight shifting schedules including effective interpersonal skills and ability to work both independently and within a team environment.
• Experience leading and overseeing technical communications activities for a large scientific/government organization in a fastpaced environment.
• Experience identifying and implementing technology solutions and process improvements to meet requirements improve quality and increase efficiency.
• Advanced knowledge of and experience using style conventions professional principles and technical communication practices and standards; experience with digital publishing and web production tools and with implementing UX/UI and accessibility best practices.

In addition at the G04.5 level:

• Advanced technical skills in a variety of communications areas and extensive experience working with highly visible and sensitive technical content using specialized concepts methods and techniques; recognized institutionally as an expert in communications and relied upon by senior leadership for strategic communication guidance.
• Experience directing the work of others and leading project management and process improvement initiatives within a large and complex organization.
• Experience developing budgets monitoring expenditures and working with resource management staff.

Desired Qualifications

• Active Department of Energy (DOE) Qlevel clearance at the time of hire
• Expert knowledge of the U.S. nuclear weapons programs and the underpinning science and capabilities that support the Nations nuclear deterrent.
• Experience as a trusted strategic communication advisor for senior leaders in a large and complex organization.
• Extensive experience making decisions on complex communication issues of institutional or national impact without the benefit of relevant precedent.

Additional Information :

#LIHybrid

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

• Included in 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules *depending on project needs)
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  This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Qlevel clearance.  If you are selected we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  Qlevel clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 

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  Remote Work :

  No

  
  

  Employment Type :

  Fulltime