Job description

We Are:
Fermilab is America’s premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. We support discovery science experiments in Illinois and at locations around the world, including deep underground mines in South Dakota and Canada, mountaintops in Arizona and Chile, CERN in Europe and the South Pole.

We are strategic risk takers, innovators, and collaborators. We are engineers, scientists, technicians, administrative professionals. We are 1,800 employees advancing knowledge for the benefit of humankind. Fermilab has been at the forefront of particle physics for more than 40 years. We build world-leading accelerators and detectors to conduct some of the most advanced particle physics experiments possible. We collect and analyze the data from those experiments with some of the most powerful computers in the world. We conduct this research on a 6,800-acre prairie, 35 miles outside Chicago, a treasure that has been designated a National Environmental Research Park.

You Will:
The Head of the Office of Communication reports to the Laboratory Director and is responsible for providing strategic leadership to deliver outstanding external and internal communication to advance the Laboratory’s brand, reputation, and mission on a national and international scale. Responsible for enhancement of the Laboratory’s distinctive profile as America’s premier particle physics and accelerator laboratory. Directs internal communication to ensure alignment and engagement across the Laboratory

Coordinate with Office of Education and Public Outreach and laboratory leadership in support of community relations, outreach, and events. Partner closely with Laboratory leadership to develop and execute a strategic plan for communication; work to facilitate a coordinated and effective approach to communications across the laboratory. Advise the Laboratory Director and other senior management on a broad range of internal and external communications.

Work in collaboration with partners including the Department of Energy, the University of Chicago, and the Universities Research Association.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide strategic leadership to deliver outstanding external and internal communications and marketing to advance the Laboratory’s brand, reputation, and mission on a national and international scale; develops and executes a Lab-wide strategic communications plan.
• Research, develop, plan, design, maintain and implement policies and programs that enhance the Laboratory’s public relations and reputation with key stakeholders.
• Direct Fermilab’s external communication activities on a wide range of platforms: web-based and print publications, social media, media relations, and press releases; ensures that external communication activities are proactive, accurate and effective, and that they help the Laboratory carry out its mission with support from stakeholders.
• Direct Fermilab’s internal communication activities on varying platforms to ensure alignment and efficient functioning and engagement across the Laboratory in support of the mission.
• Oversee Creative Services to support communication strategies utilizing graphic standards, photography, video and multimedia, duplicating and audiovisual services and support for meetings, conferences and lectures.
• Coordinate with Office of Education and Public Outreach and laboratory leadership in support of community relations, outreach, VIP visits, and events.
• Provide communication expertise and support to particle physics groups and funding agencies nationally and internationally and serves as a liaison between Fermilab and the Department of Energy for communication-related matters.
• Manage external public relations activities and communications challenges in times of crisis or emergency.
• Manage all human resources actions for the assigned area including hiring, training, promotions performance and merit reviews, disciplinary actions and terminations, as may be appropriate.
• Manage the budget and resource planning for the Office of Communication.
• Some travel to support the laboratory’s communications activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Abide by and is responsible for performing all duties in accordance with all environmental, health and safety regulations and practices pertinent to this position.
• Contributes effectively within a diverse workforce and upholds Fermilab’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

We Are Looking For:
Minimum Required Education and Experience: Bachelor’s Degree and 10+ years of experience or equivalent. Desired but not required: Scientific background acquired through education or work experience; advanced degree; work experience in a laboratory, university, and/or government context; experience in managing a communications staff.

Applicable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Demonstrated ability to develop communication and marketing strategies on complex and technical topics and issues; preferably experience in a scientific, academic, or government environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a high-quality communications program from needs analysis to conception, design, writing and production.
• Knowledge of wide range of effective communication methods including social media platforms.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Creative and strategic leadership ability to manage and develop people and resources.
• Demonstrated ability to build internal and external relationships with a diverse set of stakeholders.
• Effective project management skills and budget planning.
• Media relations skills are highly desirable.

Fermilab is an Equal Opportunity Employer and believes a diverse and inclusive environment based on mutual respect is essential to our mission. Fermilab is committed to recruiting and developing the most hardworking people and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, country of birth, geography/postal code, disability, marital status, parental or gestational status, or other non-merit factor.

REAL-ID Requirement for access to Fermilab Campus
Fermilab and FRA requires all members of the public to produce a REAL-ID, or equivalent, to access the Fermilab Campus for interviews or career events. A list of acceptable forms of ID can be found here: https://get-connected.fnal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/REALID-Documents.pdf
If a candidate is selected for an interview but does not possess any of the equivalent documents, we may schedule a virtual interview.

Job Type: Full-time

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