Director of Communications

Idaho National Laboratory is seeking a strategic, mission-driven Communications Director to lead integrated internal and external communications that advance the Laboratory's impact in nuclear energy, national security, and integrated energy systems. Reporting to the Executive Director of External Engagement and Communications, this senior leader will guide a high-performing, multidisciplinary team to elevate INL's voice, strengthen stakeholder trust, and foster a connected, informed, and collaborative culture across the Laboratory.

This role is critical to aligning messaging with INL's mission and values, enhancing transparency and collaboration, and ensuring clear, consistent communications that support operational excellence and workforce engagement.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities

• Lead and manage communications activities through subordinate managers; oversee professional staff across multiple communications and related disciplines.
• Direct major communications functions of organizational significance, ensuring strategies directly support INL's mission and strategic priorities.
• Lead complex, high-impact programs influencing directorate and Laboratory-wide outcomes, including enterprise internal communications, executive communications, media relations, digital platforms, and stakeholder engagement.
• Maintain accountability for division budget and performance, ensuring budgets, schedules, and standards are strategically established, monitored, and achieved.
• Provide oversight across multiple functions, organizations, locations, departments, and technical disciplines to ensure consistent, high-quality messaging and brand alignment.
• Contribute to the development of division and directorate objectives and long-term goals; translate strategy into actionable communication plans that deliver measurable results.
• Establish and administer operational objectives, policies, procedures, and work plans; delegate effectively and empower leaders to execute with excellence.
• Develop, refine, and implement communications policies and practices that impact immediate operations and may influence Laboratory-wide initiatives, with emphasis on transparency, collaboration, and culture.
• Engage regularly with senior leadership and key stakeholders to provide counsel and strategic communications guidance.
• Participate in senior leadership strategy sessions and advise on communications related to strategic initiatives and organizational priorities.
• Align stakeholders around desired outcomes, including improvements in communication effectiveness, employee engagement, and organizational culture.
• Champion initiatives that enhance communication flow across the Laboratory, reduce silos, and reinforce INL's values of excellence, safety, integrity, ownership, inclusivity, and teamwork.
• Build organizational capability through effective leadership and development of others, fostering accountability and continuous improvement.
• Position typically reports to a Senior Director or other member of Senior Leadership.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to manage time effectively in a dynamic, high-visibility environment.
• Strong interpersonal awareness and the ability to understand and respond to diverse stakeholder perspectives.
• Active listening skills, with a commitment to fostering open dialogue and constructive engagement.
• Ability to adapt actions in response to organizational dynamics and stakeholder needs.
• Skill in assessing performance-individual, team, and organizational-to drive continuous improvement.
• Knowledge of business and management principles, including strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership practices, and coordination of people and resources.
• Understanding of customer and stakeholder service principles, including needs assessment, quality standards, and satisfaction evaluation.
• Familiarity with administrative procedures and office systems.
• Ability to communicate complex technical and strategic information clearly and persuasively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to interpret and synthesize complex information into clear, actionable messaging.
• Strong strategic thinking skills and the ability to apply general principles to specific organizational challenges.

Education, Credentials, and Work Experience

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, business, or a related field.
• Minimum of eight years of relevant professional experience, including at least five years in a leadership role overseeing professional staff.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy "Q" clearance, which requires US Citizenship.

Job Information:

Salary Grade 540. The full pay range is ($127,596-$331,752)

At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.

• TDP: This is a testing designated position; you will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug screen and periodic drug testing throughout the term of your employment.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this role, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, and bend, and to work in an office and field/laboratory environments. The position requires manual dexterity to operate a computer, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. Operation of job-related equipment and driving a vehicle may be required. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing are required to perform essential functions and interact with others. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Benefits and Relocation

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match (regular positions) or self-contribute access (postdoctoral positions)
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance for eligible positions)
• Comprehensive Relocation Package
• Benefit eligibility subject to multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

At this time, BEA will not sponsor any H1-B visas obtained outside of the United States of America (U.S.A.), including consular visas.

INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 6,300 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

INL Mission:

Our mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.

INL Vision:

Our vision is to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

Selective Service Requirements:

To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation:

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Other Information:

When applying to positions please provide a resume and answer all questions on the following screens. Applicants, who fail to provide a resume or answer the questions, may be deemed ineligible for consideration.