Chief Science Communications Leader

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 290,000 - 360,000; Full time

Job summary

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory seeks a visionary Chief Communications Officer to lead the Strategic Communications Office and shape the Lab’s voice and reputation. Reporting to the Laboratory Director, the CCO will partner with senior leadership to advance scientific leadership, programmatic priorities, and stakeholder engagement across national and international audiences.

The role requires directing a modern communications function, inspiring a high-performing team, and translating

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, or related field.
• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in strategic communications, public affairs, or related fields, ideally within science-driven, research or government contexts.

Responsibilities

• Lead an enterprise-wide communications strategy aligned with the Laboratory’s scientific mission and priorities.
• Advise the Laboratory Director and executive team on reputation, issues management, and stakeholder engagement.
• Translate institutional vision into actionable communication strategies across internal and external audiences.
• Drive integrated storytelling to reinforce a unified Laboratory identity across programs and directorates.
• Position the Laboratory as a global leader in science, innovation, and impact.
• Engage national and global media to elevate the Laboratory’s reputation for scientific excellence.
• Direct a modern digital and media ecosystem aligned with audience needs.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Executive communication

Stakeholder engagement

Crisis communications

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, or related field

Job description

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory seeks a visionary Chief Communications Officer to lead the Strategic Communications Office and shape the Lab’s voice and reputation. Reporting to the Laboratory Director, the CCO will partner with senior leadership to advance scientific leadership, programmatic priorities, and stakeholder engagement across national and international audiences.

The role requires directing a modern communications function, inspiring a high-performing team, and translating