Communications Manager, Executive Communications

Argonne National Laboratory; Lemont (IL); Hybrid; USD 95,250 - 148,590; Full time

Job summary

Argonne National Laboratory invites a Communications Manager, Executive Communications, to partner with the Head of Executive Communications and craft strategic messaging for the Laboratory Director, COO, and CRO. The role centers on turning complex science and operations into clear, executive-ready speeches, briefings, and presentations.

This hybrid position requires regular onsite work (at least 3 days per week) to support engagement and deepen relationships across the Lab, with a focus on

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 6+ years of experience, or master’s with 4+ years, or equivalent.
• Ability to translate technical information into engaging communications for diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated experience working with C-level executives on communications initiatives in complex, high-profile organizations.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and speechwriting skills, with demonstrated ability to develop executive-ready speeches, presentations, briefing materials, and other communications that authentically capture the voice and intent of senior leaders.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to independently prioritize work, manage competing deadlines, and move complex initiatives forward with limited direction.
• Comfortable engaging with emerging technologies and interested in how AI-enabled tools and evolving communications practices can strengthen executive storytelling, efficiency, and engagement.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate ambiguity, adapt quickly to changing priorities, and deliver high-quality work in fast-paced, high-visibility environments.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and influence outcomes without formal authority.
• Familiarity with executive communications measurement, engagement metrics, or communications analytics.
• Serve as a rotating member of the Argonne Crisis Response team.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic communications that advance executive priorities and institutional objectives.
• Draft speeches, presentations, briefing materials, talking points, correspondence, and executive messaging.
• Prepare leaders for high-profile engagements with employees, government officials, scientific partners, and external stakeholders.
• Lead executive communications projects from concept through delivery while coordinating timelines, stakeholders, and approvals.
• Build strong partnerships across the Laboratory to align communications with institutional priorities.
• Translate complex scientific and operational topics into clear, compelling communications.
• Support continuous improvement of executive communications processes, measurement approaches, and ways of working to increase effectiveness and impact.

Skills

Executive communications

Speechwriting

Editing

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Job description

Join Argonne National Laboratory in helping shape the voice and visibility of one of the nation’s premier science and technology institutions. As the Communications Manager, Executive Communications, you will partner closely with the Head of Executive Communications to develop and execute strategic communications for the Laboratory Director, Chief Operations Officer, and Chief Research Officer, helping position the laboratory’s top three executives to engage key audiences and advance Argonne’s strategic priorities. In this highly visible role, exceptional writing and speechwriting are at the core of your work.

You will help shape executive messaging that strengthens the laboratory’s national reputation and advances Argonne’s mission. You will proactively identify opportunities to elevate executive visibility, strengthen leadership storytelling, and support high‑impact engagement with key stakeholders. Working closely with senior leaders, partners, and communications colleagues across the laboratory, you will develop compelling, executive‑ready speeches, presentations, briefings, executive event materials, and strategic communications that authentically reflect each leader’s voice while translating complex scientific and operational topics into compelling narratives for internal and external audiences.

This hybrid position requires regular onsite work (at least 3 days per week) to support executive engagement and build strong relationships across the laboratory. If you are passionate about strategic communications, executive partnership, and helping tell the story of world‑changing science, we encourage you to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic communications that advance executive priorities and institutional objectives.
• Draft speeches, presentations, briefing materials, talking points, correspondence, and executive messaging.
• Prepare leaders for high‑profile engagements with employees, government officials, scientific partners, and external stakeholders.
• Lead executive communications projects from concept through delivery while coordinating timelines, stakeholders, and approvals.
• Build strong partnerships across the Laboratory to align communications with institutional priorities.
• Translate complex scientific and operational topics into clear, compelling communications.
• Support continuous improvement of executive communications processes, measurement approaches, and ways of working to increase effectiveness and impact.

Required Qualifications

• PA4: Minimum of a bachelor’s degree and 6+ years of experience, or a master’s degree and 4+ years of experience, or equivalent.
• Experience translating technical or complex information into engaging communications for diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated experience working with C‑level executives on communications initiatives in complex, high‑profile organizations.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and speechwriting skills, with demonstrated ability to develop executive‑ready speeches, presentations, briefing materials, and other communications that authentically capture the voice and intent of senior leaders.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to independently prioritize work, manage competing deadlines, and move complex initiatives forward with limited direction.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high‑quality execution.
• Comfortable engaging with emerging technologies and interested in how AI‑enabled tools and evolving communications practices can strengthen executive storytelling, efficiency, and engagement.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate ambiguity, adapt quickly to changing priorities, and deliver high‑quality work in fast‑paced, high‑visibility environments.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and influence outcomes without formal authority.
• Familiarity with executive communications measurement, engagement metrics, or communications analytics.
• Serve as a rotating member of the Argonne Crisis Response team.
• Passion for the mission of the Laboratory and commitment to Argonne’s Core Values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork.

Pay range: $95,250.00 – $148,590.00.

Benefits are part of the total rewards package.

As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.

All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case‑by‑case basis. Positions may require a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.