Digital Communications Specialist

Requisition Id16085

Overview:

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a Digital Communications Specialist to support the Computing and Computational Sciences Directorate (CCSD). This position resides within ORNL's Digital Communications Group in the Communications and Community Engagement Directorate and collaborates closely with communicators and leadership embedded in CCSD.

The selected candidate will lead short-form video development for social media and digital platforms, maintain CCSD's social media messaging and schedule, and support CCSD leadership with high-impact presentation materials for internal and external audiences. This role requires strong visual storytelling skills, technical fluency, and the ability to translate complex computational science topics into compelling multimedia and executive-ready formats.

The Computing and Computational Sciences Directorate advances high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, data science, quantum computing, and advanced modeling and simulation in support of DOE missions and national priorities. CCSD researchers drive breakthroughs that enable scientific discovery, strengthen national security, and accelerate U.S. competitiveness through advanced computing capabilities and partnerships with academia, industry, and government.

This role ensures that CCSD research, facilities, and leadership initiatives are communicated effectively through strategic video, social media content, and presentation materials.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, shoot, and produce short-form videos optimized for social media platforms.
• Develop video and campaign concepts that highlight CCSD research, computing capabilities, user facilities, and partnerships in formats designed for digital engagement.
• Collaborate with researchers, technical staff, and communicators to translate complex computational science topics into visually compelling and accurate multimedia content.
• Edit video content using professional editing software, incorporating graphics, captions, motion elements, and branding consistent with ORNL standards.
• Identify trends and platform best practices to improve content performance, audience engagement, and shareability.
• Develop and manage CCSD's social media content strategy in alignment with enterprise communications priorities, including editorial planning, content scheduling, and platform optimization.
• Publish and manage CCSD social media content across relevant platforms; monitor performance metrics and use data-driven insights to refine content strategy and improve engagement.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for CCSD social media strategy, ensuring consistent messaging, brand alignment, and coordination with enterprise-level accounts.
• Develop and refine executive presentation materials for CCSD leadership, including slide decks for congressional briefings, DOE reviews, industry meetings, conferences, and internal strategy sessions.
• Translate technical material and strategic priorities into clear, visually cohesive presentation slides aligned with ORNL brand standards.
• Collaborate with leadership, subject matter experts, and communications staff to ensure accuracy, clarity, and consistency across digital materials.
• Maintain organized digital asset libraries and ensure proper archiving of multimedia materials.
• Work collaboratively within the Digital Media Team to align CCSD content with enterprise communications standards and priorities.
• Comply with environment, safety, health, and quality requirements and uphold laboratory values and ethics.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, digital media, film production, marketing, or related field.
• Minimum three years of experience producing and editing professional video content for digital platforms.
• Demonstrated proficiency in video production workflows, including filming, lighting, audio capture, and post-production editing.
• Experience creating short-form social media video content designed for engagement and platform optimization.
• Demonstrated experience managing organizational social media accounts, including content planning, publishing workflows, and performance analysis.
• Strong visual storytelling skills and the ability to communicate complex technical topics to diverse audiences.
• Experience developing executive-level presentation materials in PowerPoint or comparable software.
• Ability to work directly with senior leaders and technical subject matter experts in a deadline-driven environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to visual detail and brand consistency.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a research institution, national laboratory, university, or technology-focused organization.
• Familiarity with high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, or data science concepts.
• Experience incorporating motion graphics and animation into short-form video.
• Experience using social media analytics and reporting tools to evaluate performance and inform strategic content decisions.
• Experience supporting communications for high-visibility leadership engagements, such as congressional briefings or sponsor reviews.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation's most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.