Chief Communications Officer

Chief Communications OfficerLawrence Berkeley National Laboratory invites visionary, accomplished communications leaders to apply for the role of Chief Communications Officer (CCO)—a rare opportunity to shape the voice and reputation of one of the world's premier scientific research institutions. The CCO will lead Berkeley Lab's strategic communications function and help advance the Laboratory's mission of delivering science solutions to the world's greatest challenges. Reporting directly to the Laboratory Director and serving as a key member of the executive leadership team, the Chief Communications Officer is a trusted strategic advisor who partners closely with senior leaders to advance Berkeley Lab's scientific, operational, fiscal, cultural, and reputational goals. Leading the 17-person Strategic Communications Office, the CCO will develop and execute a bold, integrated communications strategy that elevates the Laboratory's global profile, strengthens engagement with the U.S. Department of Energy, the University of California, policymakers, scientific collaborators, employees, and surrounding communities, and reinforces Berkeley Lab's position as a world leader in scientific innovation. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead a modern, enterprise-wide communications organization, inspire a high-performing team, and shape compelling narratives that showcase groundbreaking research, operational excellence, organizational culture, and public impact. The successful candidate will foster trust across diverse stakeholders, lead through moments of opportunity and complexity, and ensure Berkeley Lab's voice reflects its enduring commitment to scientific excellence, innovation, service, and stewardship.About Berkeley Lab: At Berkeley Lab, our collective purpose is to serve humankind through science. A Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC), Berkeley Lab is a U.S. Dept. of Energy Office of Science national laboratory managed by the University of California. Founded in 1931 on the belief that the biggest problems are best addressed by teams, Berkeley Lab and its scientists have been recognized with 17 Nobel Prizes to date. We conduct groundbreaking research focused on discovery science and solutions for abundant and reliable energy supplies, performed by teams whose expertise spans materials, chemistry, physics, biology, earth and environmental science, mathematics, and computing. Our five world class scientific user facilities are used annually by more than 16,000 researchers from around the world. Berkeley Lab has a dynamic workforce of 4,000 employees and an annual operating budget of approximately $1.36 billion. About 95% of the Laboratory's funding comes from federal and state taxpayers, and we are committed to caring for the people, research, and resources that make our mission possible, a responsibility we call stewardship.Key Responsibilities:Leadership & Institutional StrategyScience Communication & ImpactInternal Communications, Culture & EngagementCrisis & Emergency CommunicationsStakeholder Engagement & Relationship BuildingOrganizational Leadership & Team DevelopmentRequired Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, or a related field.15+ years of progressive leadership experience in strategic communications, public affairs, or related fields, ideally within a science-driven, research, academic, government, or similarly complex institutional environment.Strategic Communications LeadershipStakeholder RelationshipsCrisis, Risk & Reputation ManagementLeadership & Organizational EffectivenessDesired Qualifications:Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, or a related field.Demonstrated experience leading communications activities in a Department of Energy national laboratory or FFRDC (federally funded research & development center) environment.Familiarity with data-informed communications approaches and emerging technologies, including AI-enabled communications tools and workflows.Application Guidelines:Please submit your CV and letter of interest by September 7, 2026, for priority consideration.Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.In the cover letter, please highlight (i) your interest in the position, (ii) relevant organizational leadership experience, and (iii) most notable accomplishments.Notes:Appointment type: This is a full-time career appointment, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid).The Chief Communications Officer position is appointed by and serves at the discretion of the Laboratory Director, and this appointment is at will and may be terminated at any time with or without cause.Salary range: This position is expected to pay $290,000 to $360,000 annually; salary will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualification and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, as well as aligned with the internal leadership peer group.Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.Work modality: This position requires daily on-site presence at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA, with occasional business travel.