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Communications Manager, Executive Communications

Argonne National Laboratory · Lemont, IL · $95,250–$148,590 a year · Full time

Posted Jul 14, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time an executive rewrote most of your draft. How did you respond?

What they are checking: Whether they take feedback without ego and learn what the leader really wants.

Tell me about the piece of writing you are most proud of and why it worked.

What they are checking: Whether they understand what makes their own best work effective.

What would you do

How would you turn a complex scientific result into a two-minute story the Laboratory Director could tell to members of Congress?

What they are checking: Whether they can translate complex science into clear narratives without losing accuracy.

How do you make sure the science in an executive's remarks is accurate when you are not a scientist?

What they are checking: Whether they check facts with researchers, since errors would hurt the lab's credibility.

What opportunities would you look for to raise an executive's visibility in ways that serve the lab's mission?

What they are checking: Whether they think strategically about engagement, not only about writing what they are asked to.

How do you handle a tight deadline when a speech is due tomorrow and key input has not arrived?

What they are checking: Whether they stay calm and resourceful under pressure in a highly visible role.

How would you handle a sensitive topic, such as a safety incident or budget cuts, in an executive message to all staff?

What they are checking: Whether they can write with honesty and care when the message is hard to deliver.

About the work

Walk me through how you write a speech for a senior executive, from the first conversation to the final draft.

What they are checking: Whether they have a real speechwriting process that captures the leader's voice.

How do you write in three different executives' voices without them all sounding the same?

What they are checking: Whether they listen closely to each leader and can adapt tone authentically.

Show me how you would prepare a briefing document for an executive meeting a new partner.

What they are checking: Whether they can produce concise, executive-ready briefings that help leaders walk in prepared.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Argonne National Laboratory.

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. Position Requirements 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. Job Family Professional Administrative (PA) Job Profile Communications/Marketing 4 Worker Type Regular Time Type Full time The expected hiring range for this position is $95,250.00 - $148,590.00. Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package. Click here to view Argonne employee benefits! 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. Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department. 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. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.

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