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Protocol Events Lead

Argonne National Laboratory · Lemont, IL · $75,750–$118,170 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 23, 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

How do you figure out what a visit is supposed to achieve before you plan it?

What they are checking: Whether they plan around outcomes, not just logistics, as the posting stresses.

Tell me about advising a senior leader who wanted to do an event a way you thought wouldn't work.

What they are checking: Whether they can advise leadership with confidence and tact.

Tell me about an event that went wrong. What did you do during it and after?

What they are checking: Whether they handle problems well and learn from them.

How do you follow up after an event to know whether it met its goals?

What they are checking: Whether they measure outcomes and improve future events.

What would you do

Walk me through how you'd plan a visit from a senior DOE official, starting two weeks out.

What they are checking: Whether they can plan high-level protocol visits with all the logistics and stakeholder goals in mind.

A VIP's schedule changes an hour before a tour. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they stay calm and adjust plans quickly while keeping everyone informed.

How do you handle several events at once with overlapping deadlines?

What they are checking: Whether they can manage competing priorities through solid project management.

About the work

What protocol details matter most when hosting government or international guests?

What they are checking: Whether they know order of precedence, titles, seating and other protocol basics.

How do you make sure an event follows DOE policies on things like food, gifts and foreign national visitors?

What they are checking: Whether they understand compliance in a federal lab setting.

How do you manage vendors, speakers and organizers for a scientific conference?

What they are checking: Whether they have real experience running complex events with many moving parts.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Argonne National Laboratory from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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The full job description

As published by Argonne National Laboratory.

The Communications and Public Affairs division at Argonne is seeking a Protocol Events Lead to join their team. In this role you can expect to: • Manage successful protocol visits and events that achieve the goals and outcomes established by key Laboratory internal and external stakeholders and ensures a favorable image and attitude toward the Laboratory and its programs. • Advise laboratory leadership and staff in event planning, protocol, execution and follow-up. • Responsible for the planning and delivery of assigned events including but not limited to scientific conferences, meetings, workshops, seminars, visits, and tours. • Lead logistical details for guests, visitors, organizers, speakers, vendors, and attendees. • Ensure compliance with Department of Energy policies and procedures. • This position allows for a hybrid- work environment and is determined based on events and meetings. Position Requirements • PA3: Minimum of a Bachelor's degree and 4+ years of experience, or a Master's degree and 2+ years of experience, or equivalent. • Broad application of standard industry practices and protocols with strategic event management, including the management of conferences, meetings, workshops, seminars, visits, and tours. • Demonstrated ability to plan and execute events that achieve stated goals and outcomes. • Demonstrated excellence in event project management, planning, and driving projects to successful outcomes. • Excellent organizational skills and the ability to coordinate details of several events simultaneously. • Ability to manage project details for accuracy and efficiency. • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills resulting in positive, productive interactions with external and internal contacts at all levels, including senior Laboratory management and distinguished visitors. • Knowledge of suppliers for facilities and services for event planning. • Client service mindset, able to take in and clarify objectives and goals of researchers and leadership. • Strong teaming and collaboration skills, working with cross-functional teams in order to achieve a common goal. • Knowledge of and proficiency in digital tools required for successful event management (including but not limited to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). • Conscientious steward of Lab resources. • Ability to prepare concise, persuasive, and grammatically correct written material. • Initiative and creativity in resolving problems and making decisions under pressure. • Considerable discretion in processing sensitive information. • Strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain a high degree of accuracy. • Ability to work irregular hours, including weekends, as necessary. • Passion for the mission of the Lab. • Ability to model Argonne’s Core Values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork. • To perform the essential functions of this position successful applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship, which is required to comply with federal regulations and contract. Application Instructions: • Please upload a cover letter and resume to your application Job Family Professional Administrative (PA) Job Profile Conference & Event Planning 3 Worker Type Regular Time Type Full time The expected hiring range for this position is $75,750.00 - $118,170.00. 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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