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Communications Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN (NOW HIRING)

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Communications information

See Oak Ridge, TN salary details

$29.6K

$69.6K

$237.6K

How much do communications jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for communications in Oak Ridge, TN is $69,625.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,800.00 and $69,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a communications job?

Communications jobs involve creating, delivering, and managing information between an organization and its audiences. Professionals in this field may handle public relations, internal communications, media relations, social media, and content creation. Their goal is to ensure clear and effective messaging to promote a positive image, inform stakeholders, and support organizational goals. Common roles include communications specialist, public relations manager, and corporate communications director.

How to get a job in communications?

There are several steps to finding a job in communications. The first step is to get a degree in communications. While general degrees do exist, you should look for a program that matches with your specific aspirations. A marketing degree opens the door to a wide range of careers. While in school, you should complete an internship. This is your first opportunity to gain experience and build relationships with people in the industry. Networking with other professionals can help you land a job and grow your career in any company or organization. Next, you can use these connections to get your foot in the door. Rather than chasing that dream job right away, you should be willing to work your way up. Finally, you should develop your own brand and learn how to do public relations for yourself to showcase your talent to prospective employers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a communications professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Communications professional, you need strong written and verbal communication skills, strategic thinking, and typically a degree in communications, public relations, or a related field. Familiarity with content management systems, social media platforms, and analytics tools is often required. Creativity, adaptability, and interpersonal skills help professionals craft compelling messages and collaborate effectively across teams. These qualifications ensure clear, consistent messaging that enhances organizational reputation and engagement with target audiences.

How does a communications professional typically collaborate with other departments within an organization?

Communications professionals often serve as a bridge between departments, ensuring that messaging is consistent and tailored to various audiences. They regularly work with marketing, human resources, and executive leadership to develop campaigns, manage internal announcements, and handle crisis communications. Effective collaboration involves attending cross-departmental meetings, gathering input, and aligning communication strategies with organizational goals. This teamwork not only enhances the organization's public image but also fosters a cohesive internal culture.

What is the difference between Communications vs Public Relations?

AspectCommunicationsPublic Relations
CredentialsDegree in Communications, Journalism, or related fieldsDegree in Public Relations, Communications, or related fields; often includes PR certifications
Work EnvironmentCorporate, media, nonprofit, government settingsPublic-facing roles, media events, press releases, reputation management
Industry UsageUsed across various industries for internal and external messagingPrimarily in marketing, corporate reputation, and media relations
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding general communication roles and skillsFocus on managing public image and media relations

While both Communications and Public Relations involve managing information and messaging, Communications is broader, encompassing internal and external messaging across various platforms. Public Relations specifically focuses on shaping public perception and media relations to enhance an organization's reputation.

Do jobs in communications pay well?

Communications jobs can offer competitive salaries, especially for roles such as public relations managers, corporate communications specialists, and media directors. Salaries vary based on experience, location, and industry, with higher pay often associated with advanced skills, certifications, and leadership positions.

What jobs can you do in communications?

Jobs in communications include roles such as public relations specialist, corporate communications manager, media planner, content writer, social media manager, and internal communications coordinator. These positions typically require strong writing, interpersonal, and digital skills, and may involve working with media, marketing, or corporate teams to manage messaging and reputation.

What are the most commonly searched types of Communications jobs in Oak Ridge, TN?

The most popular types of Communications jobs in Oak Ridge, TN are:

What are popular job titles related to Communications jobs in Oak Ridge, TN?

For Communications jobs in Oak Ridge, TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Communications jobs in Oak Ridge, TN look for?

The top searched job categories for Communications jobs in Oak Ridge, TN are:

What cities near Oak Ridge, TN are hiring for Communications jobs?

Cities near Oak Ridge, TN with the most Communications job openings:

Infographic showing various Communications job openings in Oak Ridge, TN as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,625 per year, or $33.5 per hour.

Media Relations Strategist

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Scientific Research and Development Services • 5 - 10K employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Oak Ridge National Laboratory rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 121 rated laboratories


Job description

Requisition Id 16681
Overview:
The Communications and Community Engagement Directorate (CCED) at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory seeks a media relations strategist to help communicate about the Lab's efforts to deliver solutions to the nation's toughest scientific challenges. The successful candidate will tell compelling stories about ORNL science and technology that reach key stakeholders through multiple channels, including news releases, feature stories, social media, and earned media in external publications, broadcasts, and strategic campaigns.
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Inform local, national, and international audiences about noteworthy ORNL accomplishments, highlighting the Laboratory's outstanding staff and its leadership in diverse fields of science.
  • Develop and implement plans to promote the Laboratory's research, activities, services, programs, and events. Create publicity campaigns, develop targeted media lists, and devise strategies to amplify news content.
  • Coordinate a high volume of news content, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and key messages
  • Cultivate relationships with local, trade and national media outlets and identify opportunities to pitch stories about ORNL activities. Respond to media requests, facilitate interviews with lab experts and manage media visits.
  • Assist in distribution of news content through the Lab's internal and external digital news platforms.
  • Prepare staff members to communicate effectively with media and other external audiences.
  • Develop reports and metrics that demonstrate the value of earned media to leadership and other stakeholders.
  • Assist in the production of video and multimedia presentations. Coordinate activities with audio/visual specialists, graphic artists, digital media staff, and others to support multiplatform storytelling.
  • Serve as part of the Lab's emergency response team performing communications or related support.
  • Provide other writing and event support to the External Communications Division and CCED.

Basic Qualifications:
  • BS degree in journalism, mass media communications, public relations, advertising, marketing, or a science-related field with a minimum of 5 years relevant experience.
  • Experience using analytics and research to identify opportunities, shape messaging, and measure communication effectiveness.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Familiarity with layout and photography, web content management systems, and web analytics is a plus, as well as experience writing on scientific or technical topics for both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Strong writing and editing skills with proficiency in the Associated Press (AP) style and usage guide.
  • The successful candidate must be self-motivated, self-directed, results-focused, and committed to achieving goals.
  • Creativity and attention to detail are essential, as is knowledge of planning, coordinating, and implementing effective public information activities.
  • The successful candidate will have excellent written and interpersonal skills, familiarity with word-processing and presentation software, and proficiency in the use of social media and content management systems.
  • The ability to balance multiple demands and perform professionally and capably under pressure is required.
  • Demonstrated understanding of artificial intelligence and its evolving role in communications, with the ability to identify and apply AI-enabled approaches that advance organizational visibility, efficiency, and impact.
  • Experience using communications and media management platforms, such as Mailchimp, TVEyes, Meltwater, Siteimprove, Smartsheet, or similar tools.
  • DOE or national laboratory experience also a plus.

Special Requirements:
Please submit three references when applying to this position. You may upload these directly to your application.
Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile:
  • Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov
  • View Profile
  • Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position now or in the future.
For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.
To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
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.
#LI-DC1
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.
If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.
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.

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