Organization: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)
Location: Oak Ridge, Tennessee, United States (37830)
Requisition ID: 15870
Role Overview
Oak Ridge National Laboratory is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Protocol Coordinator to join its Protocol team within the Office of Community Engagement and Protocol. This role is essential to supporting laboratory-wide events, protocol-related visits, and community engagement initiatives. Through strong logistical coordination, administrative support, and stakeholder collaboration, the position contributes to the smooth execution of high-visibility visits and events while reinforcing ORNL’s mission, values, and public image.
Also Read: Revolutionizing Construction: ORNL’s Robotics and Automation Breakthroughs
Core Responsibilities
Protocol & Community Engagement Support
The Protocol Coordinator supports the Office of Community Engagement and Protocol’s objectives by assisting with the planning and coordination of protocol-related visits, laboratory-wide events, and engagement activities. In doing so, the role ensures that visitors experience a professional, well-organized, and welcoming environment.
Visit & Event Coordination
In collaboration with the Protocol Officer and Protocol Specialist, the coordinator supports domestic and international visits by helping schedule presenters, meetings, and appointments. Additionally, the role coordinates logistics, including room planning, transportation, visitor schedules, photography, and event materials, to ensure seamless execution.
Administrative & Documentation Management
The position involves preparing and distributing key materials, including reports, briefers, biographies, schedules, and other visit-related documentation. The coordinator also maintains accurate, up-to-date project files and shared content across systems, including SharePoint, Smartsheet, and protocol email inboxes.
Stakeholder Communication & Continuity
By maintaining clear, timely, and professional communication, the coordinator builds and sustains positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders. The role also serves as a backup to the Protocol Officer and Protocol Specialist as needed, ensuring operational continuity and effective management of urgent or time-sensitive matters.
Compliance, Discretion & Values Alignment
The Protocol Coordinator exercises discretion when handling sensitive or confidential information and ensures compliance with Department of Energy policies and procedures. Across all responsibilities, the role aligns with ORNL’s core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service and actively supports diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
Ideal Candidate Profile
Educational Background
A bachelor’s degree in communications, event planning, business administration, hospitality management, or a related field is required.
Required Experience & Skills
Candidates should bring a minimum of two to three years of relevant experience in event management, protocol, community engagement, or administrative or project support roles. Strong organizational skills, excellent written and verbal communication abilities, and the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines are essential. The role requires a high level of attention to detail, effective time management, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
Preferred Experience
Preferred candidates will have experience working in a scientific, research, or government environment. Additional strengths include experience supporting senior leadership, distinguished visitors, and high-profile events; proficiency with project and event management tools such as Smartsheet, Asana, and Trello; and proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite.
Security, Eligibility & Visa Information
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Employment requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification badge and a Real ID-compliant form of identification. In addition, employees must complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background investigation, as mandated by Department of Energy and Homeland Security requirements. This process includes a declaration regarding illegal drug activity within the past year, in accordance with federal law.
About Oak Ridge National Laboratory
As a U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science national laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory brings more than 80 years of experience addressing some of the nation’s most complex scientific and technological challenges. With a workforce of more than 7,000 dedicated professionals, ORNL is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued and innovation thrives. The laboratory’s mission focuses on advancing scientific discovery and translating breakthroughs into solutions for energy, environmental, and national security challenges.
Compensation & Benefits
ORNL offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package that supports employee well-being and long-term success. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans; retirement and pension programs; paid time off and holidays; parental leave; wellness initiatives; educational assistance; relocation support; and a variety of employee amenities and discounts.
Also Read: ORNL Seeks Radiological Instrumentation Technician – Up to $138K/Year
Application Process
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply through ORNL’s official careers page. The position will remain open for a minimum of five days and may close once a qualified candidate is identified or hired. ORNL accepts resumes in Word, unsecured PDF, Rich Text Format, and HTML formats up to 5MB in size. Submissions from third-party vendors will not be considered.
Applicants who require assistance or reasonable accommodation during the application process may contact ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Oak Ridge National Laboratory 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.