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Overview

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), a leading U.S. Department of Energy national lab, advances scientific discovery and national security. We are seeking a Head of Total Rewards to lead and execute the Laboratory’s compensation, benefits, wellness, and recognition strategy. Reporting to the Chief Human Resources Officer, this senior leader will shape policy, guide enterprise-wide programs, and drive strategic initiatives that align Total Rewards with evolving workforce needs and talent strategy. The position requires strong collaboration across the organization and plays a critical part in anticipating workforce trends and positioning PNNL as an employer of choice in a highly competitive scientific and national security market. This position is based on-site in Richland, WA.

Responsibilities

+ Establish the Laboratory-wide Total Rewards strategy aligned to mission, talent, and financial objectives.

+ Provide strategic counsel to the CHRO, Laboratory Director, and senior executives on compensation and benefits policy and emerging workforce issues.

+ Anticipate shifts in labor markets, legislation, and mission priorities to develop proactive solutions.

+ Align programs across multiple directorates to ensure equity, competitiveness, and scalability.

+ Partner with Battelle Corporate, DOE Site Offices, and inter-laboratory forums to influence rewards policy and resolve complex issues.

+ Oversee design and administration of laboratory-wide compensation structures and benefits programs (health and welfare, retirement, wellness, etc.) that are mission-driven and workforce-focused.

+ Ensure compliance with federal and state regulatory frameworks (e.g., FLSA, ERISA, HIPAA, ACA, 409A) and DOE directives.

+ Integrate benefits strategy as a core driver of recruitment, retention, and workforce engagement.

+ Manage Total Rewards budgets and vendor contracts; measure ROI and ensure cost-effective delivery.

+ Lead negotiations and partnerships with external providers to maintain high quality and value.

+ Develop strategies to clearly communicate complex Total Rewards policies, including DOE, Battelle, and federal compliance requirements to foster trust and understand across the Laboratory.

+ Demonstrate strong partnership with HR senior leaders to design and implement solutions that support the Laboratory’s people strategy, align Total Rewards programs with lab-wide workforce initiatives, and drive collaboration across HR functions.

Skills & Competencies

+ Visionary leader with ability to anticipate workforce trends and shape future-oriented rewards strategies.

+ Skilled at navigating DOE directives, FAR/DEAR compliance, and cost allowability standards unique to national labs.

+ Influential communicator adept at negotiating with senior internal and external stakeholders, including Battelle Corporate and DOE Site Offices.

+ Strong analytical and financial skills; balances competitiveness, equity, and fiscal stewardship.

+ Strong collaborator skilled at engaging leadership and cross-functional teams to advance initiatives.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

+ Bachelor’s degree and 15 years of relevant experience, or

+ Master’s degree and 13 years of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:

+ Extensive experience leading Total Rewards functions and advising senior executives.

+ Deep expertise in DOE directives, FAR/DEAR regulations, and federal contractor compliance frameworks governing compensation, benefits, and workforce policies in a national laboratory setting.

+ Recognized expertise in both compensation and benefits strategy, including health, retirement, and wellness programs.

+ Proven success managing large budgets, multi-state programs, and high-impact vendor relationships.

+ Demonstrated ability to integrate scientific mission priorities with competitive labor market strategies.

+ Experience with Oracle and position management frameworks.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not Applicable

Testing Designated Position

This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).

About PNNL

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!

At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.

Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity

Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at [email protected] .

Drug Free Workplace

PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.

If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements

As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.

Mandatory Requirements

Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.

Rockstar Rewards

Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*,employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company-funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401 (k) savings plan with company match*. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

* Research Associates excluded.

**All benefits are dependent upon eligibility.

Click Here for Rockstar Rewards (https://careers.pnnl.gov/rockstar-rewards)

Notice to Applicants

PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.

As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.

Minimum Salary

USD $194,300.00/Yr.

Maximum Salary

USD $307,200.00/Yr.