View Vacancy - Trade & Investment Associate
Main purpose of job:
The Department for International Trade (DIT) is the UK Government’s international business development agency. DIT USA, working closely with DIT and other agencies in the United Kingdom, is charged with transatlantic trade development between the UK and the US; and with assisting US companies looking to invest in the UK. See www.gov.uk/DIT for further information.
The British Consulate in Cambridge, Massachusetts seeks a Trade & Investment Associate which reports to a Trade & Investment Officer responsible for managing projects in the Financial & Business Services or Information Technology sectors. The roles support the flow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the UK and UK exporters to the US. Candidates will build a pipeline of US companies considering international expansion and should feel comfortable supporting pitches to C-Suite execs. They will be expected to manage an array of projects, build relationships with dozens of innovative British companies and New England based contacts to match UK capabilities with US opportunities.
This position presents an opportunity to play a central role in promoting the UK by supporting thought leaders as they visit New England, coordinating visits for Ministers and VIP delegations, and organising trade missions that connect innovative British companies to key conferences.
The successful candidate will represent the UK at events and conferences. As such, they’ll be expected to understand the UK’s ecosystem and position at the forefront of technological advancement. The consulate’s territory covers the New England states of Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and Rhode Island.
Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?
- Support the New England team and our wider US Network to forge strong relationships with business leaders, trade associations, and interlocutors both in the UK and the US. Generate leads and projects from US FDI prospects looking to set up in the UK.
- Provide new and experienced British companies with the information they require to make informed business decisions by handling market research enquiries, conducting visits, writing appropriate reports and creating business opportunities for British companies.
- Overseeing support for visiting trade missions. Providing logistical support on VIP visits.
- Maintaining records of our contact with customers on our global Customer Relationship Management system.
- Deliver impactful, targeted marketing programs and events in conjunction with partners and stakeholders to build DIT awareness, promote key messages, and showcase UK competitiveness. Track and report outcomes.
Key skills, experience and qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or experience in a relevant field – Sales, Marketing, Communications, Technology, or International Trade are preferred;
- Sales or business development experience.
- Relevant work experience and/or business development experience in the US and, ideally, the UK;
- Strong client management experience
- Strong administrator with keen communication skills
- Proactivity, organized and works to deadlines, prioritizes and is able to multi-task;
- A self-starter, able to work independently and show initiative with limited day-to-day supervision while operating as part of a wider team with shared goals and wide-ranging objectives;
- Strong networking skills;
- Computer literacy in standard Microsoft applications;
- Driving license and ability to undertake occasional air travel including overnight stays.
- Must be able to demonstrate strong administration and research skills
Any other information (or specific local Post requirements):
- Located in/or can relocate self to, the New England area.
- Be willing to undertake occasional travel to the UK.
- Be willing to represent DIT and the British Consulate at external functions (both during working hours and evenings).
Under US State Department requirements, the UK Government in the US may only employ, as non-diplomatic staff, persons who are US citizens, US Permanent Residents or A visa holders with EAD cards*. If you hold a visa other than an A visa you are not currently eligible to work at our office. Please refer to our website for information on exceptions to this policy at www.gov.uk/government/world/usa. All selected candidates are subject to background checks and will require a security clearance prior to starting work.
*A visas are acceptable at the Embassy and Consulates. The UK Mission to the UN (UKMIS) accepts G visas, and British Defense Staff (BDS) outposts accept A or NATO visas.
The candidate will have access to internal and external training including a UK familiarization trip (if required).
The UK Government operating in the US offers a substantial benefits package including generous leave, a choice of medical insurance, 401(k) matching up to 7%, extensive learning opportunities and a great work/life balance.
Staff recruited locally are subject to terms and conditions of service in accordance with US, state, and/or local employment law.
Individuals who are not a US taxpaying citizen will be paid a net salary based on a simulated US tax status.
Internal candidates must inform their supervisor before they apply to a different position.
Only successful candidates will be contacted. Please no phone calls. Due to the high volume of resumes we receive, we cannot guarantee consideration of your application if the submission instructions are not properly followed.
The British Embassy is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and to creating a diverse working environment, free from discrimination, where everyone is included and treated fairly, based on merit alone. We are an equal opportunity employer, making all employment decisions without regard to race, gender, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation or any other criterion protected by law.