View Vacancy - Policy and Communications Manager, UK Research and Innovation USA
Main purpose of job:
The UKRI USA Policy Manager role is an exciting opportunity to take up a newly created post in a small but dynamic team based in the British Embassy in Washington DC. You will become part of the UKRI USA team, joining the Director, Deputy Director and Senior Policy Manager and working to represent and grow the UKRI presence with key stakeholders in the USA and Canada. The role will focus primarily on developing and implementing a communications strategy, both internal and external, working with UKRI and the wider UK network in the US to grow and strengthen effective relationships. The UKRI USA team works closely with Innovate UK’s North America Partnerships Manager, the UK Science and Innovation Network (SIN) in the US and Canada and the Department for International Trade (DIT), which will all be key relationships for this role. In addition to their communications responsibilities, the Policy Manager will be expected to manage the relationship with one or more of the nine UKRI Councils and play a supporting role in delivering the team’s objectives, with scope to lead on specific sectors and topics.
Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?:
- Develop and implement a strategic US social media campaign in coordination with other communications teams across global UKRI.
- Working with the UKRI USA team, actively contribute to the development of UKRI USA strategic planning processes.
- Lead on UKRI USA’s development and implementation of internal communications, working closely with SIN, DIT and other UK government presences as necessary.
- Manage the relationship with at least one of the nine UKRI Councils.
- Help build and maintain networks with senior UK and US partners to facilitate collaborative activities and visits.
- Contribute to the development of US visit programmes for UKRI officials and key stakeholders.
- Provide high-quality reporting for UKRI, for example by attending and reporting on internal and external meetings and events, including NSF and other funders’ advisory boards.
- Develop and maintain financial reports for UKRI USA.
Essential on arrival:
- Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree.
- At least 5 years of experience in a research, innovation or related field, from an academic, government or corporate background. Fewer years of experience would be considered for candidates with advanced degrees or exceptional, relevant experience.
- Excellent organisational skills and a proven ability to work independently to deliver results in an environment of multiple pressures and demands.
- Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills and an evidenced ability to establish effective working relationships with senior figures from industry, government, academia and the research and innovation community.
- Strong written and oral communication skills and an ability to convey complex scientific concepts to non-expert audiences, including via social media.
- A track record in working in multi-site, multi-disciplinary teams and delivering results through team work and collaboration.
- Experience developing and delivering projects on target with minimal supervision.
- A demonstrable enthusiasm for research, research and innovation policy and the internationalisation of research and an awareness and understanding of US research and innovation policy.
- Proficiency in MS Office and communications platforms such as Twitter.
Desirable:
- Knowledge and understanding of the UK and the research and innovation policy landscape.
- Knowledge and understanding of the Canadian research and innovation policy landscape.
The British Embassy offers a strong benefits package. This package includes health insurance, pension, generous leave entitlement, and training opportunities.
Under US State Department requirements, the Embassy may only employ, as non-diplomatic staff, persons who are US citizens, US Green Card holders or A or NATO visa holders with EAD cards*. If you hold a visa other than an A or NATO visa you are not currently eligible to work at the Embassy. Please refer to our website for information on exceptions to this policy at www.gov.uk/government/world/usa. All candidates will be subject to background checks and security clearance.
Ability to travel both within the US and Canada and for up to a week twice a year to the UK.
Valid passport required.
Resume and cover letter should be submitted by 7 April 2019. Internal candidates must inform their supervisor if they intend on applying.
Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy are subject to terms and conditions of service according to local American employment law.
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.
The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow
This opportunity is closed to applications.
