View Vacancy - Head of Politics, Press and Public Affairs

The British Consulate-General represents the UK diplomatically in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and New Mexico. The Consulate-General is responsible for developing trade and investment relations between these states and the UK, public diplomacy and Consular services for British nationals. Further information about the British Government’s US network can be found on www.ukinusa.fco.gov.uk.

The Head of Politics, Press and Public Affairs (PPPA) supports the head of the office (the Consul General) in building relationships with decision-makers and opinion-formers around the Central Southwest region on behalf of the UK, reporting on relevant regional developments, organising visits and events which advance UK interests, and planning and implementing media strategies to promote the Consulate’s priorities. The position is part of a network of similar PPPA positions in our offices around the US working to a shared strategy led by the Embassy, as well as fulfilling the local requirements of the Consulate-General.

The successful applicant will report directly to the Consul General. The Head of PPPA will take responsibility for planning and delivering day to day priorities, creating and managing multiple projects, events and budgets, building appropriate contacts across the five state region, and management of interns or other staff.   A flexible, creative and entrepreneurial approach is essential.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement and lead the Consulate General’s political engagement in the States of Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. The job-holder will be expected to cultivate networks of contacts with media outlets, State legislatures, Congressional offices, commentators and think tanks, drawing in support from the Consul General and other members of the team as needed; produce regular reporting and analysis of key political and economic developments in TX, OK and NM a bearing on UK interests; deputise for the Consul General at occasional speaking and representational events.
• Management and delivery of targeted communication through traditional and social media and engagement campaigns to develop UK engagement with Hispanic-Americans across the Consular District, in support of UK priorities.
• Monitor and report on political trends in consular patch as they related to UK interests and national politics.
• Development of other events, digital content, contributions to speech material and op-ed pieces as needed. Development of effective network of media partners.
• Oversight of Marshalls Scholarship programme in the region.
• Shared responsibility for strategic oversight of occasional VIP visit programmes linked to the job-holder’s areas of responsibility.
• Coordinate with other members of the PPPA network and the wider Consulate team to promote the work of the Consulate internally and externally and advance best practices.

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Communications, Political Science, Public Relations or Journalism;
• Minimum 6-8 years full time professional experience in a public diplomacy, communications or policy role;
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including creating and placing traditional media and social media content based on policy objectives;
• Spanish language fluency a plus;
• Strong research skills and in-depth regional knowledge including the political, economic and media landscape;
• Demonstrated experience creating and managing high profile events and visits;
• Ability to complete multiple tasks and high volume of work on deadline;
• Attention to detail and ability to edit and proofread;
• Good understanding of the challenges and sensitivities of working in the world of government and diplomacy;
• Ability to work under own initiative and follow through on agreed strategy with limited supervision;
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office 2007 software, imaging and social networking applications.

The successful candidate must be prepared to travel through the region, and make occasional longer trips, including to the UK.

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 Visa holders. If you hold a Visa other than an A Visa you are not currently eligible to work for the Embassy. All candidates will be subject to background checks and security clearance.