View Vacancy - Head of Politics Press & Public Affairs
The British Consulate-General in Miami is responsible for British political, security, economic and consular interests in Florida, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands (USVI). The office, provides services in trade and investment, science and innovation, law enforcement, consular work, political and public affairs.
Based in Miami, and working directly for the UK Consul General, the Head of Political and Public Affairs (PPA) has two core responsibilities. On the political side, the individual will build relationships with senior decision-makers and opinion-formers and provide high quality analysis of political and economic trends in the region, identifying potential impact of such trends from a UK perspective particularly with respect to Florida’s role in the 2016 general election campaign. On the public affairs side, the individual will set the strategic direction for UK public engagement and communications work enhancing the UK’s reputation as a crucial partner for the US in politics, economics, global security, culture and innovation. This will include: developing conventional and digital media campaigns to reach an audience in the millions and to target current and future leaders; being the first point of contact for fast moving issues or crises; designing high impact events to showcase UK in the local market; and overseeing senior level visits to the region.
The successful applicant will be responsible for the management of 1 x Politics and Public Affairs Officer (and interns, where appropriate) and work closely with all teams in the consulate. The individual will need to combine a flexible, creative and entrepreneurial approach and a strong grip of organisational process and delivery.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Provide high quality analysis of political and economic developments in Florida, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.
- Develop a strong network of senior political and economic contacts across Florida, Puerto Rico and USVI, with particular emphasis on the 2016 Presidential campaigns. Identify opportunities for political, economic and cultural collaboration between the UK and US.
- Develop and implement strategies to ensure the Consulate General’s engagement is diverse and supports the long-term vision of the UK-US relationship.
- Represent the Consulate General at external events, including some speaking engagements.
- Develop and implement projects to promote key British Government priorities in collaboration with Embassy colleagues, counterparts in London and external partners.
- Providing strategic input to a more integrated pan-American communications effort across all UK regional posts in the Americas and Caribbean
- Plan and coordinate official VIP visits to support policy objectives.
- Build relationships with key media - print, radio, TV, digital - and manage press interviews and briefings with the Consul General and Embassy colleagues.
- Act as the Consulate’s official spokesperson, including during crises.
- Line-manage, supervise, develop and motivate one Public Affairs Assistant.
- Oversee the annual Marshall Scholarship selection process and outreach to Marshall Alumni.
- Bachelor’s degree in relevant field.
- Five years’ experience in a public affairs and/or political analysis role, preferably with a governmental/international organisation, PR Company, or in journalism.
- A strong interest in and knowledge of US politics particularly in Florida
- Excellent writing and oral communication skills
- Excellent team-working and interpersonal skills, including proven experience of influencing senior contacts in both the public and private sectors
- Media handling skills including building relationships with journalists and experience in arranging interviews and press briefings.
- Interest and knowledge of politics and foreign affairs, notably US-UK relations.
- Experience in strategic use of digital media in professional outreach.
- Demonstrate ability to deliver high-profile events
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.
*A visas or NATO visas with EAD cards are acceptable at the Embassy, Consulates, and British Defence Staff (BDS) outposts. The UK Mission to the UN (UKMIS) accepts G visas.
- Spanish language fluency
The British Embassy Network offers a strong benefits package. This package includes medical, dental, vision, life, long term and short term disability insurance, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, generous vacation and leave time, and an enriching training package.
The salary for this position is $55,640 annualized. Actual salary will be confirmed upon offer of employment. Individuals who are not US taxpaying citizens will be paid a net salary based on a simulated US tax status.
Resume and a cover letter with salary history should be submitted by 14 October 2016. Please identify in your cover letter whether you are currently eligible to work at the Consulate General. Internal candidates must address their resumes through the Head of Group before applying.
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 Consulate General is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a diverse workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, disability, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
