Main purpose of job:
The British Government’s Embassy in Washington has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and creative person to join the Communications team as Chief Communications Officer – External Engagement. This opportunity is a rewarding role which supports and further develops the special relationship between the UK and the US, working at the forefront of international diplomacy to make a real difference globally. \
This role is a chance to directly contribute to the way in which both Governments collaborate and negotiate with key US-based policy organisations, education institutions, and non-profit organizations. This role will be responsible for implementing a strategic communications strategy for stakeholder engagement with US-based think tanks, educational organisations, sponsors and relevant non-profits. The role willdvise Embassy leadership and senior officials within the UK government on engagement priorities. You will gain hands-on exposure to international relations in action and high-profile senior officials from both the British government and the U.S. Government. The job holder will frequently work directly with senior UK and US officials to source and deliver stakeholder engagement opportunities to promote British interests in America. This position will also work hand in glove with the the Embassy’s values-based soft power activity.
The successful candidate will work within a busy, motivated and experienced communications team, reporting to a Head of Strategic Communications & Public Diplomacy, and will lead on the delivery of small and large public engagement activity, external media activity and communications’ campaigns centred on key issues or important moments in the calendar. This role also leads on the delivery of the prestigious Marshall Scholarship programme in the US which runs to an academic calendar and poses many opportunities for educational and high profile stakeholder engagement. Typical tasks involve delivering creative and innovative communications plans and engagements, maintain relationships with relevant stakeholders, making new contacts, responding to briefs, briefings, working with defence staff as well as soft power colleagues and supporting the Embassy’s wider public engagement and relationships with US stakeholders.
The Embassy is looking for an energetic self-starter who brings together: strong personal impact with external stakeholders as well as colleagues; excellent project management and organisational skills; and creativity and a flair for innovative communications engaging a broad range of audiences through in-person events as well as traditional and digital media.
This role is perfect for individuals with some professional experience in foreign policy, events, communications, media, campaigns, and/or think tank engagement, who are eager to take on new challenges and grow their careers.
The British Embassy in Washington is committed to supporting its staff through a variety of benefits including generous leave, insurance packages and a highly competitive 401k programme. It also promotes a culture of flexibility which enables people to better maintain wellness through an excellent work/life balance approach that encompasses hybrid working, including working from home and flexible hours, where possible.
Roles and responsibilities:
*These tasks are indicative and may shift over time depending on team priorities and organizational needs.
Essential on arrival:
Desirable experience:
US State Department requirements, the UK Government in the US has restrictions on the type of visas our non-diplomatic staff may hold. If you are not a US Citizen or a US Permanent Resident, or the dependent of a diplomat (with an EAD card), you may not be eligible for employment with the UK government. We cannot accept student Visas (J1, F or M) nor other forms of work Visas (I, H, P). If you hold a work visa it is best to check on your eligibility to work for a foreign government before applying for a position.
You may refer to our website for additional information: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-the-usa.
All selected candidates are subject to background checks and will require a security clearance prior to starting work.
The British Embassy and its US Network embraces hybrid working. We are an organization that also recognises the critical value of team work and we embrace and endorse collaboration by ensuring that all staff attend the office flexibly yet regularly.
Please note: The British Embassy and its US Network is committed to all employee’s ongoing learning and development needs. We offer a comprehensive platform for personalised learning for everything from soft skill development (communicating with impact, handling difficult conversations, time management) to more technical or professional skills necessary to complete your job (software training, formal qualifications etc.).
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.
Unique Tax Rules
Please note that the tax arrangements imposed by the US on staff working for foreign governments, as well as those imposed by the UK Treasury on British and dual nationals working for the UK Government overseas, are atypical. The UK Government cannot withhold taxes (including FICA) on behalf of a US taxpayer. Instead, a US taxpayer is required to file taxes as if they are self-employed, and a FICA allowance is granted for those required to pay the employer contribution. Certain categories of staff (for example dual UK-US nationals and some visa holders) who work at Consulates General are not subject to US taxes. For those not subject to US taxes the UK Government reduces gross pay to a level broadly equivalent to taxed net pay. There are also social security implications for dual UK-US nationals. Please keep all this in mind when looking at the salary and the benefits package. If you are offered a job with the UK’s US Network you will be given further tax and social security information relevant to your personal circumstances and place of work; you are advised to consider this information and its impact on your circumstances carefully – potentially with the advice of a tax professional - before accepting a job.
Closing date of receiving applications is before 23:55 (Local Time) on 07 November 2025.
All applicants must fully complete the online application form, including the sections for employment and educational details, experience, and behaviour-based questions. Only those applications that contain all required information will be considered. To ensure the sift process remains anonymous, please do not include any personally identifiable information in your application form.
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.
Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a ‘reserve list’. If during the reserve period of 6 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.
Internal candidates must inform their supervisor before they apply to a different position.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
