View Vacancy - Policy & Communications Officer

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 identity, 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.
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles)
Communications, Press and Media, Political

The British Consulate-General in Chicago is seeking a highly motivated political and communications officer, to lead on politics, communications and public diplomacy economy for the UK Consulate-General in Chicago and across the Midwest USA.

The British Consulate-General diplomatically represents the UK in 14 states throughout the Midwest. The Consulate-General is responsible for: developing trade and investment relations between the Midwest and the UK; political reporting on the Midwest; engaging on economic policy objectives of interest to the UK; public diplomacy efforts; and Consular services for British nationals. 

The jobholder reports to the Deputy Consul General. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Develop a strong network of political contacts and keep abreast of the political landscape across the Midwest, in order to produce high-quality reporting on political issues for internal customers in DC and London. (30%)
  • Implement a communications strategy which enhances the UK’s reputation and adds value to the British Consulate-General’s activities, including management of relationships with media contacts and of an external digital communications platform incorporating a website and multiple social media channels.  (25%)
  • Lead on and plan the UK’s public diplomacy and soft power events across the Midwest (30%)
  • Lead visits of Her Majesty’s Government Ministers and officials through programme planning, briefing and advance logistical support.  (10%)
  • Recruit, interview, train and manage Policy and Communications interns. (5%)  
  • Bachelors’ degree required.  Degree in Communications, Political Science, Public Relations or Journalism preferred;
  • Strong interest in and knowledge of US politics, particularly in the Midwest;
  • Strong oral and written communication skills including the ability to effectively communicate with senior government leaders;
  • Strong research skills and familiarity with Midwest political and economic landscape;
  • Demonstrated experience managing high profile events;
  • Ability to complete multiple tasks and high volume of work on deadline;
  • Attention to detail and ability to edit and proofread;
  • Ability to follow through on assigned tasks with limited supervision;
  • Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office software, imaging and social networking software.
  • Valid passport and ability to undertake domestic and international travel, including overnight stays.

 

Under US State Department requirements, the Embassy Network 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. 

7 June 2016
Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
Full-time, Permanent
Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories
United States
Chicago
British Consulate General
1
USD
$52,624
8 August 2016

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 target salary for this position is $52,624 annualized.  Salary will be confirmed upon offer of employment. Individuals who are Green Card holders, UK/US dual citizens, and non 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 7 June 2016.  Please identify in your cover letter whether you are currently eligible to work at the Embassy.  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 opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference.  We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation or other category protected by law.

Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Country Based Staff roles with the British Government through this official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site. If you complete and send an application through any other site, we will not receive it.

This opportunity is closed to applications.