View Vacancy - Head, Politics, Press & Public Affairs Team, Atlanta
Main purpose of job:
The British Government’s Consulate in Atlanta has an exciting opportunity for a dynamic and driven person to join the Politics, Press & Public Affairs team as Head of PPPA. 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 in order to make a real difference globally.
The British Consulate-General in Atlanta represents the UK diplomatically in 6 states throughout the Southeast (Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi). The Consulate is responsible for developing business and political relations between the Southeast and the UK; promoting public diplomacy; and offering Consular services for British nationals.
The Consulate is now seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to head its Politics, Press & Public Affairs team. The successful candidate will lead on the Consulate’s political and economic reporting, providing value-added insight into developments in the Southeast region. Enhancing the UK’s reputation as a crucial partner for the US, the jobholder will also explain and champion British policies and positions to US audiences through political and media relations, digital outreach, and communications campaigns.
The jobholder will be a central member of the Consulate team but will also work alongside our network of Political, Press & Public Affairs and Policy teams across the US led by the Washington Embassy. The jobholder reports to the Consul General and manages the Executive Officer and the Press & Public Affairs Officer and their Intern.
It is an exciting time to be in this role. Politically the region plays an important role on the US national stage, 4 Governor offices are up for election this year and several of our 6 states will be battlegrounds to watch in the 2022 Mid-Term elections. We are also looking forward to celebrating Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee this summer. The job holder will always be active in supporting Her Majesty’s Government’s highest priorities across Atlanta and the Southeast including strengthening our trading relationship and showcasing our climate expertise.
The US Network offers a unique career enhancing opportunity and 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. In this role you would be working in a diverse international environment to support UK diplomats, armed forces personnel and other country based staff operating across the British Government’s network of Consulates and Government Offices in the United States. This network provides a platform for approximately 30 Government departments and agencies to conduct their work in the United States and is made up of over 900 staff with a rich and diverse background, skill sets, and experiences.
This is a chance to directly contribute to the way in which the UK Government collaborates and negotiates with the 6 states throughout the Southeast. The Head of Political, Press and Public Affairs (PPPA) will support the Consul-General in building relationships with decision-makers and opinion-formers around the South-East region on behalf of the UK. Key responsibilities include providing real-time reporting on political and economic developments to the Embassy in Washington and leadership in London; organising visits to the region by British Ministers and other VIPs; developing the Consulate’s website and social media presence (Twitter, Instagram etc.); acting as local media spokesperson on behalf of the Consulate-General and the British Government; acting in a leadership role within Post and managing the Press & Public Affairs team; planning and implementing external engagements and events; engaging external contacts on behalf of the Consul General; and facilitating best practice exchanges on domestic policy issues.
The ideal candidate will be a clear/effective communicator, a team player, have the ability to see the big picture and to shift focus and will have a background in public/international affairs, media and communications or advocacy or policy.
Roles and responsibilities:
• Nurture a strong network of senior political, economic and media contacts across the Southeast and identify opportunities for political, economic and cultural collaboration between the UK and US.
• Closely follow political and economic developments across the Southeast and provide high quality analysis to the Embassy in Washington and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in London.
• Lead on political engagement with the UK Government Office in Raleigh, assuming some of the Office’s responsibilities when required.
• Plan and oversee implementation of the regional communications strategy based on the Network strategy, including a delivery plan that covers key HMG objectives, the Consular geography, and all teams’ interests. Manage and deliver targeted communication under the strategy through traditional and social media and engagement campaigns across the southeast. Develop events, digital content, contributions to speech material, and op-ed pieces as needed. Develop an effective network of media partners.
• Develop and implement strategies and projects for the promotion of key UK public diplomacy objectives and soft power initiatives in collaboration with all Consulate teams. This will include representing the Consulate-General at external events and speaking engagements.
• Lead visits of Her Majesty’s Government Ministers and officials through programme planning, briefing and advance logistical support. Through collaboration with Consulate and network colleagues, ensure that programmes advance whole of consulate objectives.
• Oversee the Marshall Scholarship process (working with support staff in Atlanta and Miami as appropriate) including: communicating with selection committee members and candidates; organising and delivering all aspects of the interview process; maintaining all receipts and paperwork relevant to scholarship administration; soliciting media coverage; and performing outreach to schools and colleges to encourage a diverse applicant pool.
• Manage the Press and Public Affairs Officer and the Executive Officer, and recruit when necessary. Oversee the recruitment and management of PPPA and Executive Office interns.
• Contribute fully to corporate activities and responsibilities, particularly by taking ownership of the communication and political elements of any crisis preparation and response.
• Any other duties as assigned.
Essential on arrival:
· 5 years professional experience in public affairs, media and communications, advocacy or policy; preferably including with a governmental/international organisation in a PR company, or working in journalism;
· Extensive knowledge of the political and economic make-up and trends in the South-eastern USA.
· Strong research, oral and written communication skills including the ability to effectively communicate with senior leaders;
· Fully versed in Microsoft Office version 7.0, Apple software, Photoshop, and social media applications (e.g. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn).
· Demonstrated leadership ability in a managerial capacity.
· Ability to complete multiple tasks and a high volume of work on deadline and with limited supervision, delivering also through others;
· Attention to detail and ability to edit and proofread;
· Positive and flexible attitude, including willingness to travel frequently.
Under US State Department requirements, the UK Government in the US may only employ, as non-diplomatic staff, persons who are US citizens, US Permanent Residents or A visa holders with EAD cards*. If you hold a visa other than an A visa you are not currently eligible to work at our office. Please refer to our website for information on exceptions to this policy at www.gov.uk/government/world/usa. All selected candidates are subject to background checks and will require a security clearance prior to starting work. • A visas are acceptable at the Embassy and Consulates. The UK Mission to the UN (UKMIS) accepts G visas, and British Defence Staff (BDS) outposts accept A or NATO visas
Desirable:
· Established press and media contacts / Project management training or experience
We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow. The British Consulate aims to be as inclusive as possible of people’s commutes and schedules by encouraging flexible working patterns. We are currently encouraging team members to work from the office two-three times per week.
The job holder may also be required to attend some evening and early morning events (if a Covid-19 risk assessment has been undertaken).
The British Embassy’s network offers a strong benefits package. This package includes health insurance, pension, generous leave entitlement, and training opportunities.
Resume and cover letter should be submitted. Internal candidates must inform their supervisor if they intend on 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 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.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
