View Vacancy - External Engagement and Communications Manager - Welsh Government, Washington DC
The Welsh Government team at the British Embassy in Washington DC has an exciting opportunity for a dynamic and driven individual to join us as our External Engagement and Communications Manager.
The purpose of the role is to raise Wales’ profile in Washington DC among external stakeholders, with a particular focus on Congressional engagement and growing the Friends of Wales caucus. This is a rewarding role which supports the wider delivery of the International Strategy for Wales: to raise the profile of Wales overseas, to grow the Welsh economy through exports and inward investment, and to establish Wales as a globally responsible nation.
The post holder will be based in the British Embassy in Washington DC and reports to the Welsh Government’s Deputy Head of North America. They will focus on raising Wales’ profile in Washington DC through the development and delivery of an external engagement plan, as well as the design and delivery of stakeholder events. The successful individual will form a key part of the Welsh Government’s North American presence, which includes staff based across six cities in the USA and Canada. The role includes occasional support for other Welsh Government offices in North America in delivering their own external events, including the opportunity for travel.
The ideal candidate should possess excellent communication and networking skills, including experience working with a range of different stakeholders. They must also have a strong working knowledge of Congress and associated Congressional committees. Previous experience in a communications, engagement and/or business support role is desirable, but not essential.
The post holder will form part of the wider FCDO US Network. The US Network offers unique career enhancing opportunities 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.
Roles and responsibilities:
- Develop and deliver an external engagement plan for Washington DC to align with the goals of the Welsh Government’s International Strategy, with a particular focus on Congressional engagement.
- Design and deliver stakeholder events within Washington DC. Occasional support required for events outside of Washington DC, primarily in cities with Welsh Government presence: Atlanta, Chicago, New York, San Francisco, and Montreal.
- Represent Wales at external events to deliver key objectives aligned with the International Strategy.
- Lead and manage the Welsh Government’s North America engagement channels (primarily X and linkedin).
- Work directly with British Embassy Communications, Events, Political, and Congressional teams to identify and deliver on wider opportunities to raise Wales’ profile
- Support Heads of Regions in other Welsh Government offices, where required, to deliver their own programme of activity – including related support for finance processes and administrative requirements.
- Co-ordination & support in the delivery of Ministerial visits, where required.
The successful candidate will be required to work and attend events, out of office hours, at least once a week.
Essential:
- Excellent communication and networking skills, including experience working with a range of different stakeholders.
- A strong working knowledge of Congress and associated Congressional committees
Please note: 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, A and NATO visa holders with EAD cards, and L2 visa holders with an up-to-date I-94 form. 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.
- Previous experience in a communications, engagement and/or business support role is desirable, but not essential.
The British Embassy and its US Network embraces hybrid working, allowing its staff to typically work from home 2 or 3 times a week. 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.
The successful candidate will be required to work and attend events, out of office hours, at least once a week.
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.
Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a ‘reserve list’. If during the reserve period of 6-12 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.
Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary, eg some non-local national staff and some spouses or partners of UK diplomatic staff, will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount.
Internal candidates must inform their supervisor before they apply to a different position.
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, gender identity, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation or any other criterion protected by law.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
