View Vacancy - Head of Politics, Press & Public Affairs
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)
Political
Main purpose of job
The British Consulate General in Los Angeles is seeking an experienced and innovative Public Affairs professional to lead its Politics, Press & Public Affairs (PPPA) team. Based in Los Angeles, and working directly for the UK Consul General, the Head of Public Affairs works with the media and the public to explain and champion British policies and positions to US audiences through political and media relations, digital outreach, and communications campaigns. The position also leads on the Consulate’s political and economic reporting—providing value-added insight into developments in the Southwest region covered by the Consulate General: Southern California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and Hawaii.
Roles and responsibilities
- Develop and implement strategies and projects for the promotion of key UK public diplomacy objectives in collaboration with Embassy policy leads, counterparts in London, communications colleagues around the United States, and external partners.
- Planning and coordinating events and official VIP visits throughout Los Angeles’ consular region that support policy objectives.
- Building relationships with key media—print, radio/TV, digital—and managing press interviews and briefings with the Consul General and Embassy colleagues, and acting as the Consulate’s official spokesperson, including during crises.
- Closely following political and economic developments and building relationships with key political and economic stakeholders so as to attain an expert insight on these and other developments in the Consulate’s states.
- Collaborating with other PPPA teams around the US, in particular with the PPPA team at the UK Consulate General in San Francisco that covers Northern California and with which Los Angeles works closely on pan-California events and outreach.
- Providing support in all areas of the post’s work that includes Consular (assistance to British Nationals), UK Department for International Trade (DIT), Visit Britain, the British Film Commission (BFC), and Science & Innovation Network (SIN).
- Overseeing the annual Marshall Scholarship selection process and outreach to Marshall alumni.
- Five years’ experience in public affairs, media and communications, preferably including with a governmental/international organisation, in a PR company, or working in journalism.
- Interest and knowledge of politics and foreign affairs, notably US-UK relations.
- Excellent team-working and interpersonal skills, including experience of working with senior level executives.
- Media handling skills including building relationships with journalists, and experience in arranging interviews and press briefings.
- Excellent writing and oral communication skills.
- Experience in using digital media in professional outreach
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 Defense Staff (BDS) outposts accept A or NATO visas.
*A visas are acceptable at the Embassy and Consulates. The UK Mission to the UN (UKMIS) accepts G visas, and British Defense Staff (BDS) outposts accept A or NATO visas.
23 February 2020
Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
Permanent
Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories
United States
Los Angeles
British Consulate General
USD
$85,686
6 April 2020
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.
Staff recruited locally are subject to terms and conditions of service in accordance with US, state, and/or local employment law.
Individuals who are not a US taxpaying citizen will be paid a net salary based on a simulated US tax status.
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, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation or any other criterion protected by law.
Staff recruited locally are subject to terms and conditions of service in accordance with US, state, and/or local employment law.
Individuals who are not a US taxpaying citizen will be paid a net salary based on a simulated US tax status.
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, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation or any other criterion 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.
