View Vacancy - Social Secretary

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 (Operations and Corporate Services)
Protocol, Visits and Events

The British Embassy, Washington DC is looking for a Social Secretary to oversee the planning, implementing and execution of events at the British Ambassador’s Residence. Washington DC is one of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s most prestigious Residences and serves some 15,000 guests and visitors each year. The successful applicant will work closely with the Ambassador, the Residence Team, the Ambassador’s Private Office, the Deputy Head of Mission’s team and manage the Assistant to the Social Secretary.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Planning all events at the Ambassador’s Residence including: drawing up guest lists, sending invitations, taking responses, following up on non-responders, creating seating plans.
  • Managing logistics of events at the Residence by coordinating with the event holder, Security, Chef, Head Gardener, the Residence Manager and supporting team members.
  • Manage the Residence’s calendar and schedule of events.
  • Monitor and respond to emails queries on Residence events.
  • Work directly with the Ambassador’s Private Office to ensure efficient planning of the Residence’s forward programme of events and provide assistance/guidance as needed.
  • Attend events to oversee success and trouble shoot problems as they arise. This also includes proactively initiating conversations with guests to make them feel comfortable and engaged at events.
  • Maintain records of guest lists and maintain database.
  • Advise on British etiquette and protocol.
  • Meet and greet guests (including houseguests) and assist with requests as needed.
  • Direct management of the Assistant to the Social Secretary.

The jobholder will achieve orchestrating between 600 – 700 events per annum, and entertain between 12,0000 – 14,000 guests each year, while maintaining high standards


Language: English

Level of language required: Fluent

  • Minimum of 6 years of experience in a similar environment with exposure to international dignitaries, officials and business leaders.
  • The ability to work independently and to react to situations, which may arise without constant supervision.
  • Excellent computer skills (Word, Excel and Internet).
  • Must have high level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations. This position requires demonstrated poise, tact, diplomacy and discretion.
  • Strong communication ability, both written and oral is required.  Must be able to interact and communicate with individuals at all levels, and the ability to develop a personal network.
  • Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to handle the pressure of juggling multiple competing tasks and demands.
  • Must be available to work evenings, weekends and holidays.
  • Some knowledge of the Washington, DC area is desirable.

  • Good hand writing.
  • Maintain extremely high standards.
  • Show discretion at all times.
  • Have the ability to work independently, without constant supervision.
  • Be able to react to situations within may arise unexpectedly.
  • Be willing to learn and be flexible.
  • Be professional and efficient.
  • Be observant and aware of situations.
  • Dress appropriately. 




9 March 2018
Executive Officer (EO)
Full-time, Permanent
Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories
United States
Washington
British Embassy
1
USD
78,467
13 August 2018

The British Embassy Network offers a strong benefits package. This package includes medical, dental, vision, life, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, generous vacation and leave time, and an enriching training package.

Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy are subject to terms and conditions of service according to Local American employment law.

This job requires early morning starts and late night finishes, working over some holidays and some weekends.

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.

Resume and a cover letter  should be submitted by 9 March  2018. Internal candidates must inform 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 Embassy is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a diverse workforce. 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.