View Vacancy - Press and Public Affairs Officer - San Francisco

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)
Public Diplomacy

Main purpose of job:

The British Government’s Consulate in San Francisco has an exciting opportunity for a creative and dynamic person to join the Politics, Press, and Public Affairs team as the Press and Public Affairs Officer. This opportunity is a rewarding role which supports and further develops the special relationship between the UK and the US, supporting work at the forefront of international diplomacy in order to make a real difference globally. 

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 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 both Governments collaborate and negotiate on key priorities such as climate change, science and technology, LGBTQ+ rights, and diversity. The Press & Public Affairs Officer (PPAO) will be responsible for implementing a high impact communications strategy to support the work of all teams at the Consulate and to champion UK interests to US audiences through media relations, digital diplomacy, and strategic communications campaigns. The PPAO will also develop and deliver high impact public diplomacy projects, events, and visit programmes including associated administration and budget management.  

Roles and responsibilities:

  • Deliver a digital media and communication strategy. This will include working closely with the Embassy communications team to implement media and communications campaigns, develop social media content, update the Consulate website and social media platforms and ensure that all online content is accurate and updated on a timely basis.
  • Coordinate public affairs events including building guest-lists of high-influence contacts, working with suppliers, and handling logistics.
  • Identify opportunities to organise and implement events/networking opportunities to promote UK values and interests, particularly around climate change, science and tech, LGBTQ+ rights, and diversity.
  • Lead on drafting press lines and other official communication.
  • Organise and manage media interviews.
  • Support high level visits programmes including developing communications content and media plans in line with UK priorities.
  • Manage the annual Marshall Scholarship selection process and outreach to Marshall Alumni and regional universities.
  • Respond to public enquiries, maintain information and contact databases, monitor project budgets, compile reports.
  • Where appropriate, assist the Head of Section with political reporting on thematic areas of work.
  • Any other duties as assigned.

Essential on arrival: 

  • Experience in communications or marketing, preferably with a governmental or international organisation or working in journalism. Digital diplomacy experience is a plus. 
  • Knowledge of the political and economic make-up and trends in California and the Pacific Northwest. 
  • Fully versed in Microsoft Office, Apple software, Photoshop, and social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, Hootsuite). 
  • Superior research skills with the ability to work efficiently and accurately under pressure. 
  • Excellent writing and oral communication skills. 
  • Excellent team-working and interpersonal skills, including experience of working with senior level executives. 
  • Experience of using digital media tools in professional outreach. 

Language requirements: 

Language: English

Level of language required: Fluent

Desirable: 

  • Established press and media contacts. 
  • Project management training or experience. 
  • Media handling skills including building relationships with journalists and experience in arranging interviews and press briefings. 
  • Proficiency in Spanish. 
Seeing the Big Picture, Delivering at Pace, Communicating and Influencing, Working Together
11 December 2022
Executive Officer (EO)
Full-time, Permanent
40
Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories
United States
San Francisco
British Consulate
1
USD
$28.28/hr
23 January 2023

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. 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.

Learning and development opportunities:

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.).

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.  

Working patterns: 

This role is 40 hours a week, but does not require set working hours each day. 

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 job holder may also be required to attend some evening and early morning events. Very occasional weekend working may also be required with advance notice.

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.