View Vacancy - Content Writer and Producer, Communications and Marketing

The UK’s Department for International Trade (DIT) in North America seeks a proactive, enthusiastic, and creative Content Writer and Producer to write and edit our externally-facing trade promotion material across the US and Canada. The jobholder will work to the Head of Communications for North America, as part of DIT North America Communications and Marketing Team.

Our core communications activities include executive communications (external and internal), press outreach, and social media promotion that target DIT’s US and Canadian audiences, which include exporters, consumers, influencers, economic policy makers, and external partners. We strive to contextualize the UK’s unique business offer in relevant terms for American and Canadian audiences and to encourage them to invest in the UK, buy British goods and services, and look to the UK for thought leadership and solutions.

Main purpose of job:

The British Government’s Department for International Trade in North America has an exciting opportunity for a dynamic communicator to join the Communications and Marketing Team as Content Writer and Producer. 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 trade and investment 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 supporting 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 both Governments collaborate and negotiate on trade and investment.

The ideal candidate will be team player, clear/effective communicator, strong attention to detail, ability to juggle competing demands, keep to deadlines with fantastic writing skills and the ability to create context for big picture objectives.

Roles and responsibilities:

• Writing clear and compelling copy with a distinct voice for our North America-facing communications products, which include:
  • Executive communications (internal and external), forewords, by-lined pieces and articles;
  • Social media posts, blogs, advertisements, and websites;
  • Briefing, top lines and scripts, talking points;
  • Copy for media releases or advisories (as directed by the Head of Communications).
• Maintaining top lines and scripts, ensuring they’re regularly updated and cross-checked with relevant resource information, and occasionally help produce copy for internal communications and newsletters as required;
• Research of industry-related topics (combining print and online sources, interviews and studies);
• Proofreading and editing;
• Coordinating as-required with marketing and design teammates to illustrate articles or wider projects;
• Pitching in as required for wider team projects and priorities.

• Excellent command of the English language, with attention to detail and strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills;
• A demonstrated ability to write clearly, accurately, and persuasively, particularly in a business or government environment;
• Ability to work independently and perform independent research to source the material needed to make a piece of writing effective and informative;
• Ability to quickly grasp project requirements and commissions, and bring together different views, ideas and insights into a cohesive narrative;
• Thrives in a fast-paced and collaborative environment; reliable, capable under pressure, and strong interpersonal skills;
• Solid understanding of writing for social media platforms (particularly LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram);
• A proactive, self-starter with strong time management, multitasking and organizational skills;
• Collaborative and team-oriented to the core, with experience in working with a wide range of stakeholders (internal and external);
• University degree or equivalent work experience;
• Minimum of 1 year of relevant experience in business writing, journalism, communications, marketing, public relations or a related field;
• 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.