View Vacancy - Head of Strategic Communications and Public Diplomacy

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)
Communications, Press and Media

Main purpose of job:

 

The British Embassy is seeking a Head of Strategic Communications and Public Diplomacy to lead its communications department in Washington D.C. The ideal candidate will be an experienced leader in public diplomacy, strategic communications or soft power. The candidate will also need to be an energetic leader who brings together: strong personal impact with external stakeholders and colleagues across the UK government’s US network; excellent managerial and organisational skills; and a strategic approach to communications. This position would lead the UK network in the US on working with a range of key stakeholders to promote the UK’s long-term reputation in the US as a modern and dynamic partner of choice.

 

Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?:

  • Lead the six strong strategic communications and public diplomacy team.
  • Manage and lead the US network’s campaign strategy and oversee the delivery of all cross-network campaigns, including Great, COP26 and our value-led campaigns
  • Oversee the embassy’s strategic, external engagement with think tanks, universities and other external stakeholders
  • Lead the approach the embassy’s work on public diplomacy
  • Oversee the embassy’s strategic direction on soft power and strategic communications, and lead research, planning and monitoring and evaluation within the tea,
  • Deputise for the head of communications, and provide out of hours press office support.

Essential on arrival:

  • University degree or equivalent qualification
  • 5+ years relevant experience in communications, public relations or media
  • In depth understanding of US communications
  • Strong interpersonal skills and confidence in communicating with senior level officials, politicians or executives
  • A proactive, self-starter with strong time management skills
  • Experience in working with a wide range of stakeholders and broad network of contacts

Desirable:

  • Knowledge of UK media landscape
28 July 2021
Grade 7 (G7)
Full-time, Permanent
40
Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories
United States
Washington
British Embassy
1
USD
$99,722
20 September 2021

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. 

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, 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.