View Vacancy - Press, Public Affairs & Projects Officer - British Consulate General Chicago
Main purpose of job
The British Consulate-General in Chicago is seeking a highly motivated Press, Public Affairs & Projects Officer to lead communications and public diplomacy for the British Consulate-General in Chicago and across the Midwest and Central United States. As well as being an important member of the Consulate’s team, the job holder will work alongside our network of Press and Public Affairs and Prosperity teams across the US led by the British Embassy in Washington DC.
The job holder will build media relationships, support visits and projects to enhance the UK’s reputation as a crucial partner for the US in politics, economics, global security, culture and innovation. Through digital and traditional media the successful candidate will work to highlight the UK-US special cultural and trading relationship, and position the UK as a partner of choice for the US as we depart the European Union.
The balance of the workload will fluctuate according to the time of year and scheduled activities. In this varied role the successful candidate will spend a portion of their time working on projects including educational initiatives such as the Marshall Scholarships programme. Working to build the UK’s prosperity, they will also support UK energy and climate change initiatives across Chicago and the Midwest. The position therefore requires flexibility in line with UK priorities but offers the opportunity to work in a wide and important range of areas.
What will the jobholder be expected to achieve?
Design and implement a communications strategy which enhances the UK’s reputation and promotes the British Consulate-General’s activities, including the UK-US economic and trade relationship.
Maintain and develop excellent links with traditional media contacts and other relevant organisations. Design public engagement events, press interviews and briefings around our priorities and project activities across the Midwest.
Research and write accurate, appropriate and interesting content (remarks, articles, social media posts etc). Evaluate impact and report progress to senior management.
Manage the Midwestern Marshall Scholarship selection process and develop the network of Marshall Alumni in the region. Enhance existing strategic partnerships between educational institutions in the Midwest and the UK.
Support wider UK prosperity goals through project delivery, visit planning and collaboration with UK Department for International Trade and Science and Innovation teams, particularly in the area of climate change and energy.
Essential on arrival:
- Bachelors’ degree required. Degree in Communications, Political Science, Public Relations or Journalism preferred;
- Strong oral and written communication skills, including creating and placing traditional media and social media content based on policy objectives;
- Professional experience in public diplomacy, communications, advocacy or policy;
- Strong research skills and demonstrated interest in Midwest political and economic landscape;
- Ability to respond confidently, professionally and creatively to a range of stakeholders;
- Ability to follow through on assigned tasks with limited supervision;
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office software, imaging and social networking software.
Desirable:
- Project management experience.
- Experience managing a corporate/government social media account.
- Positive and flexible attitude, including willingness to travel frequently in the Midwest and occasionally to London.
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: www.gov.uk/government/world/usa. All selected candidates are subject to background checks and will require a security clearance prior to starting work.
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.
Internal candidates must inform their supervisor before they apply for a different position.
Learning and development opportunities:
Working for the British Consulate offers a unique and rewarding opportunity to learn and develop a wide range of skills, both in and outside of day-to-day responsibilities. We encourage staff to take responsibility for their own professional development, working with their line managers to create a bespoke learning & development strategy. Training courses online, at the Consulate, or at other posts across the global network are regularly attended by staff, with shadowing and secondment opportunities also encouraged too.
Working patterns:
We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow. The British Consulate aims to be as inclusive as possible of people’s commutes and schedules by encouraging flexible working patterns. We therefore allow working from home for up to two days a week.
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.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
