View Vacancy - Head of Communications

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Department for International Trade roles (DIT)
DIT

Main purpose of job:

The UK’s Department for International Trade (DIT) in North America seeks maternity leave cover for its Head of Communications, who shapes the communications and marketing strategy for HM Trade Commissioner for North America and his regional network.

The jobholder will support the HMTC, the DIT North America network, and the Regional Prosperity Plan in setting the strategy for, and providing direction to, communications and marketing work undertaken by the Department for International Trade (DIT) staff and others working on trade issues in both the US and Canada, and help coordinate communications and marketing work undertaken by staff from a range of UK government departments in the US working on wider prosperity issues (business and economics, science and innovation, climate change, and more).  

The jobholder’s duties will also include seeking out media opportunities for HMTC and DIT North America in the US and Canadian media on trade, economic, environment and energy policies, promoting UK exports and the UK as an investment destination. 

This role will oversee the DIT North America Marketing Team (eight total staff), and directly line manage its Head of Marketing Services and Head of Marketing Campaigns.  It will work closely with the British Embassy in Washington, British High Commission in Ottawa, and their network of Press and Public Affairs Officers across other posts in North America to implement shared prosperity strategic communications plans. 

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

  • With the support of the Heads of Marketing Campaigns and Marketing Services, drafting and updating of the core communications and marketing strategy components of the North America Regional Prosperity Plan and the network’s annual Integrated Sector Plans (ISPs);
  • In close coordination with Washington, Ottawa, and London, strategic communications planning and initiatives in support of achieving desirable free trade agreements with the US and Canada, priority trading markets for the UK;
  • Leadership and advising on strategic communications priorities for issues under the HMTC’s remit by developing, implementing, and evaluating a 2021 communications plan for the North America network and the priorities set out in the Regional Trade Plan, in collaboration with all relevant colleagues in the US, Canada and UK, including press/media and digital;
  • Advise HMTC and senior leadership in the network on strategies to reach target influencers in the US and Canadian media markets including providing guidance on deploying HMTC as a spokesperson for the trade and investment and wider prosperity agenda across North America, working closely with the Communications Director and Prosperity communications colleagues based in Washington DC, and with the Science and Innovation Network in the US;
  • Lead on the delivery of a unified communications and marketing policy; including advising members of the DIT marketing team on content generation for digital communications, including social media, and for the HMTC that engages audience segments and leads to measurable outcomes;
  • Oversight, production, and distribution of regular core strategic communications planning tools and meetings, including the North America Prosperity Forward Look, weekly HMG prosperity communications news and updates;
  • Work closely with FCDO communications colleagues based in Washington and Ottawa to ensure a streamlined approach to economic and trade policy communications work;
  • Represent the North America network in regular meetings and interactions with the DIT HQ Marketing and Communications Directorate, and DIT Press Office.
  • Lead the prosperity/trade subcommittee/strand of the US Network Press Board, chaired by the Head of Communications at the British Embassy in Washington.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

Direct line management of Head of Marketing Services and Head of Marketing Campaigns (two staff, C5); oversight of the wider North America Marketing Team (6 staff).

  • Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (i.e. journalism, English, communications, marketing, business administration, economics).
  • At least 10 years of strategic communications experience in a government, non-profit, agency, and/or in-house setting.
  • Robust experience developing effective, targeted, creative, and successful strategic communications plans.
  • Management experience, and ability to set direction and manage workflows for North America Marketing Team.
  • Creatively-minded, solutions-oriented, and collaborative to the core.
  • A track record of securing positive results for dynamic communications & marketing campaigns, and coming up with creative solutions for localization and contextualization of global campaigns and initiatives for localized audiences.
  • 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.
  • Ability to multi-task and manage multiple projects from start to finish.
  • Excellent time-management and organizational skills.
  • A demonstrated ability to deliver results in challenging environments.
  • Reliable, capable under pressure, with a good understanding of the challenges, sensitivities, and discretion required of working in the world of government and diplomacy.
  • Self-starter, good decision-making skills, and able to work independently.
  • Demonstrable interest in the UK and international affairs.
  • 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.
  • Familiarity with the UK’s system of government and political system.
  • Grasp of general economic policies; general understanding of trade policy, trade and investment promotion.
6 December 2020
Grade 7 (G7)
Fixed Term, Full-time
40
9 months
Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories
United States
New York
British Consulate General
1
USD
$107,043 (RP9)
25 January 2021

Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):

We offer a wide variety of L&D opportunities to suit each individual. L&D is an essential part of a jobholder’s appraisal. This jobholder would need to complete the necessary communication expertise courses, and would agree an L&D plan with their management based on the individual’s expertise and experience.

Working patterns:

The core working hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET, but potentially variable (depending on workload) and potentially flexible, with Line Manager's agreement.

Individual would be based in New York, COVID-19 Pandemic circumstances permitting (may be required to work remotely initially or periodically, depending on US CDC and local guidance).

For internal applicants: the preference for the job holder to be based in New York, also; however, considerations will be made for location flexibility depending on current COVID-19 circumstances.

 

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.
Individuals who are not a US taxpaying citizen will be paid a net salary based on a simulated US tax status.
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.
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This opportunity is closed to applications.