View Vacancy - Head of Political, Press and Public Affairs

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 Head of Political, Press and Public Affairs (PPPA) supports the head of the office (the Consul-General) in building relationships with decision-makers and opinion-formers around the South East region on behalf of the UK. Activities include reporting on political and economic developments to the Embassy in Washington, organising visits to the region by British Ministers and other VIPs, developing the Consulate’s website and social media presence (Facebook, Twitter etc), acting as local media spokesperson on behalf of the Consulate-General (CG) and the British Government, and facilitating best practice exchanges on domestic policy issues.   The Atlanta PPPA team is part of a network of similar teams in our offices around the US and in the Embassy working to a shared strategy led by the Embassy, as well as fulfilling the local requirements of the Consulate-General.  


The Head of PPA will also develop and deliver high impact projects, events and visit programmes including associated administration and budget management. The British Consulate Atlanta PPA team is part of the British Government’s US network led by the Embassy in Washington DC


Roles and Responsibilities:


  • Develop, implement and lead the Consulate General’s political engagement in the States of Georgia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi. The job-holder will be expected to cultivate networks of contacts with key political opinion formers, governors, mayors national and state legislatures, party chairs and think tanks, drawing in support from the Consul General and other members of the team as needed; produce regular reporting and analysis of key political and policy developments in the region with a bearing on UK interests; deputise for the Consul General at occasional speaking and representational events. Monitor and report on political trends in consular patch as they related to UK interests and national politics.



  • Plan and oversee implementation of the regional communications strategy based on the Network one, including a delivery plan that covers key HMG objectives, the Consular geography and all teams’ interests.  Management and delivery of targeted communication under the strategy through traditional and social media and engagement campaigns across the southeast. Development of events, digital content, contributions to speech material and op-ed pieces as needed. Development of effective network of media partners.

  • Oversee the Marshalls Scholarship process (working with support staff as appropriate): including communications with selection committee members and candidates, working to get media coverage and outreach to schools and colleges to encourage diversity. Lead engagement strategy with Future Leaders: identifying recruitment opportunities, planning creative events (and securing funding for them), generating value from the relationships, sustaining and communicating them. 

  • Lead (with CG) on Post’s delivery of excellent official visits (collaborating with relevant officers as appropriate): strategic planning to ensure optimal deployment, regular communications with stakeholders in programme development managing expectations and clarifying agreed deliverables, meticulous planning of logistics, preparation of appropriate briefing (working autonomously and delivering through others), accompanying on high-level elements of the programme, and producing timely, relevant and informed reporting and communications. 

  • Lead on other areas of engagement including defence, culture, sports, education and arts - including as POC for OGDs/ partners such as BDS, British Council etc. - providing strategic advice on engagement in the southeast and spotting opportunities with prosperity potential and communicating effectively with relevant topic leads in Washington and London.

  • Participate in crisis training and exercise and be part of the Consulate-wide team response in the event of a crisis.

  • Manage the PPA Assistant and oversee the Recruitment and management of PPPA interns.  



Essential on arrival:


-          Three-five years prior experience in the public sector, academic administration, communications or an advocacy role.


-          Knowledge of the political and economic make-up and trends in the South East USA.


-          Fully versed in Microsoft Office version 7.0, Apple software, PhotoShop, and social media applications (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Periscope).


-          Superior research skills with the ability to work efficiently and accurately under pressure.


-          Excellent communications skills with a positive, creative, team attitude.


-          Excellent oral and written communications skills with a good understanding of the challenges and sensitivities of working in the world of government and politics


Desirable: Established press and media contacts / Project management training or experience


2 April 2018
Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
Full-time, Permanent
40
Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories
United States
Atlanta
British Consulate General
1
USD
$53,270
28 May 2018

The British Embassy offers a strong benefits package. This package includes health insurance, pension, generous leave entitlement, and training opportunities.

Under US State Department requirements, the Embassy may only employ, as non-diplomatic staff, persons who are US citizens, US Green Card holders or A or NATO visa holders with EAD cards*. If you hold a visa other than an A or NATO visa you are not currently eligible to work at the Embassy.  Please refer to our website for information on exceptions to this policy at www.gov.uk/government/world/usa.  All candidates will be subject to background checks and security clearance. 

Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy are subject to terms and conditions of service according to local American employment law.

Resume and cover letter should be submitted by 02 April 2018. Internal candidates must inform their supervisor if they intend on applying.

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.