View Vacancy - Business Development Associate - Homeland Security

Department for International Trade (DIT) is the United Kingdom’s international business development agency. (See https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-international-trade for further information.)

Working closely with DIT Headquarters in London, our Investment Services Team, and other departmental agencies in the UK, together with representatives of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, DIT Washington drives transatlantic trade and foreign investment into the UK. Comprising 125 staff across 9 US offices, the team benchmarks progress against an aggressive set of trade and investment benchmarks in various sectors, such as financial and business services, life sciences, digital and creative media, security, energy, clean technology, ICT and Aid-Funded Business. The Business Development Associate will report to the Sector lead/ Trade & Investment Officer for Security.

The advertised post, based at the British Embassy in Washington DC, is for a Business Development Associate (BDA) supporting the Washington DC’s Trade and Investment Officer & Sector Lead for Homeland Security. He/she will engage with clients and stakeholders in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware, North and South Carolina.

The Homeland Security (HLS) sector focuses on the requirements of the Security industry and US Federal/State/Local Government. These sectors include engagement with Law Enforcement, the US Department of Homeland Security (including sub agencies), and US/UK Government Security agencies. Broadly, the portfolio will cover Counter Terrorism, Law Enforcement, Transportation Security, CCTV/Surveillance, Biometrics, and Security Services. The security portfolio will cover on Cyber Security (including Information Assurance, Data Storage/Protection, Data Transmission/Encryption, and Intruder Detection/Mitigation). The overall purpose is to assist UK security companies with innovative technologies that are looking for new business opportunities in the US security market, as well as helping American security firms expand globally in the UK.

The portfolio may also include Aerospace, Advanced Engineering, Government Procurement and Defence.

As part of the overall scope and responsibilities of the role, the successful candidate will be required to attend official functions outside of office hours and to undertake domestic travel in the role, as well as a limited amount of international travel to the UK.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct research and compile reports on security industry developments, best routes to market, and potential US business partners and contacts for UK companies operating in the sector and considering US market entrance;
• Undertake proactive research and marketing efforts to identify potential investors to the UK in the security sector. This includes making initial contact, compiling visit programs, planning and attending company meetings, writing up company briefings and meeting note, as well as a significant administrative function in our CRM system.
• Develop knowledge of key trends and developments in the sector in both the US and UK.
• Build and manage a database of key contacts in the industry.
• Assist with initiatives such as incoming and outgoing trade missions, seminars, panel discussions, receptions and other events to promote the UK’s strengths in the Homeland Security and its subsectors. Contribute when necessary to administrative and logistical support for event participation.
• Provide operational and administrative support to the Trade & Investment Officer and to the wider DIT team as and when required.
• Liaise with both internal teams and external contacts at an executive level.

Additional duties may include:            

• Maintain a strong knowledge and understanding of US Federal Government agencies, inter-department relationships and procurement policies; develop and maintain relationships with US Department of Homeland Security staff.
• Represent the Embassy and/or DIT at networking events both during normal business hours and in evenings/mornings as needed.
• Assist with Embassy support services in times of crisis

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in relevant field
• 1-3 years professional experience in international business, preferably with a proven track record of fostering strong business relationships.
• Ability and credibility to deal with companies/organizations at a senior level in person and over the phone, with a proven track record of fostering business relationships.
• Excellent research and report writing skills – with an ability to provide clear, concise summaries and to respond to ad hoc requests at short notice using databases and other information sources.
• Proactive self-starter, able to prioritize and effectively manage multiple tasks.
• Attention to detail and good follow up discipline.
• Strong and enthusiastic networking skills.
• Committed team player.
• Comfortable with initiating and handling introductory calls to relevant companies.
• Knowledge of the business environments in the UK and US
• Excellent organizational skills; proactive approach to work.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced team and often under tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) is essential, plus fluency with online and social media networks.
• Ability to undertake occasional travel within the US and the UK; ability to attend morning and evening events.

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.ukinusa.fco.gov.uk.  All candidates will be subject to background checks and security clearance. 

*A visas or NATO visas with EAD cards are acceptable at the Embassy, Consulates, and British Defence Staff (BDS) outposts.  The UK Mission to the UN (UKMIS) accepts G visas.