View Vacancy - Head of Politics, Press & Public Affairs

Main purpose of job:

The British Consulate-General diplomatically represents the UK in 14 states throughout the Midwest. The Consulate-General is responsible for: developing trade and investment relations between the Midwest and the UK; political reporting on the Midwest; engaging on economic policy objectives of interest to the UK; public diplomacy efforts; and Consular services for British nationals.

The Head of Politics, Press and Public Affairs will lead on politics, communications and public diplomacy for the British Consulate-General in Chicago and across the Midwest USA. The job holder will build relationships and provide high quality reporting on political and economic trends across the Midwest as well as set the direction for UK public engagement and communications to enhance the UK’s reputation as a crucial partner for the US in politics, economics, global security, culture and innovation.

There are similar politics, press and public affairs teams located in the Consulates around the US and in the Washington Embassy. The network works to a shared strategy led by the Embassy, as well as fulfilling the local requirements of each Consulate-General.

The jobholder reports to the Deputy Consul General and manages the Politics, Press and Public Affairs Intern.

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

• Develop a strong network of senior political and economic contacts across the Midwest and identify opportunities for political, economic and cultural collaboration between the UK and US.

• Provide high quality analysis of political and economic developments across the Midwest to the Embassy in Washington and FCO London.

• Implement a communications strategy which enhances the UK’s reputation and adds value to the British Consulate-General’s activities, including building key relationships with print, radio, TV and digital media and managing press interviews and briefings.

• Lead on and plan the UK’s public diplomacy and soft power events across the Midwest.

• Lead visits of Her Majesty’s Government Ministers and officials through programme planning, briefing and advance logistical support.

• Represent the Consulate General at external events, including speaking engagements.

• Bachelors’ degree required. Degree in Communications, Political Science, Public Relations or Journalism preferred;
• Professional experience in a public diplomacy, communications, advocacy or policy role;
Strong interest in and knowledge of US politics, particularly in the Midwest;
• Strong oral and written communication skills including the ability to effectively communicate with senior government leaders;
• Strong research skills and familiarity with Midwest political and economic landscape;
• Demonstrated experience managing high profile events;
• Ability to complete multiple tasks and high volume of work on deadline;
• Attention to detail and ability to edit and proofread;
• Ability to follow through on assigned tasks with limited supervision;
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office software, imaging and social networking software.

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.