Main purpose of job
The UK Mission to the United Nations in New York has an exciting opportunity for a creative and dynamic person to join the Communications Team as Head of Digital, providing maternity cover for up to 12 months.
This opportunity is a rewarding role leading on the strategy and delivery of digital communications for all the UK Mission’s work at the United Nations. The Communications Team is responsible for communicating the British government’s policy objectives and actions at the UN to the global foreign policy community, international media, civil society and the broader public. The team’s work covers the breadth of UKMis priorities including international peace and security, development and human rights. The UK Mission has a strong reputation with journalists, other diplomatic missions and the UN for being the leading, go-to source of information on the top issues of the day. The team uses creative digital tools and ideas to promote UK objectives and engage audiences. It is a busy, creative, high-energy team, at the heart of the Mission.
The Head of Digital is responsible for developing and delivering a digital strategy across the existing digital channels – particularly X (previously Twitter) where the Mission has over 100k followers and our growing Instagram audience – as well as exploring new platforms and channels. They will lead on the production of content for the digital channels, creating a balance of visual and textual content using best practices in video production, design and photography including for high-level visits.
The Head of Digital will line manage one digital communications officer to support them in the delivery of digital communications and will also act as one of the deputies of the UK Mission Communications Team. They will be the main point of contact for branding and design across the Mission as well as digital training, monitoring and evaluating digital campaigns.
The ideal candidate will be a team player and effective communicator. They will have experience planning, executing and evaluating successful digital campaigns; experience in the management of social media channels; experience working with partners to deliver and amplify online campaigns; and be up to date on the latest digital trends and developments. Strong copywriting, photography, video and graphic design skills are essential.
Roles and responsibilities
Staff managed
US State Department requirements, the UK Government in the US has restrictions on the type of visas our non-diplomatic staff may hold. If you are not a US Citizen or a US Permanent Resident, or the dependent of a diplomat (with an EAD card), you may not be eligible for employment with the UK government. We cannot accept student Visas (J1, F or M) nor other forms of work Visas (I, H, P). If you hold a work visa it is best to check on your eligibility to work for a foreign government before applying for a position.
You may refer to our website for additional information: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-the-usa.
All selected candidates are subject to background checks and will require a security clearance prior to starting work.
The British Embassy and its US Network is committed to all employee’s ongoing learning and development needs. We offer a comprehensive platform for personalised learning for everything from soft skill development (communicating with impact, handling difficult conversations, time management) to more technical or professional skills necessary to complete your job (software training, formal qualifications etc.).
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.
Please note that the tax arrangements imposed by the US on staff working for foreign governments, as well as those imposed by the UK Treasury on British and dual nationals working for the UK Government overseas, are atypical. The UK Government cannot withhold taxes (including FICA) on behalf of a US taxpayer. Instead, a US taxpayer is required to file taxes as if they are self-employed, and a FICA allowance is granted for those required to pay the employer contribution. Certain categories of staff (for example dual UK-US nationals and some visa holders) who work at Consulates General are not subject to US taxes. For those not subject to US taxes the UK Government reduces gross pay to a level broadly equivalent to taxed net pay. There are also social security implications for dual UK-US nationals. Please keep all this in mind when looking at the salary and the benefits package. If you are offered a job with the UK’s US Network you will be given further tax and social security information relevant to your personal circumstances and place of work; you are advised to consider this information and its impact on your circumstances carefully – potentially with the advice of a tax professional - before accepting a job.
Working patterns
This is a primarily office-based role of 40 hours per week with option for hybrid (60% in-person /40% remote) when business need allows. The working hours are Monday to Friday 8 hours generally between 8 AM and 6 PM, with some variance according to business need and travel requirements.
This role does not require set working hours each day but requires some core hours and regular contact with colleagues in different time zones. This role will require some out of hours work, including weekends, to cover emergency Security Council business – though the digital nature of the job means any out of hours work can mostly be completed remotely.
The deadline for applications is 23:55 EDT on 22 June 2025.
All applicants must fully complete the online application form, including the sections for employment and educational details, experience, and behaviour-based questions. Only those applications that contain all required information will be considered. To ensure the sift process remains anonymous, please do not include any personally identifiable information in your application form.
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.
Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a ‘reserve list’. If during the reserve period of 12 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.
Internal candidates must inform their supervisor before they apply to a different position.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
