View Vacancy - Head, Politics, Press & Public Affairs
Main purpose of job:
The British Consulate-General in San Francisco represents the UK diplomatically in 7 states throughout the Pacific North West: Northern California, Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Montana, Wyoming and Idaho. The Consulate is responsible for developing business and political relations between the Pacific North West and the UK; promoting public diplomacy; and offering Consular services for British nationals.
The Consulate is now seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to head its Politics, Press & Public Affairs team. The successful candidate will lead on politics, communications and public diplomacy for the British Consulate-General in San Francisco across the Pacific North West, supporting the Consul General and Deputy Consul General’s state-level engagement.
The position leads on the Consulate’s political and economic reporting, providing value-added insight into developments in the Pacific North West region. Enhancing the UK’s reputation as a crucial partner for the US, the jobholder will also explain and champion British policies and positions to US audiences through political and media relations, digital outreach, and communications campaigns.
The jobholder will be a central member of the Consulate team and will also work alongside our network of Political, Press & Public Affairs and Policy teams across the US led by the British Embassy in Washington, as well as our UK Government Office in Seattle and our Honorary Consuls in Alaska and Oregon. The jobholder reports to the Deputy Consul General and manages the Press & Public Affairs Officer and oversees their Intern.
It is an exciting time to be in this role. Politically the region plays an important role on the US national stage, five Governor offices are up for election this year and several of our 7 states will be battlegrounds to watch in the 2022 Mid-Term elections. We are also looking forward to celebrating Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee this summer. The job holder will always be active in supporting Her Majesty’s Government’s highest priorities across Northern California and the Pacific North West including strengthening our trading relationship and showcasing our innovation and climate expertise.
Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?:
• Working to the Deputy Consul General to nurture a strong network of senior political, economic and media contacts across the Pacific North West and identify opportunities for political, economic, trade and cultural collaboration between the UK and US. Working with and in support of the Consul General and Deputy Consul General to build strong relationships for the consulate.
• Closely follow political and economic developments across the Pacific North West and provide high quality analysis to the Embassy in Washington and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in London.
• Through the Press & Public Affairs Officer implement delivery of an effective and dynamic communications strategy which enhances the UK’s reputation and adds value to the British Consulate-General’s activities.
• Develop and implement strategies and projects for the promotion of key UK public diplomacy objectives and soft power initiatives in collaboration with all Consulate teams. This will include representing the Consulate General at external events and speaking engagements.
• Lead visits of Her Majesty’s Government Ministers and officials through programme planning, briefing and advance logistical support. Through collaboration with Consulate and network colleagues, ensure that programmes advance whole of Consulate objectives.
• Contribute fully to corporate activities and responsibilities, particularly by taking ownership of the communication and political elements of any crisis preparation and response. Consulate-wide committees that encourage Learning & Development, Diversity & Inclusion and Wellbeing also readily welcome new members.
Essential on arrival:
· Bachelors’ degree required. Degree in Communications, Political Science, Public Relations or Journalism preferred;
OR
· 5 years professional experience in public affairs, media and communications, advocacy or policy; preferably including with a governmental/international organisation in a PR company, or working in journalism.
· Strong research skills and demonstrated interest in and knowledge of US politics and economics, particularly in California and the Pacific North West;
· Strong oral and written communication skills including the ability to effectively communicate with senior leaders;
· Ability to complete multiple tasks and a high volume of work on deadline and with limited supervision, delivering also through others;
· Attention to detail and ability to edit and proofread;
· Positive and flexible attitude, including willingness to travel frequently.
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.
Working for the British Consulate offers a unique and rewarding opportunity to learn and develop a wide range of skills, both in and outside of day-to-day responsibilities. We encourage staff to take responsibility for their own professional development, working with their line managers to create a bespoke learning & development strategy. Training courses online, at the Consulate, or at other posts across the global network are regularly attended by staff, with shadowing and secondment opportunities also encouraged too.
We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow. The British Consulate aims to be as inclusive as possible of people’s commutes and schedules by encouraging flexible working patterns. We are currently encouraging team members to work from the office two-three times per week.
The job holder may also be required to attend some evening and early morning events. Very occasional weekend working may also be required with advance notice.
The British Embassy’s network offers a strong benefits package. This package includes health insurance, pension, generous leave entitlement, and training opportunities.
Resume and cover letter should be submitted. 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.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
