View Vacancy - Investment Officer (Creative & Technology)
Main purpose of job:
The Department for International Trade (DIT) is the UK Government’s international business development agency. DIT USA, working closely with DIT and other agencies in the United Kingdom, is charged with transatlantic trade development between the UK and the US; and with assisting US companies looking to invest in the UK. See www.gov.uk/DIT for further information.
DIT USA works closely with DIT Headquarters in London, together with representatives of the three Devolved Administrations of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, and other departmental agencies in the UK. DIT USA is run from headquarters in New York and is supported by a network of regional teams made up of members of staff spread across 9 different offices. This is a dynamic team that focuses on various sectors including financial, professional & business services, capital investment, life sciences, tech, digital/creative media, energy and infrastructure, advanced engineering, security and consumer goods.
The Investment officer will be responsible for developing strong relationships with C-level executives in companies in the Creative and Tech sectors across the New York consular region (the states of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania) that are either currently invested in the UK or poised for international expansion. The Officer is also expected to develop these relationships in support of our trade agenda – introducing UK exporters to US clients.
The successful candidate will have sound knowledge of the Creative and Tech sector’s key areas: film & TV production, computer gaming, advertising/ad-tech, immersive/entertainment technology, enterprise software, cyber security, artificial intelligence, data management analytics, cloud computing, and electronic systems.
Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve:
- Deliver an ambitious set of annual investment targets.
- Forge strong relationships with business leaders (start-ups through Fortune 500), the VC/ finance community, associations, incubators/accelerators and interlocutors.
- Provide comprehensive account management to US creative/technology companies looking to invest in the UK support US companies already active in the UK to maintain/grow their footprint.
- Build and manage a pipeline of high value, knowledge-driven projects, executing lead generation, developing and managing relationships with C-level executives and business leaders.
- Gather intelligence from US investors on the UK business environment, Brexit and related policies.
- Participate in the activities and events conducted by industry associations and other multipliers, building awareness of DIT in the business community and showcasing the benefits of the UK/US economic relationship to external audiences.
- Develop marketing strategies/activities with the goals of generating FDI leads, building relationships, and highlighting the strengths of the UK’s market proposition to potential investors.
- Work with internal and external stakeholders to deliver high level/VIP visit programs and manage cross-consulate activities that capitalise on the extensive synergies that exist between New York and the UK and help advance key UK “Creative and Tech campaigns”. This will include: compiling visit programs, planning company meetings, and writing briefing materials.
- Represent DIT and the British Consulate at external functions, including occasional speaking engagements.
- Maintain current knowledge of UK market trends, incentives, and centres of excellence in the Creative and Technology sectors in order to promote them effectively to a US audience.
- Monitor US market trends and identify emerging opportunities for investment into the UK from the New York Area.
- Undertake occasional travel to the UK.
- Line Manage one associate
Other skills / experience / qualifications:
- Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field.
- 6-8 years of relevant business development experience and a solid understanding of both the US and the UK business environments.
- Ability to effectively and credibly deal with companies and organizations at a senior level, with a proven record of fostering business relationships and a demonstrated ability to think strategically.
- Clear motivation and personal commitment to meeting challenging targets with a demonstrable track record of achievement.
- Proactive, self-starting approach to work; ability to deliver effectively under limited day-to-day supervision in a deadline sensitive, fast-paced environment.
- Strong client management, project management and organisational skills
- An excellent network of industry contacts in the creative/tech sector in US or the ability to develop such a network, including the ability to develop strategic relationships with key stakeholders
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to present effectively;
- Strong networking and influencing skills.
- Excellent research, analysis and report writing skills, particularly the ability to produce high quality outputs;
- Proficiency in standard Microsoft applications and client relationship management software.
- Valid driver’s license and passport; the ability to attend official functions outside of office hours; and the ability to undertake domestic and international air travel, including overnight stays.
- Line Management experience
Essential on arrival: The successful candidate will have sound knowledge of film & TV production, computer gaming, advertising/ad-tech, immersive/entertainment technology, enterprise software, cyber security, artificial intelligence, data management analytics, cloud computing, and electronic systems.
A proven track record of 5 or more years of client account management, and the ability to help those clients with their internationalisation plans, is highly preferred.
The candidate will have the ability to avail of internal and external training facilitated and paid for by DIT budget – including a familiarization trip back to the UK (if required).
Flexible working is possible within DIT New York. Possibilities include earlier or later start times in the morning – followed by leaving earlier or later in the evening. DIT New York allows employees to work remotely, one-to-two days a week, depending on schedule. (Note: this is not always possible during busy periods, or when there are mandatory staff meetings. Each week is taken on a case-by-case basis, with clear communication around what’s required to be in the office for, vs. the authorization to work remotely).
Due to COVID-19 we are unable to confirm any start date of employment at this time. We will continue to monitor progress and developments, and will be touch as soon as there is an update.
- Able to be located in/relocate to, the New York City area.
- Have knowledge of the New York City creative and tech ecosystem, and major companies/players/partners.
- Be willing to undertake occasional travel to the UK.
- Be willing to represent DIT and the British Consulate at external functions, including occasional speaking engagements (both during working hours and evenings).
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.
Staff recruited locally are subject to terms and conditions of service in accordance with US, state, and/or local employment law.
Individuals who are not a US taxpaying citizen will be paid a net salary based on a simulated US tax status.
Internal candidates must inform their supervisor before they apply to a different position.
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.
