Head of Press, Politics and Public Affairs

Job Category

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles)

Job Subcategory

Communications, Press and Media, Political

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)

Main Purpose of job:

The British Government’s Consulate in Boston, covering the six New England states, has an exciting opportunity for a dynamic, creative and flexible person to join as Head of the Press, Politics and Public Affairs team. This opportunity is a rewarding role which supports and further develops the special relationship between the UK and the US, working at the forefront of international diplomacy to make a real difference in the UK’s relationship with its principal ally.

This is a chance to join a high-performing team at a high-profile mission,

The US Network offers a unique career enhancing opportunity and is committed to supporting its staff through a variety of benefits including generous leave, insurance packages and a highly competitive 401k programme. It also promotes a culture of flexibility which enables people to better maintain wellness through an excellent work/life balance approach that encompasses hybrid working, including working from home and flexible hours, where possible. In this role you would be working in a diverse international environment side-by-side with UK diplomats and other country-based staff operating across the British Government’s network of Consulates and Government Offices in the United States. This network provides a platform for approximately 30 UK Government departments and agencies to conduct their work in the United States and is made up of over 900 staff with a rich and diverse background, skill sets, and experiences.

The ideal candidate will be a clear and effective communicator, have strong political antennae, be a great team player and be creative and innovative. A background in New England politics and/or communications is essential.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Work with the Consul General and Deputy Consul General to ensure that the Consulate’s press, politics and public affairs work is planned, coordinated with all the other sections in the Consulate and delivered in line with key objectives.

Develop strong links with contacts in state and local administrations, political and economic experts, and senior leaders at universities across New England. Identify prominent thought-leaders in the field of international affairs and defence and build relationships with them.

Develop and direct an imaginative and effective communications strategy for the Consulate, using traditional media and social media. Ensure that the strategy covers the full range of Consulate objectives and use feedback and data to drive continuous improvement.

Identify and implement creative initiatives to raise the positive profile of the UK in New England, including with future leaders. Work with other teams in the mission to secure funding and sponsorship for these initiatives where appropriate.

Ensure that the Consulate delivers a first-class service on inward VIP visits, including the Ambassador, senior British Ministers and other VIPs.

Participate in crisis training and exercises and be part of the Consulate-wide team response in the event of a crisis.

Lead and manage the PPPA Officer in Boston to deliver, as a team, against Consulate objectives.

Resources Managed:

You will manage the Press, Politics and Public Affairs Officer and have a small discretionary budget to run events and visits. You will also have a travel budget for official travel around New England and occasionally further afield.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

Substantial experience of the political and economic make-up of the New England states and trends in the region;

Familiarity with the media, including print, television and digital; experience designing and delivering proactive publicity activities to advance policy or other objectives;

Reliable, capable under pressure, an excellent communicator orally and in writing.

Strong ability to work across teams and with all colleagues, and skilled interaction with external contacts of all levels.

Reliable, capable under pressure, able to complete multiple tasks and high volume of work on deadline with colleagues and with considerable autonomy.

Strong research skills and familiarity with key regional information sources including the ability to identify and access a range of online resources.

Under 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 (J, 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. The UK Government does not routinely sponsor work visas; the job advertisement will state clearly whether sponsorship is available.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience

Substantial prior experience in the public sector, communications or an advocacy role;

Some knowledge of the UK Government’s work and objectives in the United States, and the priorities of the UK Government

A good understanding of the challenges and sensitivities of working in the world of government and diplomacy.

Required behaviours

Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Seeing the Big Picture, Working Together

Application deadline

10 October 2024

Grade

Higher Executive Officer (HEO)

Type of Position

Full-time, Permanent

Working hours per week

40

Region

Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories

Country/Territory

United States

Location (City)

Boston

Type of Post

British Consulate

Number of vacancies

1

Salary Currency

USD

Salary

$81,100

Type of Salary

yearly

Start Date

2 December 2024

Other benefits and conditions of employment

Learning and Development Opportunities:

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 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.

Working Patterns:

This role is 40 hours a week and in general requires predictable working hours each day. However, there is scope for flexibility, as it does require attendance at evening events (once or twice a month) and weekends (two to three times per year).

The British Embassy and its US Network embraces hybrid working, allowing its staff to typically work from home 2 times a week. We are an organization that also recognises the critical value of teamwork, and we embrace and endorse collaboration by ensuring that all staff attend the office flexibly yet regularly.

Additional information

The start date is subject to change, we are aiming between December 2024 and January 2025.

Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a ‘reserve list’. If during the reserve period of 6-12 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.

Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary, eg some non-local national staff and some spouses or partners of UK diplomatic staff, will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount.

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, gender identity, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation or any other criterion protected by law. The FCDO operates an agile workforce. To facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time as we may reasonably require