View Vacancy – Head of Political, 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 the main interlocutor for legislators and government officials. They will spend a portion of their time monitoring state legislature, and identifying opportunities for the UK to work with individual states to influence legislation, share expertise and technical assistance, and cement the UK as the international partner of choice across a range of policy areas.  

As the fifth largest economy in the world, our relationship with California is key, and the jobholder can expect to spend a significant amount of time building their networks and relationships with state government officials and law makers in Sacramento on everything from climate policy to AI regulation.

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.

It is an exciting time to be in this role.  Politically the region plays an important role on the US national stage, and reporting and insights will be vital in the run up to, and immediately following, the US Presidential Election.  This year, we are also seeking to reinvigorate our relationships with all of the states across our patch, including through the delivery of ambitious trade and economic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).  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.   

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 to support UK diplomats, and other country-based staff operating across the British Consulate General in San Francisco.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Working with the Consul General and 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.

Resources Managed:

1 x EO (L)  Press, Public Affairs & Policy Officer

• Relevant 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 UK Government in the US may only employ, as non-diplomatic staff, persons who are US citizens, US Permanent Residents, A and NATO visa holders with EAD cards, and L2 visa holders with an up-to-date I-94 form.