View Vacancy – Press Secretary, New York Consulate

Are you a seasoned media relations expert with a deep understanding of the US press landscape? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment, crafting compelling narratives that resonate with a wide range of audiences?

The UK Government seeks a highly motivated Head of Communications to join our dynamic team at the British Consulate in New York. In this pivotal role, you will be crucial in shaping public perceptions of the UK across the vibrant Northeast United States, encompassing New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Fairfield County, Connecticut.

Be at the Forefront of Global Affairs:

As part of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), you will contribute to shaping the UK’s role in the United States. We champion the UK’s national interests and values, promote the safety and prosperity of British citizens, and tackle global challenges in collaboration with our international partners. The role covers a wide range of policy areas, including politics, trade and investment, culture, tourism, tech and AI etc.

This role is an opportunity for a professional communicator passionate about public diplomacy and UK-US relations. You will possess strong leadership skills and personal resilience and lead the Consulate’s communications activities across media relations, public affairs, and the consulates digital outputs .

Make a significant impact:

Be the key communications advisor to the Consul General and Deputy Consul General, providing strategic guidance on press, media, and communications matters. Develop and implement a comprehensive annual communications plan to secure positive media coverage in the New York and regional media to promote the UK’s economic strength, education offerings, and tourism opportunities. Build and maintain a network of relationships with media advisors and journalists across [print, digital etc.] to proactively secure news stories to implement the plan. Foster understanding and collaboration between the UK and the US by championing UK values and culture. Provide management, support, and direction to our Digital Officer, ensuring the effective use of digital channels to amplify the Consulate’s message and engage diverse audiences.

You will report directly to the NY Consulate’s Director of Communications and need to cooperate closely with the British Embassy in Washington who coordinate UK communications across the USA.

Ideal candidate:

The Consulate is looking for a proven communications professional who can deliver through their team, as well as working closely with other teams, has a track record of delivering imaginative communications, has excellent influencing skills and decisive judgement, and is a problem-solver who can motivate a team (including when operating under pressure).

The candidate will have a record of leading and implementing a communications strategy, landing coverage, as well as having an excellent understanding of the US media landscape, political dynamics, and cultural nuances. You will be interested in the UK and want to proactively promote a positive image of the UK in New York and the region.

You will be a confident and articulate communicator who is comfortable liaising with senior stakeholders. You will have strong writing and editing skills and can craft clear, concise, and engaging press materials.

You will possess excellent media relations skills with a track record of securing placements in top-tier publications and media outlets. You will have a strong understanding of the digital landscape and its role in communications, strong interpersonal skills, and are comfortable building relationships with journalists and senior stakeholders. You will be calm under pressure, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively. It is a small team and a hands-on position so you must also be comfortable around pitching in to organise media events and visits and maintaining media databases.

Roles and responsibilities:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive media strategy across the Consulate, proactively pitching stories and securing positive media coverage for the Consul General and the UK Government’s priorities in the region.
• Media Relations Expertise – build and maintain strong relationships with national, regional, and specialist media outlets across the Northeast US. Including some regional travel.
• Handling high profile issues and influencing senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Delivering media campaigns through the wider consular team and US Comms network.
• Sharp news sense and first-rate writing skills.
• Content Creation – craft compelling press releases, talking points, and other communications materials tailored for the US audience.
• Cooperate closely with the British Embassy in Washington who coordinate UK communications across the USA.
• Contribute to the UK-in-USA network of communicators – based in our Embassy in Washington and 8 British Consulates around America.
• Supporting the Consul General – act as a trusted advisor and media liaison for the Consul General, proactively securing opportunities to deliver effective communication with the press.
• Line management and leadership – lead and manage the digital officer and deliver through the wider consulate team.
• Media Monitoring – track and analyse media coverage, providing insights and recommendations to refine the press strategy.
• Crisis Communication – develop and implement effective crisis communication plans, ensuring clear and consistent messaging during challenging situations.
• Contribute to the wider corporate culture at the British Consulate.
• Other duties as assigned.

Resources managed:

This role has line management responsibilities for the Digital Officer, who leads on content creation and social media management for the consulate and consular patch, reporting into the Director of Marketing and Communications.

• Experience of working in a fast-paced environment, with highly effective media, rebuttal, and crisis management skills along with excellent political understanding and news judgement, plus being able to react quickly and confidently in developing situations.
• Excellent understanding of the US and regional media market
• Strong working relationships with local and regional media outlets
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages to diverse audiences
• Proven track record of engaging with stakeholders, designing, and delivering engagement strategies, and evaluating impact.
• Experience of leading virtual teams and working closely with colleagues in the wider organisation to achieve objectives, including having the ability to build and maintain relationships both internally and externally, with strong interpersonal and influencing skills.
• A track record of being a strong and supportive leader, with history of managing and developing/nurturing teams experience in setting and maintaining high standards for a team, enabling it to operate efficiently, effectively and ensure team members are challenged and motivated.
• Clarity of argument and concise writing skills, as well as having a strong ability to maintain good judgment and attention to detail even under pressure.
• Exceptional influencing skills, confidence and experience advising senior leaders, plus experience in supporting a team to do so.
• Experience of developing communication plans and evaluation in a news environment, plus having experience of developing and leading multi-channel media strategies.