View Vacancy – US East Coast Director, Science and Innovation – Boston

The British Embassy in Washington, DC is seeking a dynamic US East Coast Director to join the UK’s Science & Innovation Network. This opportunity is a rewarding role working with government, academia and business to increase UK-US collaboration on science, innovation and technology, working at the forefront of international diplomacy in order to make a real difference globally.

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 in order to make a real difference globally.

The Senior Policy Advisor, as part of the British diplomatic mission to the United States, will play a pivotal role in advancing UK research and innovation partnerships in the US.  You will lead UK Science & Innovation engagement and delivery for the Boston region (including New England) and a wider team working across the eastern US to deliver on their objectives.  You will manage Science & Innovation Officers in the Boston, New York, Atlanta and Chicago Consulate districts and work closely with relevant Consul Generals as well as colleagues from other British Government departments such as the Department for Business & Trade (DBT), Politics, Press & Public Affairs (PPPA) and UK funding bodies.

Representing UK interests, the advisor will engage with US policymakers, government agencies, universities, think tanks, and foundations, driving growth in research collaboration in key sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, quantum technologies, synthetic biology, semiconductors, and space. The advisor will also cultivate partnerships with universities and research institutions to strengthen US-UK cooperation, support UK economic growth, and provide effective reporting on the science and innovation ecosystem to inform policy making in the UK.

The ideal candidate will be highly motivated, organised, and resourceful; a self-starter capable of working independently with limited guidance and oversight; and an effective team player with strong management and proven leadership skills. Strong interpersonal skills, capable of effectively interacting with members of the public, science community, and senior government officials; Excellent (and demonstrable) writing and communication skills with the ability to produce clear, concise reports, and to present effectively to a range of audiences. The role requires clear, concise writing, effective presentation skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with other British Government departments (including the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, UK Research and Innovation and the Department for Business and Trade).

Ideally with a strong academic (PhD preferred, but not essential) or corporate background in science and innovation; a good understanding of the science and innovation base in the Consulate district (New England & New York); and knowledge of UK science and innovation strengths and capabilities is a plus.

• Proven ability to align projects and initiatives with broader foreign policy objectives to drive diplomatic and economic outcomes.
• Strong relationship-building and influencing skills, with experience engaging senior leaders across industry, government, academia, and the science and innovation sectors.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise, and timely reports; deliver effective presentations and reporting to diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to analyze complex information and provide clear policy advice to senior stakeholders.
• Deep understanding of US science and innovation policy, including government and congressional dynamics.
• Experience working in multi-site, multidisciplinary teams, with a track record of collaboration and delivering results.
• Self-starter capable of working independently with limited guidance and oversight;
• Highly motivated, organized, and resourceful.
• Highly flexible, entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and seize new opportunities.
• Reliable, positive and flexible to new situations and ways of working;
• Effective team player with strong leadership and management skills.