Head of Communications for Trade & Investment

Main purpose of job:
The Department for International Trade at the British Consulate-General, New York has an exciting opportunity for a proactive, enthusiastic and creative person to join the North America Marketing and Communications team as Head of Communications for Trade and Investment. This role provides the opportunity to directly support and further develop the relationship between the UK and the US and the UK and Canada, assisting with work at the forefront of international diplomacy in order to make a real difference globally.

You will support the UK’s unique business offer in relevant terms for American and Canadian audiences to encourage them to invest in the UK, buy British goods and services, and look to the UK as a major trade partner. You will support the delivery of these communications objectives within our annual Regional Trade Plan, and will work alongside and closely with the Head of Marketing for North America to ensure complementary delivery of your respective portfolios.

There will be the opportunity to work collaboratively with other UK government departments and partners in the region to ensure our communications objectives and core messaging are well aligned and reach mutual target audiences. You will interact regularly with senior leadership, assist in the production of team quarterly and annual reports, and proactive identify communications opportunities aimed at enhancing influence and delivering the UK’s export and investment objectives in North America.

Our core communications activities include (but are not limited to) press outreach, social media promotion and executive communications that target the UK government’s US and Canadian audiences, including political leaders, influencers, exporters, consumers, influencers, economic policy makers and external partners.
The US Network supports its staff through a variety of benefits including generous leave, insurance packages and a 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 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 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.

Roles and responsibilities:

• Sourcing press and communications opportunities for the Trade Commissioner / Consul General and other senior staff and lead the team to identify priority themes in support of the UK’s trade and investment objectives in North America and the New York region.
• Leading the communications approach for trade and investment for the UK in North America, including identifying opportunities to proactively deliver on the annual communications plan, increase the communications profile of high-value projects and initiatives and helping to develop North America network communications. This will also include writing and editing of press releases, media advisories, and media pitching around core North America network activity.
• Contribute to regular analysis and evaluation of our communications to ensure value for money and effort.
• Represent team at regular cross-team/cross-HMG communications meetings.
• Assisting with key Cabinet and Ministerial visits from a content and communications perspective;
• Other duties as assigned.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

Three staff members but management responsibilities may change and evolve over time.

Desirable:

• Demonstrable interest in the UK, trade, and international affairs
• Familiarity with the UK’s system of government and political system
• Good grasp of general economic policies; general understanding of trade policy, trade and investment promotion

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 individual would be based in New York. The core working hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET, but potentially variable (depending on workload) and somewhat flexible, with Line Manager's agreement. Occasional evening event attendance or travel may be required (less than 10% of time). Occasional meetings with overseas colleagues may be required outside of the core working hours (less than 10% of time).

This role is 40 hours a week.

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. 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.