Main Purpose of Job:

The British Embassy seeks an Assistant Social Secretary to aid in the planning, implementing and execution of events at the British Ambassador’s Residence. The British Ambassador’s Residence is one of the British Government’s premier properties overseas. It hosts a high-volume programme of events and visits that relies on a hard-working, professional team to aid in this essential part of diplomatic life.

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, armed forces personnel 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.

This position is key part of the team that develops and carries out a busy and exciting schedule of events supporting the Ambassador’s engagements. The jobholder will work with the Social Secretary and the Ambassador’s talented Residence team, as well as with colleagues in the wider Embassy. The jobholder will assist in all aspects of event planning including sending and tracking invitations, planning details and logistics, communicating with the team, set up and check in. You will have daily exposure to the Ambassador and to a variety of high-profile guests, including senior members of the Administration and Congress, as well as British Ministers and Royalty – engaging them in a supportive and discrete manner is key.

The ideal candidate will be approachable and professional, with a can-do attitude and attention-to-detail for the volume of administrative tasks needing to be fulfilled daily. The job can require nights, weekends, and holidays, and we are looking for a candidate who is driven to deliver the highest quality event, at pace. This is a demanding role, but there are plenty of benefits – not least being at the heart of DC’s best diplomatic events.

Roles and Responsibilities:

This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of DC’s diplomatic social scene. The iconic British Ambassador’s Residence hosts numerous high-profile receptions, dinners and other events each week. This role is crucial to the organization and smooth-running of all these events. Your day-to-day will consist of interaction with a number of high-profile interlocutors (government officials, policymakers, media and celebrities) – discretion is key, but so, too, is an eye for flare.

Event RSVPs:

• Drafting invitations for events hosted by the Ambassador;
• Sending invitations from a shared email box;
• Tracking responses to invitations, and sending courteous follow-ups;
• Liaising with other departments and organizations concerning attendance, dietary restrictions, seating charts, security details, run-of-show, etc. (Training for Microsoft Outlook provided.)

Event Support: Assisting with check-in for receptions, dinners, and other events at the Residence, and serve as part of the welcome committee for other Embassy events. (Training for Zkipster provided.)

Scheduling: Coordinating with the Ambassador’s Private Office, Residence Team, Visits Team, and Embassy Sections in meticulous updating of the Residence Programme, to include details of all hospitality provided: guest names, meal types, time of guest arrivals and departures, volunteer recruitment, etc. (Training for Microsoft Teams provided.)

Database: Managing thousands of contacts in the database, including updating names, job titles, organizations, emails, phone numbers, assistant details, and other personal information. Research experience preferred. (Training for Salesforce provided.)

Interpersonal: Must have high level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations. Position continually requires demonstrated poise, tact and diplomacy, discretion, friendliness to strangers, and attention to detail.

• The successful candidate will have excellent computer skills, particularly with Salesforce, Zkipster, Microsoft Outlook and Teams. Ability to type over 75 words per minute preferred.
• Strong communication ability, both written and oral, are required. Must be able to interact and communicate with individuals at all levels.
• Must be available to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and frequently over-time.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to handle the pressure of juggling multiple competing tasks and demands.
• Must have high level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations. Position continually requires demonstrated poise, tact and diplomacy.
• Candidate must be a team-player and willing to learn and adapt.
• 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 or A visa holders with EAD cards*. If you hold a visa other than an A visa you are not currently eligible to work at our office. Please refer to our website for information on exceptions to this policy at www.gov.uk/government/world/usa. All selected candidates are subject to background checks and will require a security clearance prior to starting work. *A visas are acceptable at the Embassy and Consulates.You may refer to our website for additional information: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-the-usa. All selected candidates are subject to background checks and will require a security clearance prior to starting work.