Main purpose of job:

The British Government’s Embassy in Washington DC has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and organised person to join the British Defence Staff United States (BDSUS) as the Executive Assistant to the Minister for Defence (Director USA). This opportunity is a rewarding role which supports and further develops the special relationship between the UK and the US, supporting work at the forefront of international diplomacy to make a real difference globally. 

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 is a chance to directly contribute to the way in which both Governments collaborate and negotiate on BDSUS’ key priorities. Working to the Private Secretary, the Executive Assistant provides high-level administrative support to the Minister for Defence. You will be responsible for all administrative tasks for the Minister, including managing their schedule, travel arrangements, expenses and financial administration and event support.

The ideal candidate will be a team player with effective communication, good attention to detail and able to work to tight deadlines. This position requires extensive stakeholder management and therefore the ability to create, manage and develop relationships is crucial. The confidence and ability to own and manage areas of work load is vital. A keen interest in Defence and International Security policy is essential along with experience in a similar role preferred. 

Roles and responsibilities:

• Provide administrative support, including managing schedules, arranging travel, expense processing, and maintaining client and project databases. 
   
• Support for Ministry of Defence and Embassy events to foster Defence opportunities and relationships for the UK, requiring occasional out of hours work. 
      
• Consult with stakeholders to support on the coordination of events (both in person and virtual). 
     
• Organise client meetings, including booking in and escorting visitors and supporting with briefing materials as required.
      
• Assist with reporting on team management targets and support the Minister on relationship management needs. 
      
• Support high-profile visits, including UK Ministerial and VIP delegations through scheduling high-level meetings and organising activities. 
      
• Support forging relationships with key US government officials, think tanks, congressional teams and other key partners. 
     
• Support cross-team projects that advance the UK-US Defence relationship. 
      
• Work with the wider Support Officer/Executive Assistant network to improve coherence between offices.
      
• Support the wider British Defence Staff corporate agenda, including diversity and inclusion. 
      
• Any other duties as assigned.

Resources managed: 

• Tracking of the Defence Minister budget and spending. 

Essential on arrival: 

• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
   
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to be professional, confident, and able to deal with interlocutors at senior level
      
• Team player
      
• Excellent organisation skills, ability to multi-task and attention to detail 
      
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills 
      
• Interest and familiarity with Defence policy and the UK-US defence relationship.
      
• Able to get gain the necessary security clearance required (we will support your application for this). 
      
• Flexibility to work a varied schedule.

Must be UK, US, Canadian, Australian or New Zealand citizen.  

Please note: 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. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
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.