Main purpose of job:

The British Government’s Embassy in Washington has an exciting opportunity for a driven person to join our high performing Communications Team as a Press Officer. 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 in order to make a real difference globally. 

The job will give you hands-on exposure to international relations, diplomacy and allow you to grow your media and communications experience.

In response to a changing America, the Communications Team is looking to modernise perceptions of the UK, reach new audiences and increase the volume of the UK’s communications activity in Washington and across the US. Our communications team is focussed on reinforcing positive perceptions of the UK, challenging negative or outdated views and promoting opportunities around shared values and ambitions, reinforcing the UK’s relevance to the US as a modern and dynamic partner of choice.
The successful candidate will support on a wide range of day to day press activity, working with a busy, motivated and experienced communications team. 

Typical tasks will include supporting the embassy’s engagement with US media outlets and journalists, monitoring US media coverage and trends and planning forward-looking media activity.  

The ideal candidate will be an energetic self-starter who brings together: an effective communicator with strong attention to detail, a motivated team-player, who is able to demonstrate a clear interest in and understanding of US media. 

The British Embassy 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 and flexible hours, where possible.  In this role you would be working in a diverse international environment to support 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.

Roles and responsibilities 

• Monitor media and news trends, sharing news coverage within the embassy and US network on key issues of interest to the UK-US relationship, with written media coverage summaries as requested. (40%)
• Manage press team databases, subscription lists, media lists, and media monitoring distribution lists and support on monitoring and planning forward-looking activity (20%)
• Support the Head of Communications and Head of News on Newsteam activity including the embassy’s engagement with US media outlets and journalists (20%)
• Lead on day-to-day press activities and provide administrative support for public affairs and press events. (20%)

Other responsibilities on occasion include:

• Lead on journalist press accreditation for the British Embassy
• Coordinate media briefings, press team events and meetings
• Proactively seeking communications opportunities and media moments
• Seek opportunities to improve media monitoring services provided to embassy and US network
• On occasion, provide out of hours press support for which overtime or Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) will be provided

The ideal candidate will be highly motivated, a clear and effective communicator, strong writer, and have a strong working understanding of US media landscape.

Learning and development opportunities:

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 (communciating with impact, handling difficult conversations, time management) to more technical or professional skills necessary to complete your job (software training, formal qualifications etc.).

Essential on arrival: 

• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Proven ability to complete multiple tasks and high volume of work on deadline in a fast-paced work environment;
• Attention to detail and ability to edit and proofread;
• Demonstrated ability to take control and follow through on assigned tasks with limited supervision;
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office software.

Level of language required: English Expert