The British Government maintains a network of Consulates-General around the United States.  Reporting to the British Embassy in Washington, they work on a range of objectives on behalf of the British Government in the United States.  Their work includes areas such as trade and investment, visas, supporting British people in difficulty in the US, science and innovation, press and public affairs, reporting on political and economic developments, and building relationships with decision-makers and opinion-formers around the United States on behalf of the UK.  Further information about the Consulates-General and the Embassy, and their work, can be found on www.ukinusa.fco.gov.uk.

We have two Consulates-General in California, in San Francisco and Los Angeles.  Between them, they also cover Alaska, Hawaii, Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Nevada, Utah and Arizona.  Each of the two offices has a small team (currently two people each) working on Political, Press and Public Affairs. 

The Senior West Coast Politics, Press and Public Affairs (PPA) Officer will lead the work of the PPPA teams in both Los Angeles and San Francisco, and cover the whole set of States listed above.  We are open to this position being based in the Consulate-General's offices in either city.

This is a new position, and there will be much scope to shape the job in line with the creative ideas of the successful applicant; some of the details set out here may change as lessons are learned and new practices tried out.

This is a crucial position in the work of the UK Government to influence key decision-makers and opinion-formers in the United States, our most important ally.  The jobholder will make an important contribution to delivering the UK's policy and public diplomacy objectives in the US.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

-           Working with the two Consulate-Generals (CGs) to ensure that the PPPA work in both posts is planned, coordinated and delivered in line with key objectives including the priorities set out in the US Network Communication Strategy and relevant political and economic priorities from the Washington Embassy

-           Acting as senior media spokesperson for the UK on the West Coast: spokesperson role for the home CG and for the other post (in the latter case, only on the most complex issues which require a senior officer).  The successful applicant will need to demonstrate an ability to speak credibly on the record for the UK Government in the US, and to brief journalists on background and maintain relationships with them

-           Developing strong links with contacts who need senior attention, sometimes in support of the CGs' and DCGs' own contact-making, for example state and local administrations, political and economic commentators, and university staff

-           Some political reporting, for example on key races in the Consular districts, drawing on non-public information where possible through the jobholder's contacts and relationships so as to add value.  Contribution to Washington-led reporting on political and economic issues across the US

-           Ensuring that both posts are able to deliver an effective service on issues such as visits and supporting their regional Marshalls selection committees (UK-funded scholarship programme)

-           Ensuring that staff in both posts have the right skills to deliver good media work, high-impact digital diplomacy (i.e. websites and web 2.0 work), and other key PPPA services, working with Washington to raise and maintain the skills in their teams and contributing to the wider US PPPA network as a senior member of the network's leadership

-           Acting to share resources and expertise between the two West Coast posts, for example in digital diplomacy or in providing mutual cover for busy periods or absences.

Minimum Qualifications/Experience:

-           Strong familiarity with the political and economic make-up of the regions covered by the two CGs, key political issues and trends in the region;

-           Experience of managing teams.  The job will require leading at a distance through its coverage of two teams in different locations, with a limited travel budget:  candidates should be able to think of creative ways to bridge the gap between the two posts and cover a vast area, making best use of opportunities and technology available;

-           Familiarity with the media, both traditional and new media (web-based); experience of acting as a media spokesperson and designing and delivering proactive publicity activities to advance policy or other objectives;

-           Familiarity with the UK Government's work and objectives in the United States, and the priorities of the UK Government in London.

Under US State Department requirements, the Embassy may only employ, as non-diplomatic staff, persons who are US citizens, US Green Card holders or A Visa holders. If you hold a Visa other than an A Visa you are not currently eligible to work at the Embassy.  All candidates will be subject to background checks and security clearance. 

The British Embassy Network offers a competitive salary and a strong benefits package.  This package includes medical, dental, vision, life, long term and short term disability insurance, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, generous vacation and leave time, and an enriching training package.

To Apply:

Resume and a cover letter with salary history should be submitted in a .doc (word) file format by 9 November to careers@fco.gov.uk. Please note in the subject line of your email "Sr. PPA Officer." Internal candidates should address their resumes through their Head of Group before applying. Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted. 

Candidates should also submit a statement, of no more than two pages, of how they would approach the job and what they would seek to deliver in it.

The British Embassy is an equal opportunity employer,

dedicated to a diverse workforce. 

EOE/M/F/D/V

 SOURCE: PUBLIC AFFAIRS COUNCIL 10/29/09