Main purpose of job:

The British Government’s Consulate in New York is offering an exciting opportunity to join the Political and Public Diplomacy team as the Head of Public Diplomacy. This is a meaningful role which supports and further develops the special relationship between the UK and the US – contributing to work shaping 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 comprehensive benefits package- including generous leave, competitive insurance options, a top-tier 401(k) programme, and access to world-class learning and development resources. 

We are committed to fostering a healthy work-life balance and supporting employee wellbeing through a structured hybrid working model that includes opportunities for remote work and flexible hours, where operational needs allow.

In this role, you will be part of a dynamic international environment spanning the British Government’s extensive network across the United States and the United Kingdom, which includes the Embassy in Washington, the UK Mission to the United Nations, multiple Consulates, and other Government Offices—comprising over 900 staff and supporting the work of approximately 30 UK government departments and agencies.

As Public Diplomacy office in the Political and Public Diplomacy team you will support delivery of the UK’s soft power strategy and campaigns, and be part of a small team that delivers events and visits across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Fairfield County, CT, to enhance perceptions of the UK and bolster the UK US relationship for the future. 

Positioned within the Political, Policy and Public diplomacy team, reporting to the Head of the team, who is the Head of Public Diplomacy. 

You will work closely and creatively with internal and external stakeholders across the Consulate General, its region and beyond, and widely with UK government departments and the people and institutions at the heart of British soft power strength (sports, culture, arts, media). You will support the UK’s engagement with major public diplomacy initiatives, including but not limited to the 250th anniversary of US independence, World Cup, UN General Assembly High Level Week, New York Climate Week, Pride and Tartan Week. As well as enhancing the UK-US relationship for the future, you will support growth of the UK economy by leveraging our soft power. 

The Consulate is looking for a self-starter who brings together: strong communication, experience in event delivery, stakeholder management, good organizational skills as well as project management skills. You’ll bring good prioritisation skills and a commitment to delivering value for money and continuous learning

Key responsibilities:

1. Event Delivery: Lead and support delivery of events that support our public diplomacy objectives. (about 45%): You will support the Head of Public Diplomacy to deliver high quality campaigns and events that deliver the UK’s soft power and growth objectives. You will work in collaboration with UK and US partners. Responsibilities include (but are not limited to): working with a range of external partners in both the US and the UK; negotiating with venues; managing onsite logistics, budgets and staffing; sending invitations and managing RSVPs and guest lists.
2. Relationship Management (about 15%): You will help build a network of stakeholders in business and key institutions. You will also support senior official engagement with senior leaders and interlocutors. You will use your organizational skills to maintain a variety of strategic engagement tools and respond in a timely manner to queries. 
3. Programme and Budget Management (about 20%): You will formulate ideas for and deliver our events program in collaboration with colleagues and the Head of Public Diplomacy. You will respond to demands and proactively build a pipeline of events. You will be creative on how we do this, and who we work with. You will need excellent organizational skills to plan and execute these as well as lead management of a budget. You will forecast and report on spend in a timely manner. 
4. High Level Visits (about 15%): You’ll play a key role in supporting high profile visits and events including around the World Cup, Olympics and America 250 to name a few. This will require agility, clear prioritization and an ability to deliver under pressure. 
5. Communications (about 5%): You will work closely with comms teams to ensure alignment with our wider objectives and to ensure our events are profiled in the right way. 

*These percentages are indicative and may shift over time depending on team priorities and organizational needs.

• Relevant work experience, preferably within event operations and/or project management
• Proven ability to deliver impactful events and activities
• Experience in a fast-paced environment
• Proven ability to develop realistic action plans, meet deadlines and execute on clear deliverables
• Strong networking skills; ability and willingness to work evening events as necessary
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organisational and time management skills and attention to detail
• Ability to prioritise and deliver results across multiple areas of work
• Creativity, flexibility, and adaptability
• Personal commitment to respect at work and promoting diversity, equity and inclusion
• fluency in English language