Main purpose of job

The British Government’s Consulate in Houston is offering an exciting opportunity to join the Political Team as a Political and Communications Officer. 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 the Political and Communications Officer, you will play an important role in strengthening collaboration between the United Kingdom and the United States on key political and communications issues. Working within the Consulate’s Political Section, you will engage closely with internal partners such as the Consul General, political teams in Washington, D.C., colleagues across the wider US Network, and policy teams in London. You will also work with external partners including state legislators, staffers, journalists and policy leaders. Your work will directly support the United Kingdom’s strategic objectives in deepening the bilateral relationship and will offer valuable experience in international engagement and cooperation across government. You will provide support on our social media campaigns including coming up with creative ideas to deliver UK Government messages. 

We are looking for an enthusiastic, proactive, and confident professional with recent knowledge of, or experience working in, state level politics. You will bring strong written and verbal communication skills, the ability to build and maintain effective networks, and a proactive approach to identifying insights and opportunities that advance the UK’s priorities.

Roles and responsibilities

Communications (Digital and Press) (60%)

• Deliver the day-to-day management of the Consulate’s social media accounts (Instagram, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn) delivering high-quality and engaging content aligned with agreed communications priorities. Routinely update social media platforms and the Consulate website.
• Support the development and delivery of communications campaigns and strategies, contributing creative ideas and content in line with agreed messaging and priorities. Proactively identify opportunities to amplify Consulate activity and support UK Government messaging, liaising with colleagues and external stakeholders where appropriate.
• Deliver consistent and impactful public communications across the full range of Consulate priorities, including regular reporting on content performance, social media analytics, and media impact. Assess impact of social media activities (key performance indicators, monitoring visitor statistics, reach, engagement, followers’ growth, etc.) and use this to suggest areas for improvement.
• Support visits programmes including high level ministers, developing communications content and media plans in line with UK priorities.
• Work with communications teams across the British Government’s US network to gather and share content and communications ideas.
• Support the Head of Political, Press and Public Affairs with press monitoring, drafting press materials, coordinating media engagements, and assisting with media enquiries.

Political Engagement (40%) 

• Engage with political stakeholders across the Consulate’s five-state region, particularly with state-level legislators and their offices. This will sometimes require out-of-state travel.
• Identify political developments across the patch which may be of interest to policy makers in DC and London and provide accurate, insightful, and timely written reporting.
• Working under the direction of the Head of Political, Press and Public Affairs, and in collaboration with the Global Issues Officer to support delivery of political engagement activity for the Consul General.
• Act as notetaker during political engagements.

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

• Good understanding of state-level politics in the central-southern US.
• Understanding and interest in British politics and culture.
• Confidence engaging with external stakeholders and building effective professional relationships.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including drafting for digital, policy, and media audiences.
• Experience using social media platforms including LinkedIn, Instagram, X and Facebook in a professional context.
• Legal status to live and work in the US in your own right, from time of Application. Please note this position is ineligible for visa sponsorship.