View Vacancy – Public Diplomacy and Events Officer

Main purpose of job:

The Northern Ireland Bureau is the diplomatic mission of the Northern Ireland Executive in the United States and Canada. Its main purpose is to cultivate and strengthen links between various political, economic, educational, and cultural interests in Northern Ireland and North America. It also serves as a resource for individuals and organisations wishing to learn and understand more about Northern Ireland, and about its relationship with the United States and Canada.

The Bureau is seeking to recruit a Public Diplomacy and Events Officer to support the Northern Ireland Bureau in promoting NI by planning and delivering events both online and in person and by driving our social media presence and wider public profile in line with Northern Ireland Executive priorities. The work will involve high level Ministerial and other visits.

This is a busy and interesting position, working with a wide variety of important stakeholders: including federal departments of State, British and Irish Embassies, colleagues across the US and Canada, and offices of senior political representatives and a wide range of academic and cultural organisations. The work will involve close working relationships with colleagues in Northern Ireland Departments, including in Minister’s Private Offices, Councils, universities, cultural, arts and other agencies relevant to Executive priorities.

The successful candidate will be a confident and proactive person, having a proven track record and the skills to plan and deliver events, to identify and engage a range of target audiences. Strong organisational skills, a flexible and cooperative team approach, and good interpersonal and communication skills are essential. The job will vary from day to day, so flexibility is an essential requirement.

Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?:

Based in Washington DC, this is a key role in the Bureau’s team, reporting to the Deputy Director. The successful candidate will be responsible for the following key areas of work:

– Public outreach (including digital and social media);

– Events planning and management (both in person and online)

–  Act as primary liaison point between the Washington Ireland Program and the Bureau;

– Develop, manage, and execute events to increase Northern Ireland’s profile and visibility with specific target markets and audiences including photo and digital coverage and the production of comms materials;

– Supporting the Director and Deputy Director on high-level visits and planning cultural events, including conducting relevant research, making initial contact with relevant organisations in DC and liaison with Northern Ireland-based stakeholders to ensure maximum benefit. 

– Preparing briefing for and ensuring smooth delivery of events and visits;,

– Manage and develop the Bureau’s official social media accounts including ensuring material published is impactful, but sensitive to a cross-community Executive;

– Ensure that Bureau social media accounts are active on a day to day basis;

– Monitoring of media, press conferences and press summaries relevant to Bureau priorities.

– Other duties as assigned, including administrative duties.

Essential on arrival:

– Excellent planning and organisational skills, including the ability to prioritise, work effectively under tight deadlines and manage multiple tasks;

– Solid understanding of Microsoft Office and social media platforms, particularly Twitter and Linkedin;

– 1 years’ experience in event planning and management

–  Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate persuasively verbally and in writing;

–  Ability to work effectively as part of a team and on own initiative;

–  Sound judgement and discretion in handling confidential information, as well as the ability to conduct oneself in a professional manner;

–  Ability to travel to other parts of North America and Northern Ireland on business;

–  Ability to work under pressure, and use excellent organisational skills to manage competing priorities;

–  Ability to respond quickly and flexibly to adjust to changing priorities

Language requirements:

Language: English

Level of language required: High level of English required. Must be fluent in spoken and written English.

Must have the right to work in the US.