Head of Press, Policy and Public Affairs

The British Government’s Consulate General in Miami is offering an exciting opportunity to join the Political team as Head of Press, Policy and Public Affairs. 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 Head of Press, Policy and Public Affairs in the Political Team, you will be working directly to His Majesty’s Consul General.  On the political side, the individual will build relationships with senior decision-makers and opinion-formers and provide high quality analysis of political and economic trends in the region, identifying the potential impact of such trends from a UK perspective. On the public affairs side, the individual will set the strategic direction for UK public engagement and communications work enhancing the UK’s reputation as a crucial partner for the US in politics, economics, global security, culture and innovation. This will include being the first point of contact for fast moving issues or crises, designing high impact events to showcase UK in the local market, and overseeing senior level visits to the region. 

We’re looking for a proactive, collaborative, detail-oriented professional with experience in public policy and international relations. You’ll need to be a clear and effective communicator, have strong political antennae, be a great team player and be creative and innovative.

Roles and responsibilities:

• Work with His Majesty’s Consul General and Deputy Consul General to ensure that the BCG’s press, politics and public affairs work is planned and coordinated with all the other sections (particularly our trade team) in the Consulate, and deliver UK objectives in USA (25%.)
• Develop a strong network of senior political and economic contacts across Florida, Puerto Rico and the USVI.  Identify opportunities for political, economic and cultural collaboration between the UK and US (20%).
• Provide high quality analysis of political and economic developments in Florida, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands (USVI) (15%).
• Lead and manage the PPPA Officer in Miami to deliver, as a team and in conjunction with our wider Washington and London comms colleagues, the Miami Consulate objectives (15%).
• Represent the BCG at external events, including some speaking engagements (10%).
• Plan and coordinate official VIP visits to support policy objectives (5%).
• Participate in crisis training and exercises and be part of the Consulate-wide team response in the event of a crisis (5%).
• Oversee the annual Marshall Scholarship selection process and outreach to Marshall Alumni (5%).
• Any other duties as assigned.

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

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

1 x Political, Press and Public Affairs Officer

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Essential on arrival:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field or equivalent experience.
• Experience in a public affairs and/or political analysis role, preferably with a governmental/international organisation, PR Company, or in journalism.
• A strong interest in and knowledge of US politics particularly in Florida. 
• Excellent writing and oral communication skills. 
• Excellent team-working and interpersonal skills, including proven experience of influencing senior contacts in both the public and private sectors. 
• Media handling skills including building relationships with journalists and experience in arranging interviews and press briefings.
• Interest in and knowledge of politics and foreign affairs, notably US-UK relations.
• Demonstrate ability to deliver high-profile events.

Language requirements: 

Language: English

Level of language required: Expert