Communications Officer

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office • Full-time • San Francisco Bay Area, US • 3w ago

Main Purpose of Job:

The British Consulate-General in San Francisco has an exciting opportunity for a creative and dynamic person to join the Political, Press, & Public Affairs Team as Communications Officer. This opportunity is a rewarding role which supports and further develops the special relationship between the UK and the US through storytelling and advocacy, supporting diplomacy that makes a real difference.

The Communications Officer will be responsible for devising and implementing high impact communications strategies to support the work of all teams at the Consulate and to champion UK interests to US audiences through digital diplomacy, strategic communications campaigns, and media relations. The Communications Officer will also develop and deliver high impact public diplomacy projects, events, and visit programmes including associated administration and budget management.

This is a chance to directly contribute to the UK’s profile and objectives in, and collaboration with the North West United States on key priorities such as trade, economic growth, and science and technology at an important time in international relations. There will also be opportunity to work on high level events and visits and to tap into the power of the UK’s soft power and leadership in innovation and culture to engage existing and new audiences.

The British Consulate-General in San Francisco represents the UK government in Northern California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana and Alaska.

The British Government’s US Network offers a unique career enhancing opportunity in a diverse international environment to support staff operating across the British Government’s network of Consulates and Government Offices in the United States. This network provides a platform for approximately 30 Government departments and agencies to conduct their work in the United States and is made up of over 900 staff with a rich and diverse background, skill sets, and experiences.

The US Network is committed to supporting its staff through a variety of benefits including generous leave, insurance packages and a highly competitive 401k programme. It also promotes a culture of flexibility which enables people to better maintain wellness through an excellent work/life balance approach that encompasses hybrid working, including working from home and flexible hours, where possible.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Digital Communications

Manage the Consulate's social media accounts (Instagram, X, and LinkedIn) delivering high-quality, creative, and engaging content. Routinely update social media platforms and the Consulate website.
Devise communications campaigns and strategies and test new and innovative approaches. Proactively plan and seek new opportunities to produce digital content for Consulate social media, liaising with colleagues and external stakeholder to amplify UK Government messages and increase impact of communications.

Strategy, communications support and continuous improvement

Ensure 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 for high level ministers, developing communications content and media plans in line with UK priorities.
Serve as the principal photographer and videographer for the Consulate, accompanying the Consul General and other staff to events and regional visits. Advise the Consul General/colleagues on best use of social media.
Work with communications teams across the British Government’s US network to gather and share content and communications ideas.

Press and Media

Support the Head of Political, Press and Public Affairs with media monitoring, handling media enquiries and arranging media engagements.

Project Management

Oversee regional Marshall Scholarship application and selection process in coordination with regional committee chair; lead efforts for university outreach and applicant recruitment throughout the year along with regional alumni engagement;
Coordinate and project manage public diplomacy activities to promote UK soft power initiatives including oversight of guest-lists and budgets and ensuring project execution via task management and stakeholder engagement.

Resources Managed:

Managing Consulate digital accounts (X, Instagram, LinkedIn)
Hire and supervise seasonal Marshall Scholarship Assistant

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

Experience in digital comms/marketing, engaging online audiences and online writing; Experience with content management systems (Creator Studio, Tweetdeck, Hootsuite), social media, digital analytics, etc.
Experience in communications or marketing, especially creating and disseminating content for organisations and managing the social media accounts of a government organisation, business, or non-profit.
Some photography and videography experience; confident user of traditional and new digital media tools i.e., Photo and video, smartphones and apps, microphones, projectors, editing/production software, monitoring & evaluation tools etc;
Awareness of new digital trends and practical experience in using digital tools;
Ability to work independently, proactively, creatively and collaborate with others; Strong organisational skills, with a keen eye for detail; Good time management and ability to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
Excellent writing and oral communication skills.
Knowledge of and interest in the media, political and economic make-up and trends of the US Pacific Northwest.
English language fluency.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience

Ability to prepare press kits, issue press releases, draft statements, etc.
Established press and media contacts.
Media handling skills including building relationships with journalists and experience in arranging interviews and press briefings.
Knowledge of and/or experience working for governmental/international organisations or NGOs.
Previous budget management experience.
Previous event management experience.

Required behaviours

Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Making Effective Decisions, Working Together

Application deadline

25 May 2025

Grade

Executive Officer (EO)

Type of Position

Full-time, Permanent

Working hours per week

Location (City)

San Francisco

Type of Post

British Consulate General

Salary

$34.32 per hour

Start Date

7 July 2025

Other benefits and conditions of employment:

US State Department requirements, the UK Government in the US has restrictions on the type of visas our non-diplomatic staff may hold. If you are not a US Citizen or a US Permanent Resident, or the dependent of a diplomat (with an EAD card), you may not be eligible for employment with the UK government. We cannot accept student Visas (J1, F or M) nor other forms of work Visas (I, H, P). If you hold a work visa it is best to check on your eligibility to work for a foreign government before applying for a position.

You may refer to our website for additional information: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-the-usa.

All selected candidates are subject to background checks and will require a security clearance prior to starting work.

The British Embassy and its US Network embraces hybrid working. We are an organization that also recognises the critical value of team work and we embrace and endorse collaboration by ensuring that all staff attend the office flexibly yet regularly.

Please note: The British Embassy and its US Network is committed to all employee’s ongoing learning and development needs. We offer a comprehensive platform for personalised learning for everything from soft skill development (communicating with impact, handling difficult conversations, time management) to more technical or professional skills necessary to complete your job (software training, formal qualifications etc.).

The UK Government operating in the US offers a substantial benefits package including generous leave, a choice of medical insurance, 401(k) matching up to 7%, extensive learning opportunities and a great work/life balance.

Additional information

Closing date of receiving applications is before 23:55 (Local Time) on 25th May 2025

All applicants must fully complete the online application form, including the sections for employment and educational details, experience, and behaviour-based questions. Only those applications that contain all required information will be considered. To ensure the sift process remains anonymous, please do not include any personally identifiable information in your application form.

Only successful candidates will be contacted. Please no phone calls. Due to the high volume of resumes we receive, we cannot guarantee consideration of your application if the submission instructions are not properly followed.

Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a ‘reserve list’. If during the reserve period of 12months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.

Internal candidates must inform their supervisor before they apply to a different position.