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View Vacancy - BDSUS Head of Visits and Events - British Embassy Washington
The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.
Job Category: Other British Government Departments (Partners across Government, including UK Visas)
Job Subcategory: MOD (Ministry of Defence)
Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)
Main Purpose of Job: The British Government's Embassy in Washington, DC has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and exceedingly organised person to join the British Defence Staff United States (BDSUS) as Head of its Visits and Events team. This opportunity is a rewarding managerial role which enables and supports activities to advance the indispensable defence relationship between the UK and the US.
The BDSUS Head of Visits and Events is responsible for overseeing the administration and protocol arrangements for all UK MOD visits to the United States, consisting of over 10,000 visit requests per annum. The post will be directly responsible for the administration of senior defence visits to Washington DC, including UK Defence Ministers, senior civilian and military officials, and parliamentary committees. The role also leads on the co-ordination of large British Embassy Washington defence focussed events, including overseeing the guest invitation process and working with the Ambassador's Residence team and commercial hospitality providers. The role has line management responsibility for 5 members of staff and will also provide oversight to elements of the Embassy's Transport Team.
The ideal candidate will have experience working with the Government and/or military of the UK or US, ideally in Defence and be a team player, with the ability to shift focus and resolve conflicting priorities at pace, be a clear communicator, and unphased by dealing with senior government representatives. They will thrive on empowerment and be very organised.
Roles and responsibilities:
* Protocol management of the BDSUS Visits and Events Team to process and oversee all UK Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Visit requests to the US Department of Defense.
* Administration, oversight and in-county support to all UK MOD and Armed Forces senior (3-star and above) visits to Washington DC.
* Co-ordination and central support/guidance for BDSUS Flagship official diplomacy events, including overseeing the guest invitation process and working with the Ambassador's Residence team and commercial hospitality providers as required.
* Plan and execute a large variety of large and small events to support defence engagement objectives.
* Staff Officer for BDSUS Visits and Events instructions/policies and co-ordination of BDSUS guest lists.
* Visit and Events collaboration and engagement with broader British Embassy Washington teams, including His Majesty's Ambassadors' Private Office and Residence.
* Maintain productive relationships with the wide range of UK Ministry of Defence, US Government and national security, and private sector hospitality actors.
* Management of BDSUS Visits and Events team setting clear priorities and objectives and providing coaching and support.
* Routine BDSUS guidance and tasking to the Joint Embassy Transport Team.
* Work as part of the BDSUS Chief of Staff's leadership team to support broader BDSUS corporate services outputs.
Resources managed (staff and expenditure):
* Line management responsibility for 5 desk officers (Grade AO).
Essential qualifications, skills and experience
* Relevant full-time experience in a busy office environment is required. A previous role in meeting and event planning, logistics and / or executive assistance is preferred.
* Exceptionally strong organisational skills and ease with working autonomously to deliver solutions at speed.
* Ability to build strong networks and influence stakeholders.
* Excellent communication skills and the ability to briefly summarise multi-layered issues to decision makers.
* Good working knowledge in all MS Office applications, specifically Word and Outlook and ability to quickly adapt to new IT software.
* Legal status to live and work in the US in your own right, from time of application. This role is not eligible for sponsorship.
* Applicants for this position must be a national of one of the following countries: UK, US, Canada, Australia or New Zealand.
Desirable qualifications, skills and experience
* Valid US driving licence.
* Experience working with the Government and/or military of the UK or US, ideally in defence.
* Experience of managing and leading a team in a customer focused role.
* VIP Visits coordination experience.
* Knowledge of hospitality event project management.
Required behaviours: Delivering at Pace, Making Effective Decisions, Managing a Quality Service, Working Together
Application deadline: 9 April 2025
Grade: Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
Type of Position: Full-time, Permanent
Working hours per week: 40
Region: Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories
Country/Territory: United States
Location (City): Washington
Type of Post: British Embassy
Number of vacancies: 1
Salary Currency: USD
Salary: $85,358 per annum
Type of Salary: yearly
Start Date: 2 June 2025
Other benefits and conditions of employment: 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
Working patterns: The successful candidate will be required to work from office at least 4 days per week in normal circumstances and have flexibility to work outside of office hours, including occasional evenings and weekends (working hours to be adjusted accordingly). They will also be required to obtain a higher security clearance.
The deadline for applications is 23:55 EDT on 9 April 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.
Internal candidates must inform their supervisor before they apply to a different position.
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