Press Officer

The British Government’s Embassy in Washington has an exciting opportunity for a driven person to join our high performing Communications Team as a Press Officer. This opportunity is a rewarding role which supports and further develops the special relationship between the UK and the US, supporting work at the forefront of international diplomacy in order to make a real difference globally.

The job will give you hands‑on exposure to international relations , diplomacy and allow you to grow your media and communications experience .

In response to a changing America, the Communications Team is looking to modernise perceptions of the UK, reach new audiences and increase the volume of the UK’s communications activity in Washington and across the US.

The successful candidate will support on a wide range of day‑to‑day press activity, working with a busy, motivated and experienced communications team.

We are looking for an enthusiastic , quick‑learner to embrace the unique opportunities provided within the role.

Responsibilities

Lead on journalist press accreditation for the British Embassy

Coordinate media briefings, press team events and meetings

Proactively seeking communications opportunities and media moments

Seek opportunities to improve media monitoring services provided to embassy and US network

On occasion, provide out of hours press support for which overtime or Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) will be provided

Roles and responsibilities

Monitor media and news trends - both manually and with the help of AI tools - sharing news coverage within the embassy and US network on key issues of interest to the UK‑US relationship, with written media coverage summaries as requested. (40%)

Manage press team databases, subscription lists, media lists, and media monitoring distribution lists and support on monitoring and planning forward‑looking activity (20%)

Support the Head of Communications and Head of News on Newsteam activity including the embassy’s engagement with US media outlets and journalists (20%)

Lead on day‑to‑day press activities and provide administrative support for public affairs and press events. (20%)

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

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

Strong oral and written communication skills

Proven ability to complete multiple tasks and high volume of work on deadline in a fast‑paced work environment

Attention to detail and ability to edit and proofread

Demonstrated ability to take control and follow through on assigned tasks with limited supervision

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience

Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office software and AI platforms such as Microsoft Co‑Pilot and Claude

Previous experience in a Comms related role is desirable but not essential

Required behaviours
Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Managing a Quality Service, Seeing the Big Picture

Full‑time, Permanent
Location
British Embassy Washington

Salary
$26.56 (hourly)

Start Date
3 August 2026

Other benefits and conditions of employment
All selected candidates are subject to background checks and will require a security clearance prior to starting work.

You must have the right to live and work in the US in order to take up this role, whether in your own right or as a dependant, and be able to demonstrate that when required. If you are not a US citizen, dual US citizen or US Permanent Resident, it is your responsibility check your eligibility to work for a foreign government in the United States, and specifically to work in this role at this location, and provide proof of your eligibility via an Employment Authorisation Document or other relevant document when required. The UK Government does not routinely sponsor work visas; the job advertisement will state clearly whether sponsorship is available.

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.

Core Hours/Hybrid Working
While many jobs in the US Network are able to offer flexibility in terms of working hours, core business hours are 09:30 to 15:00 (in the local time zone) Monday through Friday.

Employees will be expected to work from office full‑time during the first 90 days of employment. After this time employees may work from home no more than 40% of the working week, subject to operational needs.

All working hours and hybrid working are position specific and subject to change at any time, without notice. If you have any questions, please address them with the hiring manager.

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