View Vacancy - Director of Communications
Main purpose of job:
This is a challenging and varied role in a small, high-performing team, which would suit somebody passionate about politics and communication. Working to the Deputy Head of Mission and closely with the British Ambassador:
- To lead on the British Embassy’s communications in order to raise the profile of the UK in Dominican Republic, through traditional and social media.
- To support and counsel senior colleagues in policy formulation, political reporting and contact making.
- To design and implement the Embassy’s Programme of Projects in support of shared Dominican Republic and UK objectives such as sustainable economic development, democracy and human rights.
- To maximise the impact of the UK Government Chevening Scholarship programme in the Dominican Republic.
Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder are expected to achieve?:
Communications (30%): Designing and implementing a comprehensive communication strategy to promote the UK in the Dominican Republic. Managing relationship with senior media contacts. Preparing and supporting interviews and other media opportunities for the Ambassador and other embassy staff. Overseeing the Embassy’s website and social media accounts and developing content that will increase reach and impact. Raising the profile of UK, in line with the UK government’s communications campaigns (including Global Britain, GREAT). Ensuring information on visas and passports is easily accessible to members of the public. Sharing best practice across the UK Government’s communications networks.
Political (30%): Developing a network of influential political, economic and civil society contacts and identify contacts for other sections of the Embassy (commercial, consular). Monitoring local political developments and providing briefing, reports and advice to the Ambassador and other officials. Making arrangements and providing logistical support for official visits to the Dominican Republic.
Programme and Project management (20%): Identifying opportunities for projects in support of mutual Dominican Republic and of UK priorities – sustainable economic development and human rights. Developing project ideas with external implementers in the public and private sectors and civil society. Using project management techniques to maximise impact of projects by coordinating, monitoring, evaluating. Preparing bids for funds held in London or the region.
Scholarships (20%): Leading on UK government’s Chevening scholarship programme in Dominican Republic. Leading outreach activities to Universities, Ministries and organisations to promote the scheme and identify outstanding applicants. Engaging with UK alumni association in Dominican Republic.
Resources managed (staff and expenditure):
Resources – Programme and project funds.
- A minimum of 2 years' relevant work experience in politics, public relations, media or communications.
- Strong interpersonal, communication and networking skills – with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels.
- A deep interest and understanding of Dominican Republic media and politics.
- Ability to respond flexibly and creatively to changing priorities.
- Proficiency in MS Office.
- Language: fluent written and spoken English and Spanish.
- Must have the legal status to live and work in Dominican Republic.
- Personal knowledge of and interest in the UK.
- Professional experience of social media platforms (Hootsuite, Twitter, Facebook) including analysis.
- Programme or project management experience.
Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):
- Embassy Induction and ongoing support
- Access to the FCO’s and UK Civil Service comprehensive on-line Learning and Development resources
- UK Government courses in Programme and Project Management, Communications
- Opportunities to travel for conferences in the UK and in the region
Working patterns:
The job is suitable for some flexible working and remote working from home. The nature of the role requires attendance at meetings and regular days in the office, but there is scope for flexible working modes, including remote working, depending on the specific needs of the role at a particular time.
Regular remote working will be required during the current COVID-19 pandemic and special arrangements can be made to protect any staff members who fall into a COVID-vulnerable group.
Flexible working patterns would have to be agreed with the Line Manager in advance.
Any other information (or specific local Post requirements):
The British Embassy is a friendly, inclusive workplace. Core office hours are 8:00am – 4:30pm, Monday to Thursday and 8:00am-1pm on Fridays.
The role is open to anyone with the independent right to reside and work in the Dominican Republic.
The period of probation for this role is 3 months.
This opportunity is closed to applications.