Ambassador's Social Secretary

The British Embassy is seeking a Social Secretary to oversee the planning, coordination and execution of the Ambassador’s official social engagements. The British Ambassador’s Residence is one of DC’s premier hosting spaces – entertaining tens of thousands of guests each year, including royalty, Heads of Government and Congressional figures. The Social Secretary will lead on ensuring these engagements expand and leverage the Ambassador’s robust network of contacts, to the benefit of the UK’s special relationship with the United States.

The successful applicant will work directly to the Ambassador’s Chief of Staff, in close concert with the Ambassador and his spouse, the Executive Office, Residence Manager, and colleagues from across the Embassy. They will manage a small team based in the historic Residence – the only building in the US designed by the famous British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. Leading a happy and high-functioning team to be more than the sum of its parts will be crucial to success.

The Social Secretary will be expected to bring a pre-existing network and to develop new connections across the Administration, Congress, business and DC society. The Social Secretary should use their wider network to support the Ambassador in developing links with people who are outside these formal structures but who have influence.

We are seeking someone who is a natural horizon scanner, who has the creativity to deliver events and engagements that are timely and impactful. Keeping your finger on the pulse will be key.

On-site accommodation at the Residence is provided in recognition of the sometimes irregular hours this role entails.

The US Network offers a unique career enhancing opportunity and 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. 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.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Planning and delivering social events at the Ambassador’s Residence including drawing up guest lists, sending invitations, taking responses, following up on non-responders, creating seating plans.
• Managing social events, including entertaining guests and coordinating with colleagues delivering logistics.
• Manage the Residence’s calendar and schedule of events.
• Be the external face of the Residence by liaising with contacts and event partners, monitoring and responding to queries on Residence events.
• Work directly with the Ambassador’s Executive Office to ensure efficient planning of the Ambassador’s schedule.
• Manage and maintain our database of contacts.
• Direct management of the Assistant Social Secretary.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

• 2x Assistant Social Secretaries

Essential qualifications, skills and experience:

• Minimum of 6 years of experience in a similar environment with exposure to international dignitaries, officials and business leaders.
• Exceptional organisation skills.
• The ability to work independently and to react to situations which may arise, without constant supervision.
• Well-versed in the Microsoft suite (Word, Excel and Internet). Salesforce proficiency is also desirable.
• Must have high level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations. This position requires demonstrated poise, tact, diplomacy and discretion.
• Strong communication ability, both written and oral is required. Must be able to credibly engage senior contacts on behalf of the Embassy and have a proven ability to develop strong networks.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to handle the pressure of juggling multiple competing tasks and demands.
• Should expect to host social events in the evenings and on some weekends.
• Fluent in English
• Must have the legal status to live and work in the US at the time of applying unless sponsorship is clearly stated in the advert.

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.

Application deadline: 30 April 2025 at 11:55 pm

Grade: Higher Executive Officer (HEO)

Type of Position: Full-time, Permanent

Working hours per week: 40

Location: Washington, D.C., United States

Number of vacancies: 1

Salary: $85,358.00 yearly

Target Start Date: 23 June 2025

Other benefits and conditions of employment:

Benefits:

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.

Working Pattern:

This job requires early morning starts and late night finishes, working over some holidays and some weekends.

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

Learning and Development:

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.).