BDSUS Visits and Events Officer - British Embassy Washington

Main purpose of job

The British Governments Embassy in Washington has an exciting opportunity for an organised and attentive person to join the British Defence Staff US Visit and Events Team as a Visits and Events 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 defence diplomacy.   

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 401(k) programme. It also promotes a culture of flexibility which enables people to better maintain wellness through an excellent work/life balance. In this role you would be working in a diverse international environment - both alongside and in support of UK diplomats, armed forces personnel, and other country-based staff operating across the British Governments 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 Visits and Events Officer is one of two full-time roles reporting to the Head of Visits and Events supporting the British Defence Staff with all senior visits to Washington DC for the Ministry of Defence. This includes UK Government Ministers, Parliamentary Committees, former Prime Ministers, Members of the Royal Family, senior members of the military, and senior ranking officials. On events, this role delivers the annual flagship events of the British Defence Staff in the US and supports the single services in delivery of smaller functions throughout the year. The position offers unique exposure to UK and US Government leaders and procedures. The successful candidate should be organised, attentive, flexible, and a team player, as these skills are required to arrange and deliver senior visits and major events in the Embassy.

Roles and responsibilities

• Deliver on all organisational and logistical aspects of individual visits including scheduling meetings, arranging transportation and accommodation, coordinating security clearances, and more.
• Accompany visitors, meet and greet visitors on arrival at airports or otherwise, and accompany their departure (this involves occasional work in the evenings or weekends).
• Work with hotels, airlines, transport companies and other vendors.
• Arrange security clearances for visiting Protection Officers, diplomatic overflight clearances, and port clearances for VIPs.
• Produce and maintain the Visits Section databases (e.g., statistical reports, clearance details).
• Collaborate with both internal and external partners in delivery of major events such as the British Defence Staffs Annual Defence Reception at the Embassy.
• Support military colleagues in execution of single service annual events.
• Arrange payment of invoices.
• Provide administrative support to the team, including filing electronic and paper visits documents.
• Other duties as assigned.

Please note: Flexibility on working hours is required in this role, as the position can require overtime, evening and/or weekend hours (with schedules to be adjusted as appropriate). Vacation and leave must be co-ordinated with others in the section and may not always be possible during busy periods.