Scottish Government Office Washington: C3 Head of Office (ID2023-7372)

You will be responsible for promoting and developing Scotland’s interests in and connections with the US. Close work with Team Scotland partners (SDI, Visit Scotland, Creative Scotland, and the SG team in Canada etc), wider Scottish communities of interest within the US, as well as domestic policy teams in the Scottish Government will be essential.

• The Office Head has responsibility for representing the Scottish Government’s interests in the US, managing a team of three in the Scottish Government Office within the British Embassy.

• Lead a coherent and collaborative Scottish approach to engagement with the US, which reflects the breadth of Scotland’s international identity and offer, and contributes to delivery of the Scottish Government’s domestic objectives.

• Play a leading role in the Team Scotland (Scottish Development International, Visit Scotland, Scottish Further and Higher Education institutions, Local Authorities etc.) work to promote Scotland to US audiences as a global destination to visit, work, live, study and do business.

• Represent the Scottish Government including managing the relationship with the UK Government at post, and advising the UK diplomatic mission to the US on all aspects of SG devolved policy and on areas of reserved policy that have an impact on Scotland.

• Maintain overall oversight of Scottish Government Ministerial and Official delegations visiting the US, delivering and supporting Ministerial visits, and supporting partner organisations in delivering their programmes – including advising on how desired outcomes could be met.

• Work with communities of interest across the US political scene, nurturing our US network including our “Friends of Scotland” caucus in Congress, developing networks in target State Governments, as well as alumni, GlobalScots, Trade Envoys, diaspora groups and other friends of Scotland in priority areas and sectors to promote Scotland’s interests, deliver our Scottish Connections agenda, and explain the policies and approaches of the Scottish Government.

• Advise and support Scottish Government Ministers, Officials and agencies on all areas of their engagement with the US, maximising the influence and reputation of Scotland to secure wider objectives.

While the post is based in Washington, your responsibilities will be US-wide, so you should be willing to travel throughout the country to nurture key relationships and to support inward visits, in addition to developing an extensive network in Washington.

You will periodically be expected to be available out of core office hours for representational duties and on occasion because of the time difference between the UK and Washington. You can expect to travel back to Scotland at least once a year to engage with stakeholders within and outwith the Scottish Government.

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%

Job contact :

• Name : Donna MacKinnon
• Email : donna.mackinnon@gov.scot

Recruitment team

• Email : ScottishGovernmentrecruitment@gov.scot