US East Coast Director, Science and Innovation - Boston

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View Vacancy - US East Coast Director, Science and Innovation - Boston

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)

The British Embassy in Washington, DC is seeking a dynamic US East Coast Director to join the UK's Science & Innovation Network. This opportunity is a rewarding role working with government, academia and business to increase UK-US collaboration on science, innovation and technology, working at the forefront of international diplomacy in order to make a real difference globally.

The Senior Policy Advisor, as part of the British diplomatic mission to the United States, will play a pivotal role in advancing UK research and innovation partnerships in the US. You will lead UK Science & Innovation engagement and delivery for the Boston region (including New England) and a wider team working across the eastern US to deliver on their objectives. You will manage Science & Innovation Officers in the Boston, New York, Atlanta and Chicago Consulate districts and work closely with relevant Consul Generals as well as colleagues from other British Government departments.

Representing UK interests, the advisor will engage with US policymakers, government agencies, universities, think tanks, and foundations, driving growth in research collaboration in key sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, quantum technologies, synthetic biology, semiconductors, and space. The advisor will also cultivate partnerships with universities and research institutions to strengthen US-UK cooperation, support UK economic growth, and provide effective reporting on the science and innovation ecosystem to inform policy making in the UK.

The ideal candidate will be highly motivated, organised, and resourceful; a self-starter capable of working independently with limited guidance and oversight; and an effective team player with strong management and proven leadership skills. Strong interpersonal skills, capable of effectively interacting with members of the public, science community, and senior government officials; Excellent (and demonstrable) writing and communication skills with the ability to produce clear, concise reports, and to present effectively to a range of audiences.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Engaging with senior leaders across S&I fields to promote UK interests and identify opportunities.
• Engage with universities and research institutes to identify and foster high-potential UK-US collaborations.
• Contributing to the strategy, development and leadership of the US S&I network.
• Playing a significant role in shaping UK S&I engagement with US.
• Acting as SRO for the Net Zero and Clean Energy sector of the US Science & Innovation Network.
• Advising UK stakeholders on S&I policies, programmes and initiatives in the northeastern US.
• Compiling and contributing to reports for senior UK scientists, learned societies, UK policy makers, Ministers and Parliament.
• Supporting visits from senior government officials, ministers, and university leadership relating to science and innovation.
• Horizon-scanning developments in science, technology and policy.
• Managing projects to successful delivery and follow-up.
• Contributing to broader Consulate and UK initiatives in support of UK prosperity, innovation and economic growth.
• External engagement and representation on UK science and innovation priorities.

Resources managed:

• Line management of four Science & Innovation officers (Boston, New York, Atlanta, Chicago).
• Oversee programme spend of £250k+ across the US science & innovation network.
• Support the development of SIN's project pipeline, ensuring a dynamic and refreshed portfolio.
• Participate in team development with opportunities for corporate leadership roles.

Language requirements:

Language: English

Level of language required: Fluent English

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

• Proven ability to align projects and initiatives with broader foreign policy objectives to drive diplomatic and economic outcomes.
• Strong relationship-building and influencing skills, with experience engaging senior leaders across industry, government, academia, and the science and innovation sectors.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise, and timely reports; deliver effective presentations and reporting to diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to analyze complex information and provide clear policy advice to senior stakeholders.
• Deep understanding of US science and innovation policy, including government and congressional dynamics.
• Experience working in multi-site, multidisciplinary teams, with a track record of collaboration and delivering results.
• Self-starter capable of working independently with limited guidance and oversight;
• Highly motivated, organized, and resourceful.
• Highly flexible, entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and seize new opportunities.
• Reliable, positive and flexible to new situations and ways of working;
• Effective team player with strong leadership and management skills.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience

• Strong academic (PhD preferred, but not essential) or background in science and innovation; particularly experience in or with government, but also with industry, academia, or a relevant organization.
• Good understanding of the science and innovation base in the Consulate district (New England & New York);
• Knowledge of UK science and innovation strengths and capabilities is a plus.
• Experience managing staff and providing coverage for senior colleagues.

Required behaviours

Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Making Effective Decisions, Seeing the Big Picture

Application deadline

8 December 2024

Grade

Grade 7 (G7)

Type of Position

Full-time, Fixed term, with possibility of renewal

Working hours per week

40

Region

Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories

Country/Territory

United States

Location (City)

Boston

Type of Post

British Embassy

Number of vacancies

1

Salary Currency

USD

Salary

$116,364

Type of Salary

yearly

Start Date

27 January 2024

Other benefits and conditions of employment

This is a 24 months fixed term contract with the possibility of renewal. This role is full time at 40 hours per week, but does not require set working hours each day.

The US Network supports hybrid working. We are an organization that also recognises the critical value of teamwork, and we embrace and endorse collaboration by ensuring that all staff attend the office flexibly yet regularly.

The British Embassy is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and to creating a diverse working environment, free from discrimination, where everyone is included and treated fairly, based on merit alone.