Events and Engagement Manager

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.

The FCDO operates an agile workforce and to facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time, as we may reasonably require.

Main purpose of job: The Scottish Government USA team is seeking an Events and Engagement Manager to support its work to promote Scotland's interests through political, cultural, and economic diplomacy. The successful candidate will join a dynamic team of four comprised of two Scottish diplomats and one other Country Based Staff member, working closely together to:

• Ensure our economic, diplomatic, and cultural activity contributes to the Scottish Government's priorities of eradicating child poverty, growing the Scottish economy, tackling the climate emergency and improving public services across Scotland.
• Showcase Scotland's ambition on climate and the environment, positioning Scotland's climate and environment work on the global stage.
• Maximise people to people connections by promoting the full offering of modern Scotland including our economic interests, education, innovation and research, culture, and potential for policy exchange.
• Showcase Scotland as a hub for innovation, trade, and investment - strengthening existing trade and investment links and seeking out new opportunities - all underpinned by our shared values and principles.

You will play a critical role in delivering the above activity by planning and delivering high quality events that promote Brand Scotland and contribute towards our strategic objectives. This will include Scottish cultural events like Burns Night, showcasing Scottish exports, networking events, partnerships with Scottish organisations and other formats that help us reach new audiences. You will also manage the office's approach to external engagement, with a focus on public diplomacy and the Scottish diaspora community. You will be responsible for implementing Scottish Connections - the Scottish Government's Framework for diaspora engagement - in the US market.

Roles and responsibilities: This job is highly operational and focuses on three key strands of work: delivery of events, implementation of Scottish Connections framework, and external engagement.

• Events (33%): You will lead on planning and delivery of all logistical components of Scottish Government USA virtual and in-person events, with responsibility for:

• Ensuring Scottish Government events are delivered smoothly, within budget, and in line with our business plan.
• Maintaining positive relationships with suppliers, sponsors, event participants, event partners, and other stakeholders.
• Regularly engaging with our network to support partner projects and events, either directly through office support or indirectly with access to our networks.
• Escalating any concerns about the deliverability of planned events to the Deputy Head of Office.

• Leading on design and delivery of Scottish Connections implementation plan for the US market, which will involve both scoping new activity and identifying opportunities to realign existing plans and projects.
• Maintaining and growing a positive network of relevant stakeholders and organisations aligned with the Scottish Connections framework.
• Assessing the alignment of grant applications made against the objectives of Scottish Connections and providing advice to the Head and Deputy Head of Office on this.
• Managing the grant award process for successful applicants.
• Monitoring the outcomes of grants made against the objectives of Scottish Connections and ensuring that appropriate records are kept.

• Engagement with local schools or youth groups.
• Exchange as part of Sister City partnerships.
• Capitalising on visiting Scottish sports teams, performing companies and talent to promote Brand Scotland.

Due to the nature of this role, some evening and weekend work will be required to support the delivery of events. Expectations will be discussed well in advance.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience:

• At least 2 years experience of event management and delivery.
• Excellent team-working and interpersonal skills that allow you to build strong networks.
• Demonstrable project management skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and use of social media.
• Legal status to live and work in the US in your own right, from time of application. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience:

• Ability to assess projects and grant proposals against specific objectives and make evidenced recommendations.
• Some experience in administering payments and/or grants as part of a public sector organisation is desirable.
• Experience of event management in a public sector context.
• Familiarity with the concept of nation brand and reputation.
• While a connection to or existing interest in Scotland is not expected or required, you should be open to learning more about its people, politics, and culture to support you in your work.

Required behaviours: Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Managing a Quality Service, Working Together.

Application deadline: 26 June 2025.

Grade: Executive Officer (EO)

Type of Position: Permanent

Working hours per week: 40

Region: Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories

Country/Territory: United States

Location (City): Washington

Type of Post: British Embassy

Number of vacancies: 1

Salary Currency: USD

Salary: 66,497.00

Type of Salary: yearly

Start Date: 18 August 2025

Other benefits and conditions of employment: 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.

Please note that the tax arrangements imposed by the US on staff working for foreign governments, as well as those imposed by the UK Treasury on British and dual nationals working for the UK Government overseas, are atypical.

Closing date of receiving applications is before 23:55 (Local Time) on 26 June 2025. All applicants must fully complete the online application form, including the sections for employment and educational details, experience, and behaviour-based questions. Only those applications that contain all required information will be considered.