Job Description
The British Embassy Washington is looking for a Diary Secretary/Scheduler and Residence Manager to provide support to the Deputy Head of Mission (DHM). This is a busy and interesting role at the heart of the Embassy and offers exposure to some of the most important and high-profile issues in the US/UK relationship. You will work closely with colleagues across the Embassy, the Ambassador’s Residence, the wider US network and departments in London. The job holder will be a crucial member of a friendly and approachable team.
This is a full-time job, and typically 9-5, but as we are largely subject to the Deputy Head of Mission’s diary the job holder will need to be flexible should support be required outside of these hours.
Roles and responsibilities
- Scheduling meetings and maintaining the Deputy Head of Mission’s diary in line with wider Embassy priorities
- Receiving and filtering all invitations to the Deputy Head of Mission and bids (internal and external) for use of the Ambassador’s Residence
- Ensuring clearances/logistic arrangements for the Deputy Head of Mission’s DC based meeting
- Arranging programme and travel arrangements for the Deputy Head of Mission’s visits to the UK
- Managing the Deputy Head of Mission’s residence, including facilitating the delivery of events (dinners, receptions, breakfasts) for senior US and UK contacts. This involves overseeing two other colleagues who work at the residence
- Supported by the Deputy Head of Mission’s Private Secretary, manage the Deputy’s representational budget
- Providing support to the wider Private Office team as required
Resources managed (personnel and expenditure)
- Line management of one member of staff, task management of another
- Management of the Deputy Head of Mission’s budget
Essential qualifications, skills and experience
- At least 2 years previous experience of scheduling/diary management required
- Excellent secretarial skills, including touch and/or speed typing and proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite
- Excellent organisational skills and a keen eye for detail
- Strong team player who can multitask and work flexibly based on the changing needs of the team and business
- Full fluency in written and spoken English, with excellent verbal/written communication and senior stakeholder management skills
- Legal status to live and work in the US in your own right, from time of application
- Due to security requirements, candidates must hold a passport for one or more of the following countries: US, UK, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand
Desirable qualifications, skills and experience
- Experience of event delivery and budget management
- Experience working for similar organisation(s) (government, international, political, non-profit, etc.)
Other benefits and conditions of employment
You must have the right to live and work in the US in order to take up this role, whether in your own right or as a dependant, and be able to demonstrate that when required. If you are not a US citizen, dual US citizen or US Permanent Resident, it is your responsibility check your eligibility to work for a foreign government in the United States, and specifically to work in this role at this location, and provide proof of your eligibility via an Employment Authorisation Document or other relevant document when required. The UK Government does not routinely sponsor work visas; the job advertisement will state clearly whether sponsorship is available.
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.
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.). The jobholder would be able to take advantage of formal training and career development opportunities as appropriate.
The UK Government operating in the US offers a strong benefits package. This package includes medical, dental, vision, life, long term and short-term disability insurance, a 401(k) retirement savings plan (matching up to 7%), generous vacation and leave time, and an enriching training package.
Working patterns
This role is in-person and full-time at 40 hours per week, with a typical core hour range of 09:00-17:00. As this is a fast-paced, demanding front-office role, the job holder should expect to work beyond these core hours when necessary.
The deadline for applications is 23:55 (ET) on 10 March 2026.
Job Category
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Operations and Corporate Services)
Job Subcategory
Private Office
Required behaviours
Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Managing a Quality Service, Working Together
Application deadline
10 March 2026
Grade
Executive Officer (EO)
Type of Position
Full-time, 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
Annual salary
USD $68,490 per year
Start Date
27 April 2026