Diplomatic Social Secretary & Residence Leader

British Embassy Washington; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 101,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site accommodation

Flexible work culture

401(k) programme

Job summary

The British Embassy Washington is seeking a Social Secretary and Residence Director who will lead the Ambassador's representational programme and oversee the Residence operations. This role blends strategic diplomacy with hands-on management of events, visits and hospitality at a premier diplomatic venue.

Working with senior leadership, you will shape engagements, manage budgets and teams, and ensure the Residence reflects UK excellence while delivering value for money and high standards of

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading high‑profile stakeholder engagement or hospitality operations.
• Proven ability to build, maintain and use senior networks to support diplomatic objectives.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with experience setting direction and developing staff.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to high standards of service, presentation and guest experience.
• Excellent judgement, discretion and diplomacy with VIP guests and external stakeholders.
• Exceptional organisational skills and the ability to prioritise competing demands in a fast‑paced environment.
• Experience managing budgets, procurement or operational resources, with value-for-money focus.

Responsibilities

• Advise the Ambassador and senior leadership on representational priorities and stakeholder management.
• Develop and deliver an annual programme of Residence activity, hospitality and engagement aligned to Mission objectives.
• Lead planning, coordination and delivery of the Ambassador's official social engagements.
• Oversee Residence calendar, budgets, inventories and procurement activity.
• Provide leadership for Residence operations, events, visits and social secretary functions.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Hospitality operations

Budget management

Procurement

VIP guest handling

Microsoft Office

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

The British Embassy Washington is seeking a Social Secretary and Residence Director who will lead the Ambassador's representational programme and oversee the Residence operations. This role blends strategic diplomacy with hands-on management of events, visits and hospitality at a premier diplomatic venue.

Working with senior leadership, you will shape engagements, manage budgets and teams, and ensure the Residence reflects UK excellence while delivering value for money and high standards of