Background  

The objective of the British-American Community Relations Organisation (BACR-Org) is to maximize the mutual understanding between US military and civilian personnel, including family members, and the British communities in which they live and work.  The objective is advanced by the promotion of contacts between the two communities and the elimination of actual, and potential causes of friction or misunderstanding.  The BACR-Org enables the USVF to deliver effective operational outputs in a permissive and supportive environment across the entire spectrum of local, regional and national engagement activities, engendering strong and harmonious relationships to encourage collaborative partnerships 

Community Relations Advisers (CRAs) are civilians of officer status employed by the MOD.  The independence of the organisation ensures it is best placed to serve both the UK and USVF communities without bias.  CRAs work directly as an adviser to the US Commander and are line managed by the Chief Community Relations Adviser (CCRA).  They are ultimately responsible to the USVF Support Group Commander, a Royal Air Force Group Captain. 

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

The Community Relations Adviser is expected to: 

• Act as the Community Relations Adviser (CRA) to the 501st Combat Support Wing, giving direct advice to the Commander and their staff on living and working in the UK 
• A detailed knowledge of the local area is required to promote contact between the USVF and the UK communities and in turn you will help to, eliminate actual/or potential causes of friction or misunderstanding and enhance public trust and support for the USVF 
•  The job holder will be required to formulate an engagement strategy to: 
• Set out engagement objectives, identify key stakeholders/influencers and develop an engagement activities database 
• Provide guidance on the fulfilment of public engagements within the British community, ensuring the US Commander has the opportunity to meet appropriate British officials 
• Facilitate bespoke base visits for key influencers, e.g; Lord Lieutenant, High Sheriff, Council Executive Officers 
• Provide the USVF with an understanding of the UK community by providing: 
• Local knowledge of key individuals and their roles and responsibilities, plus details of statutory and non- statutory organisations 
• Social context; diversity, cultural issues, religion and social integration 
• Political background, to include: historical, local, regional and national and have an appreciation of the effect of the international political climate at local level 
• Economics; local issues, small and large businesses, town versus rural, immigration 
• National and regional news/current affairs awareness 
• Provide subject matter expertise on UK protocol and etiquette 
• Write content for social media channels when appropriate 
• Act as Executive Secretary to the British-American Committee  
• Adhere to USVF/MOD rules and regulations 
• Work with the protocol team to provide UK guests list for events/functions to complement the US hosts 
• Work with the Public Affairs Team in support of their programmes, e.g. Honorary Commanders Program 
• Work with Security Forces on all aspects of base access for official British guests 
• Provide on an ad hoc basis temporary cover for CRA posts at other geographical locations

Were looking for an experienced communicator, who is/ has:  

• With a positive can-do attitude, 
• A high standard of written and verbal communication skills with the ability to tailor content to a range of different audiences
• Effective interpersonal and team working skills and the ability to work with colleagues at all levels, including senior internal and external stakeholders
• Capable of working independently, with limited supervision
• Resilience, with the capacity to work at pace and under pressure, often completing tasks within short time frames
• Flexible, organised and adept at managing competing priorities. 

A full UK driving licence is desirable due to regular travel to various locations on base and in the local community, many of which are not easily accessible via public transport. 

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Managing a Quality Service
• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together
• Changing and Improving

• 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%

The role attracts an All Hours Worked Allowance. This covers the need for the incumbent to be flexible with their working hours due to a requirement to work evenings, weekends or Bank Holidays on occasion, with the incumbent working an average 51 hour week (gross)

Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and home-based working. This is a non-contractual arrangement where all office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to capacity and any required workplace adjustments. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD office, will also count towards this level of attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details). Defence Business Services cannot respond to any questions about working arrangements.

The post does not offer relocation expenses.

External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.

Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.

Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.

Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.

MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey we may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.

Job contact :

• Name : Amanda Hinchliffe
• Email : [email protected]
• Telephone : 07922097049

Recruitment team

• Email : [email protected]