Atlanta - Marshall Scholarship Assistant - Part-Time, 8 Weeks
Main purpose of job:
The British Government’s Consulate in Atlanta has an exciting opportunity for a motivated person to join the Press & Public Affairs team as Marshall Scholarship Assistant. This opportunity is a rewarding role which supports and further develops the special relationship between the UK and the US, supporting work at the forefront of international diplomacy in order to make a real difference globally.
The US Network promotes a culture of flexibility which enables people to better maintain wellness through an excellent work/life balance approach that encompasses hybrid working, including working from home and flexible hours, where possible. In this role you would be working in a diverse international environment to support UK diplomats, armed forces personnel, and other country-based staff operating across the British Government’s network of Consulates and Government Offices in the United States. This network provides a platform for approximately 30 Government departments and agencies to conduct their work in the United States and is made up of over 900 staff with rich and diverse backgrounds, skill sets, and experiences.
This is a chance to directly contribute to the management of the Marshall Scholarship, which enables young Americans of high ability to study for a graduate degree in the UK. Up to fifty Scholars are selected each year to study at the graduate level at a UK institution in any field of study. This role will be the main point of contact for the Marshall Scholarship at the post and the ideal candidate will be highly motivated, able to think on their feet, and demonstrate an interest in promoting the UK-US relationship.
The ideal candidate will be a clear and effective communicator and have strong attention to detail.
Roles and responsibilities:
- Deal as the main contact point for enquiries about the Marshall Scholarships;
- Handle applications received for scholarships, which includes sorting, organizing and processing applications and then forwarding them to the Marshall Scholarship Selection Committee (this work can include chasing up documentation, verifying eligibility requirements, photocopying/scanning, faxing, mailing, shredding documentation, and sorting applicant lists in Excel);
- Liaise with members of the Selection Committee on administrative details, providing administrative support when required;
- Attend the first Committee meeting in October that draws up the list of candidates selected for an interview;
- Contact the selected interviewees, schedule interviews, and draw up and distribute the interview schedule;
- Advise interviewees on travel and accommodation policy and process expense claims for interviewees and Committee members;
- Attend the two days of the interviews in November - welcome interviewees, respond to inquiries, process expenses claims, medical documentation, etc.;
- Attend (if required) the Committee’s meeting to determine the selected winners and reserves;
- Prepare required documentation to announce the winners including letters of congratulation and notification;
- Draw up a media contact list for the winners and draft press releases;
- Ensure proper post-selection completion of the annual process (destroying application forms of unsuccessful candidates, updating procedures where necessary, updating and organizing hardcopy and computer files and Marshall databases for the following year).
- Any other duties as assigned.
Essential qualifications, skills, and experience
- Interest in UK-US Relationship
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel and Word
- Ability to work in a hybrid work environment
- Organised and detail-oriented
- Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines
- Excellent interpersonal skills with a professional and helpful manner
Desirable qualifications, skills, and experience
- Budget skills
- Able to adjust to rapidly changing environments