Manager, Programming, Global Event Solutions in London

The Manager, Global Events plays a critical role in designing and delivering high‑quality, insight‑driven educational programs within a defined portfolio of CFA Institute events. This role is accountable for crafting agendas that reflect global market developments, meet the learning needs of investment professionals, and uphold CFA Institute’s standards of objectivity, credibility, and audience value. As a senior individual contributor, the Manager leads through influence—shaping content strategy, stewarding speaker relationships, and guiding cross‑functional teams to deliver exceptional learning experiences. The manager is accountable for partnering with subject matter experts across internal departments and external networks, on agenda design, content framing, session flow, and speaker selection for assigned events, ensuring optimal alignment with GES portfolio strategy and enterprise goals.

Essential Functions

• Content Strategy, Research & Agenda Development: Lead the full lifecycle of content development for assigned events, from research and ideation to agenda release and on‑site execution. Translate market signals, practitioner needs, and CFA Institute priorities into thematic frameworks and learning outcomes. Build agendas grounded in rigorous research—combining data, qualitative insights, external intelligence, and internal priorities. Shape session formats that maximize learning effectiveness (fireside chats, debates, technical clinics, multi‑track structures). Produce content briefs, write session descriptions, and ensure editorial consistency. Exercise final decision rights over session structure, speaker selection, and content framing.
• Speaker & External Stakeholder Leadership: Identify, evaluate, recruit, and secure high‑caliber speakers. Build and maintain strong relationships with senior practitioners, regulators, and academics. Prepare and brief speakers thoroughly; ensure alignment with learning objectives. Provide editorial coaching where needed. Monitor and mitigate reputational and content‑related risks.
• Cross‑Functional Delivery & Event Execution: Serve as the programming lead for assigned events. Own the content timeline and deliverables. Partner with Marketing on content‑based audience acquisition. Collaborate with Sponsorship teams while protecting editorial independence. Support speaker logistics and on‑site content delivery. Troubleshoot real‑time content issues during live events.
• Performance, Risk & Continuous Improvement: Set and track event‑level performance metrics. Conduct qualitative and quantitative analysis of audience feedback. Apply continuous improvement practices across event cycles. Identify and manage content‑related risks. Share insights and best practices to improve portfolio‑wide programming.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in event or conference programming, content strategy and agenda development within financial services, professional education, or a related sector.
• Demonstrable understanding of investment industry themes and trends.
• Strong project management capability with the ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and follow‑through.
• Proven ability to exercise independent judgment in high‑visibility, high‑stakes environments, influence senior stakeholders and lead through influence without formal authority.
• Data‑informed decision making.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.

Physical Requirements

• Hybrid, on location for in‑person events. Energy to put in the hours of concentrated work necessary to achieve goals while maintaining a positive attitude.

Travel Requirements

• Some global travel may be required.

About CFA Institute

CFA Institute is the global leader in investment excellence and ethics. With nearly 200,000 charterholders across 160 markets, we drive professional growth, ethical behavior, and better markets. We care about our employees’ well‑being, offering industry‑leading benefits like:

• Comprehensive health coverage for you and your family
• Generous leave and time off
• Competitive retirement plans
• Flexible work options
• Wellness, education, and support programs

Important Message: Your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet the requirements as CFA Institute cannot make assumptions about your education, experience, or location. We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. CFA Institute prohibits both discrimination and harassment with regard to all identifying characteristics: any individual employee, group of employees, or prospective employee on the basis of race, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, religion, creed or belief, age, marital or partnership status, marital or family status, caregiver status, pregnancy and maternity, sexual and other reproductive health decisions, physical abilities/qualities, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, predisposing genetic characteristic, military or veteran status, status as a victim or witness of domestic violence or sex offense or stalking, unemployment status, infectious disease carrier status, migrant worker status, educational background, socio‑economic status, geographic location and culture or any other basis protected by applicable law. This policy impacts all aspects of employment, including but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, compensation, training, development, promotion, demotion, layoff, recall, furlough, transfer, leave of absence, and dismissal. This is a global policy that applies to all CFA Institute employees, regardless of location. If, due to a disability or current medical condition, you need an accommodation or assistance to complete a job application, you can request one at any stage of the recruitment process. Please send an email to noting the accommodations or assistance you are requesting. Please do not include any medical or health information in this email. We will review your request and contact you to discuss the possible options and arrangements. We will try our best to provide you with an accommodation or assistance that meets your needs and respects your preferences.