Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the programming of live events and shape engaging audience experiences.
- Company: Join The Observer, a leading media organisation with a focus on quality journalism.
- Benefits: 30 days holiday, private healthcare, hybrid working, and free snacks.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with opportunities for career growth in journalism and events.
- Why this job: Play a key role in creating impactful live events that resonate with audiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in programming events and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 ÂŁ per year.
Location & Workstyle: London newsroom, Hybrid – 1 day WFH.
About the Role: The Observer delivers a broad mix of live experiences across the year, including editorial newsroom events, forums, and a myriad of commercial events. We’re looking for an Events Programmer to lead the development of the content, conversations and audience experience across our live events portfolio. Working in close partnership with the Live Events Producer, this role will help shape the ideas behind our events and ensure they reflect the quality, curiosity and authority of Observer journalism.
What You’ll Do:
- Lead the programming of live events, from initial concept development, speaker briefing and management, through to post‑event review.
- Develop themes, topics and formats for editorial events, forums, commercial partnerships and reader experiences.
- Research, identify and secure high‑quality speakers, moderators and contributors for commercial and editorial events.
- Build strong relationships with Observer journalists and editors to translate newsroom priorities into live conversations.
- Work in close partnership with the Live Events Producer to ensure programming and production plans align.
- Shape event agendas, session flow and audience experience to ensure engaging and well‑paced events.
- Ensure events support Observer subscriptions growth and retention through compelling audience‑first programming.
- Act as a key contact for speakers and contributors, managing outreach, briefing and content preparation.
- Collaborate with commercial teams to develop content‑led partnership opportunities where appropriate.
- Work with marketing teams to ensure event messaging clearly communicates the value of the programme.
- Compile and circulate a forward‑planning digest of domestic and international events to inform editors and align newsroom priorities with the wider news agenda.
- Support on‑site delivery, including speaker management, editorial quality control and programme execution.
- Lead post‑event programming reviews, gathering feedback and identifying opportunities to strengthen future events.
- Contribute to the long‑term development of The Observer’s live events strategy and editorial voice in live experiences.
Who We’re Looking For:
Someone who understands what makes a great live conversation and is excited about bringing Observer journalism to life through events, comfortable working with senior editorial stakeholders, external contributors and commercial teams, and confident in shaping content that works for both audiences and partners.
You’ll Likely Bring:
- Experience programming conferences, talks, media events or thought‑leadership forums.
- Strong editorial judgement and the ability to identify compelling topics and speakers.
- Experience securing speakers or managing contributors.
- Confidence in managing multiple projects in a fast‑moving environment.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
- A collaborative approach and the ability to work closely with production and commercial colleagues.
- A strong interest in journalism, current affairs, arts, culture or ideas.
- A practical, solutions‑focused mindset.
Ideal Experience:
- Experience programming content‑led events in media, publishing, cultural or commercial environments.
- Experience working closely with editorial teams or journalists.
- Experience developing event formats and audience experiences.
- Understanding of how live events can support audience growth and reader revenue.
- Experience working on both editorial and commercially supported events.
- Strong professional networks across media, culture, politics, business or the creative industries.
Why Join Us:
This is an opportunity to play a central role in shaping The Observer’s live events as we build a distinctive programme of editorial and commercial experiences. Working closely with the Live Events Producer, you’ll help define the conversations we bring to live audiences and play a key role in building a live events portfolio that supports Observer journalism and future growth. You’ll be part of a collaborative, supportive team and will have the chance to shape meaningful live experiences while developing your career at the intersection of journalism and events.
Salary & Benefits:
- 30 days holiday + bank holidays.
- Private healthcare.
- Group income protection & life assurance.
- Pension.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Interest‑free season ticket loan.
- Free snacks and drinks in the newsroom.
- Hybrid working (London newsroom + 1 day remote flexibility).
Live Events Programmer employer: The Observer UK
Contact Detail:
The Observer UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Live Events Programmer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, meet-ups, and conferences related to live events programming. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream job with us.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for live events! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your ideas on what makes a great live conversation. Let them see your enthusiasm for bringing Observer journalism to life.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t be shy about following up! After meeting someone or having an interview, drop them a quick message to thank them for their time and reiterate your interest in the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and contributing to our live events portfolio.
We think you need these skills to ace Live Events Programmer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Live Events: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for live events shine through! Share any experiences you've had in programming or attending events that sparked your interest in this field. We want to see how excited you are about bringing Observer journalism to life!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your experience with editorial events and your ability to manage multiple projects. This shows us that you understand what we're looking for and that you're a great fit for the role.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and how they align with the role of Events Programmer.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our team and what we do at The Observer.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Observer UK
✨Know Your Events Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into The Observer's past live events. Familiarise yourself with their themes, formats, and any notable speakers. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you discuss how you can contribute to future events.
✨Showcase Your Programming Skills
Be ready to share specific examples of events you've programmed in the past. Highlight your experience in developing content, managing speakers, and ensuring engaging audience experiences. This will demonstrate your capability to lead the programming for The Observer's live events.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with journalists, editors, and commercial teams, be prepared to discuss how you've successfully collaborated in previous roles. Share stories that illustrate your strong communication skills and ability to build relationships across different teams.
✨Bring Ideas to the Table
Think about innovative event concepts or themes that could align with The Observer's mission. Presenting fresh ideas during your interview will show your enthusiasm and strategic thinking, making you stand out as a candidate who can contribute to the long-term development of their live events strategy.