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- Tasks: Lead the programming of live events and shape engaging audience experiences.
- Company: The Observer, a leading media organisation with a focus on quality journalism.
- Benefits: 30 days holiday, hybrid work model, and opportunities for career development.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with a focus on innovation and growth.
- Why this job: Play a key role in shaping impactful live events that resonate with audiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in programming events and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 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.
- Experience programming conferences or editorial events, working in media or content roles, or producing content‑led experiences and looking to take on more strategic responsibility.
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 +
Live Events Programmer in London 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 in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks who inspire you. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for live events! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your ideas and enthusiasm for creating engaging experiences. Let them see how your vision aligns with their goals, especially if you're eyeing a role like Events Programmer.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s past events. Know what worked well and what could be improved. This shows you’re not just interested in the role but also invested in their success. Plus, it gives you great talking points during the interview!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly. Let’s make your dream job happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Live Events Programmer in London
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 specific examples of events you've programmed or attended that inspired you, and explain why they resonated with you. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about bringing conversations to life.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the job description. Highlight your experience in programming events and working with editorial teams. We want to see how your skills align with our vision for The Observer's live events, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant experience!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where appropriate to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences, especially in a fast-paced environment like ours.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us that you’re proactive and keen to join our team 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 audience engagement strategies. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you discuss how you can contribute to their future events.
✨Showcase Your Speaker Management Skills
Be ready to share specific examples of how you've secured high-quality speakers or contributors in the past. Discuss your approach to building relationships and managing outreach, as this is crucial for the role. Highlight any successful events you've programmed that involved notable speakers.
✨Demonstrate Your Editorial Judgement
Prepare to discuss what makes a compelling topic or speaker for live events. Think about current trends in journalism and culture that could resonate with audiences. This will showcase your understanding of the industry and your ability to shape engaging content.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Communication
Since the role involves working closely with various teams, be prepared to talk about your collaborative experiences. Share examples of how you've worked with editorial teams or commercial partners to create successful events, highlighting your strong communication skills.