Programme Executive, Custom Events

The Economist; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension plan

Private health insurance

Work From Anywhere program

Generous leave

Job summary

The Economist seeks a programme executive to own speaker research, acquisition campaigns and moderator prep for its growing global events portfolio. This entry-level role requires close collaboration with programme editors and regional content leads as a springboard into an events career.

You will contribute to a fast-moving team, work across geographies and disciplines, and support on-site delivery while developing essential event-management skills.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Ability to communicate confidently and professionally with senior stakeholders.
• Outstanding administrative, organisational and project management capabilities.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities with tight deadlines.
• Ability to manage complex research projects autonomously.
• Clear understanding of The Economist and its brand positioning.

Responsibilities

• Speaker acquisition: own the speaking faculty for assigned events and onboard speakers.
• Speaker logistics and communication: manage speaker communications and travel needs for events.
• Administrative and reporting tasks: maintain speaker trackers and client decks.
• Event delivery support: prepare briefing packs and assist on-site during events.

Skills

English proficiency

Communication

Project management

Analytical skills

Research

Brand awareness

Work ethic

Job description

Who we are

Since 1843, The Economist Group has championed independence, excellence and openness, helping people understand and tackle the critical challenges shaping the world. Today, we are building on that legacy as a global media and information-services company powered by digital innovation, analytical rigour and evidence-based insight.

Across our three businesses - The Economist, Economist Enterprise and Economist Education - we deliver trusted analysis and insights to individuals and organisations in more than 170 countries. United by a shared purpose to drive progress, we empower decision‑makers to make sense of change and chart a course through an increasingly complex world.

As a colleague, you will be part of a culture that values ideas, encourages ownership and holds itself to high standards. We invest in people who are curious, thoughtful and adaptable, whether they are launching new products, reporting on global events or harnessing emerging technologies such as AI to improve how we work. Here, fresh thinking is taken seriously, ambition is matched by integrity, and great work is recognised. Working across disciplines, geographies and perspectives, we are united by a commitment to innovation, excellence and creating meaningful impact.

Want to discover more about life at The Economist Group? Follow @EconomistCareers on Instagram to discover the people, stories and opportunities that make TEG unique.

About the role

Do you have a puzzle solver mentality? We are seeking a candidate with enthusiasm, energy and an exacting eye for detail to join the custom events business as a programme executive. The successful candidate will own the speaker research, acquisition campaign and moderator prep for assigned events in our growing global portfolio.

This role is an entry-level position that’s integral to the successful execution of global event programmes. It requires close collaboration on fast-moving projects with programme editors and regional content leads and is a perfect first step for someone who is looking for an editorial bootcamp to use as a springboard into an events career.

Accountabilities

• Speaker acquisition: you’ll own the speaking faculty for your assigned events. You’ll research, invite and onboard speakers with the supervision and support of the programme lead. Our programmes pull together senior-level speakers from government, private sector and civil society.
• Speaker logistics and communication: manage all speaker communications and logistical requirements leading up to the events. This includes gathering necessary speaker information, scheduling preparation calls between speakers and moderators, managing speaker/moderator travel and protocol needs, and liaising effectively with marketing, operations, and editorial teams.
• Administrative and reporting tasks: you need a passion for spreadsheets and presentations! You’ll maintain accurate and up-to-date speaker trackers and regularly update client decks.
• Event delivery support: you’ll compile top notch briefing packs for speakers and moderators and arrange the pre-conference prep calls. Also be prepared to travel to event locations to assist with the on‑site delivery and smooth running of the team's events.

Essential experience, skills, and professional attributes

To succeed and excel in this role, you must demonstrate:

• Language proficiency: proficiency in both written and spoken English is essential.
• Communication: the ability to communicate confidently, clearly, and professionally with a wide range of senior internal and external stakeholders, including high-level business and government representatives.
• Project management: outstanding administrative, organisational, and project management capabilities.
• Analytical skills: strong problem‑solving and analytical capabilities, coupled with an ability to meticulously follow instructions and processes while working to demanding, tight deadlines.
• Research: the ability to manage complex research projects autonomously, alongside a keen interest in and knowledge of current affairs.
• Brand awareness: a clear understanding of The Economist and Economist Enterprise brand, and its positioning within the global marketplace.
• Work ethic: a positive, proactive ('can-do') mindset and proven ability to work collaboratively as an effective member of a close-knit, dynamic team.
• Education: there is no specific degree requirement for this position.

#LI-Hybrid

Working Arrangements

The majority of our roles operate on a hybrid working pattern, with 3+ days office attendance required.

AI usage for your application

We are an innovative organisation that encourages the use of technology. We recognise that candidates may utilise AI tools to support with their job application process. However, it is essential that all information you provide truthfully and accurately reflects your own experience, skills, and qualifications.

What we offer

• Our benefits package is designed to support your wellbeing, growth, and work-life balance.
• It includes a highly competitive pension or 401(k) plan, private health insurance, and 24/7 access to counselling and wellbeing resources through our Employee Assistance Program.
• We also offer a range of lifestyle benefits, including our Work From Anywhere program, which allows you to work from any location where you have the legal right to do so for up to 25 days per year.
• In addition, we provide generous annual and parental leave, as well as dedicated days off for volunteering and even for moving home.
• You will also be given free access to all The Economist content, including an online subscription, our range of apps, podcasts and more.