Live Events Programmer

The Observer, London

Hybrid - 1 day a WFH

Who are we?
The Observer’s promise is in the name. The Observer bears witness; the best of journalism being curious minds at work. It loves the arts and ideas, both for their own sake and because they can change lives. It’s proudly progressive, but has no party allegiance. It’s open to different arguments and its editorial independence is non-negotiable. We are building a new Observer across print, audio and digital. We’re here to build journalism that lasts.

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.

This is a hands-on programming role for someone who can take ideas from concept through to a compelling live agenda — developing themes, securing speakers, shaping formats and ensuring every event delivers strong editorial value and audience engagement.

You’ll be responsible for ensuring our events are distinctive, relevant and aligned with Observer priorities, while helping drive subscriptions growth, reader engagement and commercial success.

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

• We’re looking for someone who understands what makes a great live conversation and is excited about bringing Observer journalism to life through events. You’ll be comfortable working with senior editorial stakeholders, external contributors and commercial teams, and confident in shaping content that works for both audiences and partners.

• You may already be 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 + 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)

Our Process

We aim to run our interview process at pace and with clarity at every stage, recognising how challenging it can be to balance alongside other commitments or interviews. The number of stages will vary depending on the nature and level of the role, but we see this as a two-way process and hope you’ll enjoy the opportunity to meet a range of potential future colleagues.