Programme Editor

Who we are

We are an organisation that exists to drive progress. That's the “red thread” that connects everyone at The Economist Group (TEG). Our businesses share a devotion to innovation, independence and rigour in their fields of expertise. We empower people to understand and tackle the critical challenges and changes facing the world. Our analytical rigour, global expertise and evidence-based insights enable individuals and organisations to make sense of these shifts and chart a course through them.

We deliver analysis and insights in many formats to subscribers and clients in 170 countries through our four businesses, The Economist, Economist Impact, Economist Intelligence and Economist Education, which uphold our global reputation for excellence and integrity. 

The Economist Events—the award-winning events and conferences division of The Economist Group, Asia Pacific—seeks a Programme Editor to develop our exciting event franchise across this vibrant region. With overall responsibility for the format and content of a series of events across the region, and drawing on the editorial resources of The Economist, we look to provide world-class speaker lists and audience-led events; this role is responsible for delivering on that promise.

Constantly seeking new ways of informing and entertaining, working with sponsors and editorial and marketing, the role suits someone with vision, editorial skills, and strong project management discipline. The role is key to development of our events both as stand-alone occasions and as part of integrated programmes alongside Thought Leadership, Advertising, and other promotional activities. We are ambitious for our events business and seek someone to deliver on our vision.

In the role you would be expected to:

• Lead programme development for assigned events, conferences and integrated projects.
• Work with the Head of Programming to contribute ideas and themes for the Events calendar.
• Work with Editorial to ensure that programme themes and topics are researched and developed to meet the high-quality standards of The Economist brand. Conduct market research and due diligence to be aware of competition or timing issues that may affect the event success.
• Establish and develop high-level contacts and relationships with governments and influential industry bodies and players in key markets in the region and around the world.
• Recruit senior-level speaker faculties from both government and private sector as appropriate for the events and manage speaker confirmation process.
• Contribute original content to Marketing campaigns, including foundation copy, social media posts, blog posts and PR contribution. Coordinate programme timing to coincide with Marketing deadlines.
• Work with Operations to manage speaker co-ordination and logistical arrangements.
• Support Sponsorship sales on scheduled events and new opportunities by joining calls and/or meetings to help communicate the programme and review content and speakers. Manage sponsor relationships on events and projects throughout the year.
• Liaise with Thought Leadership and Advertising teams to help build and run integrated projects.
• Work closely with all stakeholders to improve the contribution and margin of conference events.
• Act as mentor to Programme executive and assistant to provide ideas, guidance and support as needed.
• Spearhead Events team initiatives as appropriate.

To succeed in the role you would have:

• High-level programme development and conference management experience, ideally of working in cross-functional teams
• Government relations or ability to work at senior level with industry leaders
• Editorial experience or education
• Experience of conferences in Asia-Pacific
• Demonstrable track record of developing events and programmes to deadline and delivery to budget and quality standards
• A good understanding of The Economist and Economist Events brand and its position in the marketplace
• Fluent spoken and written English to communicate effectively with clients and stakeholders, with the ability to speak a major Asian language an advantage

You will be able to demonstrate:

• Excellent project management skills
• Strong commercial acumen
• Cool headed resourcefulness under pressure
• Ability to be a team player

#LI-Hybrid

What we offer

Benefits
We offer excellent benefits including an incentive programme, generous annual and parental leave policies, volunteering days and well-being support throughout the year, as well as free access to all Economist content. Country specific benefits are also offered.

Our Values
Our values are a collective set of beliefs and behaviours that strengthen The Economist Group's purpose and demonstrate where we want to be as an organisation. They reflect on our mission to pursue progress for individuals, organisations and the world.

Independence
We are not bound to any party or interest and encourage exploration and free-thinking. We champion freedom, both within our organisation and around the world.

Integrity
We are bold in our efforts to uncover the truth and stand up for what we believe in. We inspire trust through our rigour, fact-checking and transparency.

Excellence
We aspire to the highest standards in all we do. We are ambitious and inquisitive in our pursuit of continuous progress and innovation.

Inclusivity
We value diversity in thought and background and encourage healthy debate with a breadth of perspectives. We treat our colleagues and customers fairly and respectfully.

Openness
We foster a collaborative and empathetic culture conducive to the interests, wit and initiative of our colleagues. New ideas are our lifeblood.

The Economist Group values diversity. We are committed to equal opportunities and creating an inclusive environment for all our colleagues and potential colleagues regardless of ethnic origin, national origin, gender, gender identity, race, colour, religious beliefs, disability, sexual orientation, age, marital status or any other status.