External Relations & Membership Lead, The Observer

What’s the job?

We are seeking an enthusiastic External Relations & Membership Lead to own and oversee our business membership communications and events, ensuring an outstanding experience for our business members. As a key ambassador of our brand, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping member engagement, fostering relationships, and ensuring positive interactions with our events.

The Observer runs a series of roundtables, dinners and forums for senior leaders from global businesses, government and civil society. They cover a wide range of topics considering how individuals and organisations can act responsibly to ensure the best outcomes for people, planet and profitability. Annually we convene over 500 leaders for these conversations spanning investment, energy, AI, sustainability and biodiversity, education, health, security and geopolitics.

Where do I work?

The Observer newsroom, London (22 Berners Street) plus some flexibility to work remotely 1 day per week. This role requires flexibility, as event schedules include evenings and early mornings. While standard office hours apply for planning and administrative work, you’ll need to be available during key event times.

What are we for?

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.

Why join us?

• Opportunity to work on an exciting and growing event series
• Supportive and creative team environment
• Opportunities for professional development and growth
• Flexible working arrangements to accommodate event demands

What are my responsibilities & accountabilities?

• Oversee our Observer business events and communications - held fortnightly and ad-hoc for our partners - ensuring that they run smoothly, executing consistent associated communications
• Assist in the coordination and execution of our weekly newsroom event. This includes managing guest lists and registration system, support onsite event logistics, including setup, signage and check-in
• Manage our business members - a growing network of c. 500 individuals - ensuring that they are fully onboarded, and well stewarded throughout the year, driving weekly engagement with our event series
• Oversee all of our business members communications - including the delivery of a fortnightly printed programmes and digital members newsletter, planning and executing associated LinkedIn activity, and ensuring the website is kept up to date with relevant information
• Support renewal and acquisition of new members, working with the Partnerships Manager and Director to spot new business opportunities
• Support in the development of our annual schedule of events, working with the Head of Programming to ensure a diverse range of topics are covered, and speakers convened
• Support in the delivery of our wider events, working with the Head of Events to ensure that guests are well stewarded, and all communications are consistent

Qualification and skills

• Experience of managing events, membership and communications - ideally a mix of all three - with two to three years of experience
• Excellent people skills, with a passion for a people-facing role, with significant responsibility for relationship management. Experience managing relationships with C-suite executives is a plus.
• Excellent project management with experience of delivering complex events, and weekly communications
• Exceptional communication skills and writing skills, with an eye for detail and high standards in written communications
• Good technical skills in using and managing Google Suite (Docs, Slides, Sheets, Forms), CRMs, communications software and social media
• Problem solver who thrives in finding creative solutions to improve member experiences.
• Positive and enthusiastic team player—open to ideas, proactive, and driven by a can-do attitude
• Self-starter, confident in working independently and rolling your sleeves up, while also collaborating with others.
• Demonstrated interest in current affairs and staying up to date with the news

Salary and Benefits

• Competitive salary & bonus scheme
• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Private Healthcare
• Group Income Protection
• Group Life Assurance
• Pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Interest-free season ticket loans
• Free snacks and drinks in the newsroom

Working with us

We are a progressive business with a diverse, motivated team; a mix of veterans and young people starting out on their careers. We are committed to equal opportunities and creating an inclusive environment for all our employees, and we welcome applicants regardless of ethnic origin, national origin, gender, race, colour, religious beliefs, disability, sexual orientation or age.

This role offers the chance to shape member services in a leading newsroom, ensuring our members feel valued and connected to the journalism they love. If you're passionate about building meaningful member relationships, we’d love to hear from you!

To apply please send a letter and a PDF of your CV to jobs@observer.co.uk. You should include the name of the job that you are applying for in the email subject. Deadline to apply: 15 August