We build sleek, state-of-the-art products accessible from devices and platforms. We thrive on creativity and the thrill of bringing big ideas to market faster and better than our competitors. Comprised of designers, art directors and front end developers, the team closely collaborates with editorial, technology, sales and customers to carry out our ambitious road map of innovation.
Job Description:
VP, Programming & Experience (Custom & Brand) - Live Journalism & Events
Who we are and what we do
Each year, Dow Jones produces over 250 events globally across all of its brands, the majority of which are for The Wall Street Journal with other brands becoming more interested in live events since the pivot to virtual. This multi-million dollar business connects our members with the newsmakers and big ideas that they read about in our publications. From technology conferences and global gatherings of CEOs, to private dinners and annual tentpole events, like the Future of Everything Festival, we convene the world’s top leaders and innovators to share ideas and to network. This business is primed for the next stage and we have big ambitions for growth.
Pre-pandemic we were seeing an increase in the volume of custom moments on news events and in custom standalone events. Since Covid, this trend has only increased to the point that custom events are one of Live Journalism’s fastest growing areas of business. Formerly disparate, we are pulling together the teams that work on the post sale deliverables - client account management, custom programming, sponsorship activation and experiential production for custom events. We are seeking a leader who can articulate and facilitate this growth opportunity through support, training, storytelling and account management. This role will lead the Commercial Events Team, which connects and manages our Dow Jones, The Wall Street Journal, WSJ Barron's Group and other sponsorship partners and ensures their successful and seamless integration at Dow Jones and WSJ events and experiences. This team will act as the connective tissue between our Specialist Sales, Programming, Event & Experiences, Audience Development teams and The Trust to ensure we bring to life the vision of our partners.
Key Responsibilities
Team Management
Establish your team as:
the voice/representative of sponsors and clients at RAGs and internal meetings
the liaison and point of contact between event sponsors, their agencies, and internal Dow Jones production teams and vendors
the connective tissue between events, sponsorship sales and The Trust.
Collaborate with pre and post sales teams to provide a structure from which to successfully scale the number and quality of custom events
Identify R&R, processes and work flows to improve efficiency and effectiveness of collaboration between the sales org, The Trust, Events, Audience and Custom teams.
Manage proposal from initial concept, ideation and pitch through to execution and recap of all deliverables
Scope, develop and program non-news, non-custom Dow Jones events
Custom Experiential
Identify a basic framework through which all creative and experiential storytelling and proposals should be viewed/briefed for our sponsors
Proactively research creative ways to bring brands to life within virtual and in person events and experiences
Ensure we are:
seeking commercial experiential partnerships to ensure we are always providing best in class partnerships and solutions
Regularly completing competitive tracking and analysis
Identifying and leveraging virtual and venue commercial real estate for sponsors
Partner closely with the wider Events & Experiences team to understand the creative and experiential direction of our owned event experiences to ensure we can present integrated solutions to the clients and client partners that make sense.
Empower Director, Custom Events & Experiences to work with account directors, creative strategists, and other members of the sales organization to develop concepts and proposals that meet client objectives and position Dow Jones to win business with out-of-the-box, on trend, and exciting experiential concepts and activations
In conjunction with Client Partners and teams, when required, participate directly with clients on calls and in meetings to ensure event concepts and proposals are delivered, production is on track, and clients' expectations and goals are met
Manage event production elements including P&L development and budget tracking, production schedules and timelines, venue and/or platform management, on-site/virtual branding elements, food and beverage, talent booking/prep, guest engagement and sponsor activations
Work closely with marketing and branding leads, insights and data teams on strategy and timeline to create targeted guest list and ensure strong attendance
Work closely with brand/marketing on the production of event-related creative elements (event RSVP page, invitations, ads, email blasts/newsletters, social media creative) and manage all event-related creative deliverables
Client Success
Provide our partners with a seamless experience by developing relevant activations that integrate with our event objectives, meet the client’s needs, and engage guests
Relate activations back to the brand
Improve relationship building and act as connective tissue to activations, programming and client briefs
Work collaboratively with the marketing team, improving custom marketing collateral to rebrand overall assets and promotion.
Continuously bring a curious and solution driven approach, championing our brands and our clients brands in equal measure
Serve as the liaison and single point of contact between event sponsors, their agencies, and all Dow Jones production teams and vendors
Custom Programming
Work with sponsors on programming for custom events
Be the liaison between news and commercial teams when necessary
Deliver through on client thought leadership opportunities
Elevate custom moments to be on par with editorial custom moments in terms of quality and relevance
Keep internal stakeholders (editorial, marketing, membership, sponsorship, press) updated on all information that is relevant to them in a timely manner
Qualifications/Requirements
10+ years conference programming experience with B2B or B2C brands, with a proven track record of success
Must be passionate about content, live events and conferences
Possess a fast, efficient and quality-focused work ethic. Demonstrated ability to respond to deadlines with urgency and effectively manage competing priorities within the live events and conferences programming world
Attention to detail and ability to multitask and creatively problem solve within short time frames
Experience in successfully leading and mentoring teams
Excellent relationship management for internal stakeholders, members and clients
Experience managing multiple events and sponsorship partners of varying scale and scope simultaneously
A strong communicator, both written and verbal
Extensive and ongoing knowledge of the competitive landscape
Ability to multitask and creatively problem solve under deadline and in live event environment
Demonstrate a high level of professionalism while working with key stakeholders and potential speakers
Dow Jones , Making Careers Newsworthy
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status. EEO/AA/M/F/Disabled/Vets .
Dow Jones is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities, in our job application and/or interview process. If you need assistance or accommodation in completing your application, due to a disability, please reach out to us at TalentResourceTeam@dowjones.com. Please put “Reasonable Accommodation" in the subject line.
Business Area: WSJ MEMBERSHIP GROUP
Job Category: Marketing Group
About Us
Since 1882, Dow Jones has been finding new ways to bring information to the world’s top business entities. Beginning as a niche news agency in an obscure Wall Street basement, Dow Jones has grown to be a worldwide news and information powerhouse, with prestigious brands including The Wall Street Journal, Dow Jones Newswires, Factiva, Barron’s, MarketWatch and Financial News.
This longevity and success is due to a relentless pursuit of accuracy, depth and innovation, enhanced by the wisdom of past experience and a solid grasp on the future ahead. More than its individual brands, Dow Jones is a modern gateway to intelligence, with innovative technology, advanced data feeds, integrated solutions, expert research, award-winning journalism and customizable apps and delivery systems to bring the information that matters most to customers, when and where they need it, every day.
If you are a current employee at Dow Jones, do not apply here. Please go to the Career section on your Workday homepage and view "Find Jobs - Dow Jones." Thank you.
Req ID: 23210
