Head of Events, Works in Progress

What you’ll do

You will build and run a commercial Works in Progress events program, focusing on the US. You will design events that people want to attend and that you can sell and grow sponsorship for. You will identify sponsors and partners, approach and pitch to them, and be responsible for meeting pre-agreed revenue and audience targets.

We currently offer infrequent events as one of the perks of being a subscriber to the magazine. Our existing community events program includes subscriber events in cities all over the world, particularly San Francisco; New York; Washington, DC; London; Dublin; and Brussels.

You will assess where there are opportunities to raise revenue from our existing pipeline of events or by repeating existing formats, identify which events should be retired, and design new formats of events with commercial potential.

You will have the freedom to design your own events program, which may include a flagship annual summit, salons, themed dinners and lectures. Our events should appeal to ambitious people who are curious about the world. The Works in Progress editorial and operations teams will support you on programming: you will recommend speakers and formats, and we will sign them off. You do not need to arrive already knowing our taste — we will give you clear guidelines to work with. What matters most is commercial drive, energy and excellent production.

You'll have the budget to add two more people to your team, plus contractors and agencies where needed.

Responsibilities

• Design a model for US events, including sponsorship, ticketing, partnerships and invites
• Set events strategy and build an events calendar
• Own the events P&L and set and hit revenue targets
• Sell and manage sponsorships, and build relationships with sponsors across energy, housing, science, culture, economics and other core Works in Progress topics
• Lead events end to end from concept to on-site delivery
• Work with the editorial and operations teams to identify the right ideas and people for live events, and build guest lists with genuine influence
• Manage budgets, vendors, venues, production partners and timelines

Who you are

We're looking for someone who meets the minimum requirements to be considered for the role. If you meet these requirements, you are encouraged to apply. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement.

Minimum requirements

• Experience launching or substantially expanding a commercial events program, including developing its commercial model, operating plan, and performance measures
• A proven record selling and closing event sponsorship and hitting revenue targets
• Based in, or able to be based in, New York or San Francisco, with regular travel

Preferred qualifications

• Events experience at a media company
• Experience building commercially successful events for a high-value audience, not just a large one
• Existing relationships with sponsors and brands, and with the kind of people we want on our guest lists
• Be an existing fan of Works in Progress