Influencer Relations Executive (4-month fixed term contract)

About us The Financial Times is one of the world’s leading news organisations, globally recognised for its authority, integrity and accuracy, with a mission to deliver quality information and services worldwide. At the FT, curiosity thrives and ambitious thinking is rewarded. Here, you’re given the chance to reach millions, create work that matters and deliver impartial journalism in a polarised world. In our warm, collaborative culture, you’ll connect with a diverse community of experts who support your growth, career aspirations and wellbeing. Your future at the FT will be filled with opportunities that challenge and inspire you. With no fixed path, you’ll discover new skills and forge a career that can take you anywhere. Build a newsworthy career at the FT. FT Longitude is the Financial Times’ specialist thought leadership agency. We work with leading global organisations to produce evidence-led research and content on some of the biggest issues facing business, from AI and the future of work to sustainability, finance and geopolitics. Our qualitative research brings senior executives and subject matter experts directly into those campaigns. Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion We believe in the power of unique perspectives and want all voices in our organisation to be heard, respected and valued. A supportive workplace is one where employees feel they can be themselves and operate to their full potential. We are committed to removing barriers for everyone, with a focus on addressing those faced by underrepresented groups. The role FT Longitude is looking for an Influencer Relations Executive to join the team on a four-month fixed-term contract. This is an opportunity to work at the heart of our global thought leadership, identifying and engaging senior executives and leading experts to contribute to research and content for some of the world’s biggest brands. You’ll work across a constantly changing range of business topics and industries. One week you might be identifying CFOs to discuss the future of corporate finance; the next, finding sustainability leaders, technology executives or industry experts to contribute to thought leadership on AI, energy or the future of work. Alongside live projects, you’ll help develop the FT Speakers Network, building relationships with executives, experts and PR teams who may be interested in contributing to future research, content and engagement opportunities. The role offers exposure to senior business leaders, global organisations and a wide range of industries and business topics, while developing skills across research, relationship management, communications and thought leadership. You’ll work closely with colleagues across Research, Editorial, Project Management and the wider Financial Times. Qualitative research is a growing area for FT Longitude, and you’ll have the opportunity to contribute ideas and help shape how we identify, engage and build relationships with expert voices. This is a 4-month fixed term contract opportunity, working 2 days per week. Key Responsibilities Research and interview sourcing Research organisations, senior executives and subject matter experts against a wide range of interview briefs, building well-targeted candidate lists based on professional backgrounds, expertise, company context and relevant contact information. Manage follow-up communications and support interview scheduling. Build candidate pipelines for current and future qualitative research projects. Prepare concise briefing notes for FT editors, highlighting an interviewee’s background, expertise and the most relevant areas to explore. Support interviewees following interviews, including with quote approvals, publication links and other follow-up. Maintain accurate project records and ensure personal information is handled securely and in line with FT processes. Building relationships and our expert network Help grow the FT Speakers Network by identifying executives, experts, PR contacts and other potential members. Develop relationships with people who could contribute to future FT research, content, events and other opportunities. Maintain accurate prospect and subscriber records and track outreach, responses and conversion. Work with colleagues across FT Longitude and the wider FT to identify relevant contacts and opportunities. Improving how we work Help develop smarter and more efficient ways of identifying and engaging experts. Explore how AI, research tools and new approaches could improve interview sourcing and prospect research. Improve research, outreach and follow-up templates and processes. Build future candidate pipelines across priority industries and business topics. Support the development of materials that explain our qualitative research offering to clients and colleagues. Contribute ideas as we continue to grow our qualitative research capability across FT Longitude and the wider FT. Required Skills and Experience Strong desk and online research skills, with the ability to understand unfamiliar industries and topics quickly. Excellent written communication and interpersonal skills, with confidence approaching senior executives and PR teams. Strong organisation and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines. The ability to identify relevant organisations, executives and experts against a brief and build targeted contact lists. A proactive approach to problem-solving and finding different routes to the right people. Confidence using social media, professional networking platforms and databases or project trackers. An interest in using AI and digital tools to make research and outreach more efficient. Desirable Experience in an area such as research, PR and communications, executive search or recruitment, events, journalism or community management would be useful, but isn’t essential. What's in it for You? Our benefits vary by location but we are committed to providing best-in-class perks across all our offices. These include generous annual leave, medical cover, inclusive parental leave packages, subsidised gym memberships and opportunities to give back to the community. Full details of our benefits are available here. We currently operate a hybrid model which requires staff to work onsite 50% of the time, subject to role requirements & regular review. While flexible working requests will be considered, not all patterns are suitable for all roles. We believe this balanced approach supports flexibility and protects our culture, making collaboration and communication easier, building stronger relationships and team cohesion, and supporting peer learning. We reserve discretion on reasonable notice to change this approach either generally or for specific individuals or teams. Accessibility We are a disability confident employer and Valuable 500 signatory. Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments/personalisation as part of the application process or to enable you to attend an interview. If you would like to discuss your requirements or have any questions, email talent@ft.com and a member of our team will be happy to help. Further Information At the FT, we embrace innovation and the use of technology and appreciate that individuals may use AI tools as part of their job application process. Whilst we are happy for you to use AI to assist with your application, it is essential that all information provided is authentic and accurately represents your skills, experience, and qualifications. Candidates should be aware that the use of AI throughout the application process may be monitored to ensure a fair and transparent hiring process for all. Please beware of fraudulent job postings and offers claiming to be from the Financial Times. All legitimate opportunities will direct you to apply through the official Financial Times careers site, and the FT will never ask for financial information, payments, or referrals to third parties during the hiring process. If you have any concerns about the legitimacy of a job posting or suspect any scam activity, please contact talent@ft.com. Interested in the FT but don’t see the right role yet? Join our Talent Community to receive exclusive updates, featured jobs, and insights into working at the FT.