Summary of the Influencer Relations Executive (6-month fixed term contract) job at Financial Times

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.

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 support the delivery of qualitative research projects and the development of the FT Longitude Speakers Network.

The role will combine desk research, interview and participant sourcing, outreach and relationship building. You will identify relevant executives and subject matter experts against defined briefs, support approved communications and interview activity, and maintain accurate project and network records.

You will also help build a strong pipeline of experts for future research, speaking and engagement opportunities, while supporting the Research Operations team to deliver a growing portfolio of qualitative projects efficiently and consistently.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct desk research to identify suitable organisations, executives and subject matter experts for qualitative interviews.
• Create accurate and well-targeted candidate lists against agreed interview profiles.
• Research and verify job titles, company information, professional backgrounds and contact details.
• Use approved templates to conduct interview outreach and follow-up communications.
• Maintain accurate interview trackers, project documentation and supporting files.
• Support interview scheduling and related administration.
• Assist with quote approvals, live-link sharing and other interviewee follow-up.
• Build candidate pipelines for current and likely future qualitative research projects.
• Prepare concise editor interview briefs covering interviewees’ professional backgrounds and expertise, relevant company context and history, and suggested areas and approved questions for exploration.
• Prepare first drafts of selected communications and project materials for review.
• Create simple, on-brand still or animated social assets using approved templates and brand guidance.
• Identify executives, experts, PR contacts and other suitable prospects for the FT Longitude Speakers Network.
• Build and maintain accurate prospect and subscriber records.
• Support approved network recruitment and acquisition campaigns, including follow-up communications with prospective members.
• Coordinate internal referrals and introductions.
• Track network sign-ups, responses and conversion rates.
• Support network communications, reporting and administration.
• Help maintain a high-quality and relevant network across FT Longitude’s priority industries and business themes.
• Improve research, outreach and follow-up templates and checklists.
• Clean and update contact and network data.
• Support the creation of qualitative research sales and marketing materials.
• Document repeatable research, outreach and network-management processes.
• Prepare qualitative research updates for the wider FT Longitude team.
• Identify opportunities to improve the efficiency and quality of interview sourcing and network administration.
• Handle personal information securely and accurately, following GDPR requirements and internal compliance processes.

Required skills and experience

• Strong desk and online research skills, including previous experience of qualitative interview or participant sourcing.
• Ability to identify relevant companies, executives and subject matter experts against a defined brief.
• Ability to verify professional and contact information accurately.
• Clear and persuasive written communication skills.
• Ability to summarise research into concise and useful briefing notes.
• Strong spreadsheet, database and tracker-management skills.
• Confidence using social media and professional networking platforms for research and outreach.
• Understanding of B2B industries, business functions and senior job titles.
• Strong communication, collaboration, negotiation and stakeholder liaison skills.
• A proactive and independent approach, with the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong time management and the ability to manage multiple priorities to tight deadlines.
• Good judgement, including knowing when to advance questions or sensitive communications.
• Understanding of GDPR and internal compliance processes, with the ability to handle personal information securely and use approved systems, templates and communications.

Desirable

• Confidence using simple design tools to create template-based social assets.
• Experience building or maintaining pipelines of executives, subject matter experts or other professional contacts.
• Experience supporting network recruitment, relationship-building or engagement activity.

What’s in it for you? Our benefits

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.