About Us

The Financial Times is one of the world’s leading business news organisations, recognised internationally for its authority, integrity and accuracy. The FT has a record paying readership of over one million, three-quarters of which are digital subscriptions. It is part of Nikkei Inc., which provides a broad range of information, news and services for the global business community.

We have offices in more than 35 cities, including London, New York, Hong Kong, Beijing, Manila, Sofia, San Francisco and Tokyo. Across the FT, our people are united by a mission to deliver world-class information, news and services to our global audiences. We're a digital-first organisation made up of journalists, technologists, product managers, event planners, strategists, commercial and finance experts, marketing and communications specialists - and much more. Our strength is in our employees. Learn more about the FT, at aboutus.ft.com.

What’s in it for you? Our Benefits

Our benefits vary depending on location, but we are committed to providing best in class perks across all our offices as well as an inclusive environment to develop your career. Examples of our benefits include; generous annual leave allowances, flexible working, medical cover, enhanced maternity & paternity packages, subsidised gym memberships and Giving Back opportunities. Full details of our benefits can be found here.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace

At the FT, we aim for employees across all regions to have a voice so that diverse perspectives are heard and valued. We believe that a supportive workplace is one where employees feel they can be themselves at work and have the flexibility they need to meet their personal needs. We'll continue to remove barriers for all, and in particular barriers facing employees from underrepresented groups. Please let us know if you require any adjustments 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, please contact a member of our HR team who will be happy to help. 

The Role / Position Overview

The Senior Brand and Partnerships Manager - part of the global FT brand and partnerships team - is responsible for driving brand and partnership growth in the US, our key growth market. Working with the global team on brand campaigns and partnership activations, the role will provide a US lens to all activity to enhance FT’s US brand awareness and engagement.

The role will report into the Head of Global Media Strategy and Brand Partnerships and will work closely with the global communications and commercial marketing teams, as well as with the FT’s editorial and commercial staff. Operating at the very heart of the business, the brand and partnerships team offers a fast-paced and dynamic environment with a positive, creative, and ambitious culture. The role suits a candidate who is confident, driven, strategically minded, and has a real passion for news and digital media.

Although based in New York, the candidate should have a global mindset and will be required to help plan and execute global activations. There may be occasional weekend, early morning, or evening work, and some travel required.

Expectations of the role:

Elevate the FT brand externally and internally to drive US Brand growth:

• Increase brand equity and salience of the FT among core, growth and internal audiences through campaigns, messaging, talent, experiences and correct use of brand 

• Ensure FT brand messaging and campaigns are effectively tailored for a US audience

• Conceptualise and execute high-profile brand events and activations that connect the FT and Nikkei communities, showcasing FT as a premium brand through creative and digitally-savvy initiatives, ensuring creative excellence from conception to execution

• Build strong relationships with key stakeholders including internal teams, external agencies, partners and clients

• Undertake research projects into new technologies, competitor and industry reporting and analysis that may inform brand activity

• Manage comprehensive event planning from conception to execution

Reach and engage target audiences in the US through premium partnerships:

• Identify and develop partnerships, multidisciplinary initiatives and programmes that will impact brand and audience growth in key markets

• Design and drive premium brand values and creative excellence across all partnerships and initiatives, working with internal and external agencies for creative execution

• Manage all US partnerships from negotiation and planning through execution and completion

• Drive global partnerships in assigned target vertical, e.g. Tech, FT Weekend

• Negotiate partnership terms with partner and draft contract, seeking relevant approvals from legal and finance teams

• Vet incoming requests, both externally and internally, with relevant stakeholders to avoid conflicts and maximise opportunities

• Execute FT services (i.e.. media planning, ad placements) and client services including branding, marketing, activation, speakers (etc) 

Stakeholder Management

• Manage one direct report, supervising their work, development, performance, and career goals.

• Manage expectations, anticipate needs and possible outcomes and prepare accordingly.

• Build and maintain effective internal and external relationships; ensure alignment with other event-producing teams internally; collaborate with revenue-generating teams to drive reader and client engagement; help enforce partnership and event guidelines 

Required Skills / Experience

• Extensive professional experience in brand, marketing, comms, media, journalism or related fields

• Genuine interest in current events, media and journalism

• A highly motivated self-starter and quick learner who takes initiative and demonstrates accountability for their work

• Excellent organisational skills with an eye for detail, efficiency and accuracy

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills

• Computer literacy: Google Apps, MS Office Suite (PowerPoint, Excel, Word)

• Natural ability to learn and develop new digital communications skills

• Demonstrable experience working with senior stakeholders

• Prior management experience

• Experience negotiating with partners and suppliers

Personal attributes:

• A proactive, enthusiastic approach with a passion for brand, and how that relates to events and face-to-face interactions

• Globally-minded with an interest in media, business news and current affairs

• High emotional intelligence, confidence and professionalism working with people of all levels internally and externally

• Good time management skills and the ability to balance multiple projects and tight deadlines

• Highly motivated self-starter

• Ability to quickly establish confidence among editorial and commercial staff

• A creative, flexible, enthusiastic attitude with sound and strategic judgement

• Comfortable working in a complex environment with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities

• Willing to consider flexible working hours when necessary

• Embody the FT Values: integrity, ambition, trust, curiosity, inclusion, subscriber focus.

This position pays in the range of $70,000 - $80,000 plus a bonus package. The disclosed range estimate is for our NYC office. We operate a hybrid working schedule which means this role will be required to spend a minimum of 2 days a week in our New York office.