Head of Learning Design and Content, FT Leaders Academy

Head of Learning Design and Content, FT Leaders Academy

London

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

The FT Leaders Academy is the Financial Times' global learning business, dedicated to empowering individuals at every stage of their leadership journey - from the classroom to the boardroom. Combining the FT's trusted journalism, real world insights, and access to leading experts, the Academy delivers transformational learning experiences that develop confidence, capability, and strategic perspective.

We're looking for a Head of Learning Design and Content to lead the design, development and innovation of our educational programmes. You will play a pivotal role in shaping impactful learning experiences across all Academy offerings, including executive education, board development, and youth initiatives.

This role blends strategic content leadership with hands on instructional design expertise to ensure that all FT learning products deliver world class, future focused, and human centred learning experiences. The role requires working across multiple products and formats (digital, blended, in person) and collaborating internally with editorial, marketing, sales, programme managers and coordinators, and externally with executive educators, accrediting bodies, business schools, design and production houses, and industry partners.

The Academy's portfolio spans three key pillars:

• Board Director Programme - preparing aspiring and current board members to lead with confidence through accredited qualifications, workshops, and online modules.
• Partner and Executive Programmes - equipping professionals with the tools, mindset, and peer network to navigate complexity, lead change, and drive organisational success.
• FT Schools and FT Skills - inspiring the next generation of leaders by transforming FT content into practical educational resources for students and teachers worldwide.

Each programme is designed to reflect the Financial Times' global standards of excellence, integrating business intelligence, innovative learning design, and a deep understanding of leadership in the modern world.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of educational content for FT Leaders Academy programmes (Board Director, Executive & Partner, FT Skills & FT Schools), ensuring engaging, outcome focused learning experiences.
• Apply adult learning theory and instructional design principles to create digital, blended, and in person content, including assessments and multimedia learning tools.
• Manage digital content production and quality across FT's learning platforms (VLE/LMS), ensuring accuracy, accessibility and consistency.
• Drive innovation by incorporating new pedagogies, technologies, FT editorial insights, and learner data to enhance programme impact.
• Collaborate across internal teams and external partners, including faculty, design vendors, and accreditation bodies, to align content with strategic goals and compliance standards.
• Oversee project timelines and budgets, ensuring high quality delivery across multiple concurrent learning initiatives.
• Champion quality assurance, maintain rigorous documentation, and ensure all content meets FT editorial, brand, and regulatory standards.

Required Skills and Experience

• Proven instructional design experience in executive education or higher education settings.
• Successful design of programmes for senior leaders or board level professionals.
• Proficiency with LMS platforms and digital learning tools.
• Experienced at managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Excellent writing, editing and visual communication ability.
• Deep understanding of adult learning principles and assessment strategies.
• Experience using AI and emerging technologies in content design (e.g. ChatGPT, Jasper).
• Familiarity with accreditation processes and regulatory standards.
• Knowledge of executive leadership education.
• Experience managing multi functional teams.
• Experience managing programmes across global markets, with the ability to adapt to diverse business environments.
• Understanding of FT editorial tone and content.
• Background in education, journalism, media or corporate training.

Personal Attributes

• Strategic problem solver with the ability to translate ideas into practical, scalable learning solutions.
• Passionate about lifelong learning, leadership development, and empowering professionals across all career stages.
• Exceptional communicator and collaborator, adept at influencing and engaging senior partners.
• Agile, creative, and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast moving environment.
• Committed to innovation, quality, and learner impact.

Application Closing Date: 19th December 2025 (Friday), 5pm GMT

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've embraced a 50% hybrid working model (averaging two to three days onsite) that fosters trust and remote adaptability while encouraging in person camaraderie and peer learning. Additionally, we are open to accommodating specific flexible working pattern requests for all roles where feasible.

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 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 leverage 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 .