Director, Editorial Booking

Axios•Arlington, VA

2d•$110,000 - $130,000•Remote

About The Position

Axios is a modern media company dedicated to providing trustworthy, award-winning news content in an audience-first format. We are hiring a Director of Editorial Booking to lead editorial booking for Axios Live’s most high-profile events. Axios Live stages are where leaders come to make news. Reporting to the Managing Editor of Axios Live, the Director, Editorial Booking will serve as a senior editorial representative working alongside the Managing Editor to book top-tier newsmakers, move quickly in breaking news moments, and ensure every conversation meets Axios’ editorial standards. Axios Live events are among the most sought-after platforms for newsmakers. We’re looking for a seasoned editorial leader to own booking strategy for events that represent Axios to today’s key influencers, and lead editorial booking across Smart Brevity programming around the world. This role plays a critical leadership function across Axios Live programming.

Requirements

5+ years of editorial booking or media experience, with demonstrated experience leading or mentoring other bookers or producers.
A proven track record of owning booking strategy for large-scale editorial events, including recurring summits or franchise programming.
Experience booking and working with high-profile leaders, including senior executives, policymakers, and global influencers.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to provide clear editorial guidance and feedback.
Deep knowledge of the news cycle and emerging trends across politics, business, and technology.
Experience building full show programs, from concept through execution.
Strong organizational and people-management skills, with the ability to balance coaching, delegation, and execution.
Familiarity with Axios’ Smart Brevity style and editorial values.
All team members are expected to actively develop AI literacy and use AI tools to enhance their productivity, creativity, and efficiency.

Nice To Haves

Experience or established networks in: Health care and life sciences
Energy, climate, or sustainability
Defense, national security, or geopolitics
Media, technology, or communications
Background in media, Capitol Hill, government, or political campaigns is a plus.

Responsibilities

Lead, manage, and mentor the associate director, setting clear expectations, workflows, and performance standards across Axios Live programming.
Collaborate with the managing director on editorial booking strategy for Axios Live’s portfolio of annual summits and franchise events, including flagship properties such as the Future of Health Summit.
Serve as a key talent manager across Axios Live, building trusted relationships with both external newsmakers and Axios newsroom talent to strengthen bookings, cultivate on-stage talent, and ensure reporters and leaders are thoughtfully deployed across live programming.
Work on editorial booking for Axios House and other Axios Live products at major global tentpoles, including Climate Week/UNGA, and other similar high-profile moments.
Secure senior newsmakers — including CEOs, elected officials, administration leaders, and global decision-makers — while delegating and guiding bookings across the team.
Serve as a liaison between Axios Live, the Axios newsroom, and Axios leadership to align booking priorities and programming strategy.
Exercise strong editorial judgment in fast-moving news environments, including making real-time decisions to pivot talent, framing, or programming in response to breaking news.
Ensure Axios Live programming meets Axios’ editorial standards, reflects diverse and compelling perspectives, and maintains editorial independence.
Oversee editorial preparation for live events, including interview prep, run-of-show development, scripts, stage cues, and briefing materials.
Guide collaboration on event language and marketing materials, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and Smart Brevity principles across platforms.
Provide guidance to senior newsroom leadership during live events, ensuring the team is coordinated, materials are accessible, and programming remains responsive to news developments.
Build and maintain long-term relationships with principals, chiefs of staff, communications teams, and senior influencers to support both immediate bookings and long-term Axios Live growth.
Travel regularly to Axios Live events across the U.S. and internationally, providing on-site editorial leadership and supporting programming execution at major summits, franchise events, and global tentpoles.
Leverage AI and emerging tools to improve efficiency across research, booking, and production workflows, and to help scale best practices across the booking team.

Benefits

401(k) with employer match
Robust PPO and High Deductible health insurance options on the Blue Cross Blue Shield network
Employer Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution for the high deductible health plan option
Dental and vision coverage
Primary caregiver 12-week paid leave
Generous vacation policy, plus holidays
One mental health day per quarter
Annual learning and development stipend
$100 monthly work-from-home stipend
Tele-mental health services through Headspace
OneMedical membership, including tele-health services
Personal health advocacy resources through HealthAdvocate
Inclusive fertility, hormonal health and family forming benefits through Carrot Fertility
Access to the Axios “Family Fund”, which was created to allow employees to request financial support when facing financial hardship or emergencies
Increased work flexibility for parents and caretakers
Virtual company-sponsored social events
A strong and positive work environment
A commitment to an open, inclusive, and diverse work culture