Lead, Communications Partnering & Planning Global Communications Group

The World Economic Forum is an independent, not-for-profit organization, headquartered in Geneva, with offices in New York, San Francisco, Beijing, and Tokyo.

We are the trusted platform for public-private cooperation where leaders come together to understand global challenges and drive action across sectors and regions. We create spaces where different stakeholders engage openly, build trust, and collaborate to help solve shared global challenges.

Context and why we are recruiting?

The Global Communications Group is composed of four key functions: Strategic Communications & Coordination, Public Engagement, Media Engagement, and Stakeholder Engagement. It is searching for a Lead, Communicating Partnering & Planning, within the Strategic Communications & Coordination team, to drive the proactive communications planning of the Forum’s priority initiatives, events and products.

Reporting line and how is this role embedded in the wider team?

The role will report to the Head of Communications Partnering & Planning. Internally, they will liaise with key counterparts from the Forum’s centres, events teams and other relevant teams, and across the Global Communications Group. Externally, the role may engage with external stakeholders when relevant.

What will you be responsible for?

• Partner with a portfolio of Forum Centres, event teams and other functions, alongside other Communication Partnering & Planning Leads, serving as a primary communications advisor and point of contact within the Global Communications Group.

• Build trusted relationships with Centres and teams to understand communications priorities and provide strategic and tactical counsel that advances institutional objectives.

• Lead annual and quarterly communications planning with assigned teams, developing integrated communications plans for key initiatives, reports, campaigns and milestones, and ensuring effective execution across the Global Communications Group.

• Design, lead and evaluate cross-cutting thematic campaigns that bring together teams from across the organization to amplify priority issues and maximize impact.

• Maintain and evolve the institutional communications calendar, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities, the Global Communications Group strategy and major external moments.

• Lead communications planning for the Forum's events, developing clear narratives, key messages and communications priorities that align activity across initiatives, reports and stakeholder engagement.

• Coordinate implementation across media, public engagement, digital and stakeholder communications teams to ensure integrated delivery of communications plans and campaign objectives.

• Provide strategic guidance on editorial planning and the application of the Forum's brand, messaging and visual identity standards, as required.

• Develop and facilitate workshops, planning sessions and communications briefings that strengthen communications capabilities across Centres and teams.

• Work collaboratively across the Global Communications Group to resolve communications challenges, align approaches and promote consistent decision-making and institutional messaging.

• Lead the development and delivery of the Forum's Annual Report, coordinating contributions across the organization to shape a compelling narrative of impact and strategic priorities.

• Monitor emerging communications practices, digital trends and developments relevant to the Forum's agenda, identifying opportunities to strengthen communications strategies and organizational impact.

• Contribute as a trusted and collaborative member of the Global Communications Group, fostering strong internal partnerships and promoting a culture of excellence, innovation and continuous improvement.

What core knowledge, skills and experience are we looking to add to our team?

Domain Knowledge and Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in communications, journalism, public relations, international relations, or a related field. Candidates who have pursued alternative learning pathways, including digital certifications and other professional accreditations, are encouraged to apply.

• At least 8 years of relevant experience in strategic communications, public relations, campaigns or marketing, gained in-house, within an agency, or in another relevant environment.

• Coordinating cross-functional communications planning, including editorial calendars and content formats, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities, reputation objectives and performance metrics.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Proficiency in additional languages is an asset.

Core Skills

• Collaborating effectively and transparently across teams, fostering strong working relationships and contributing as a trusted and proactive team member.

• Demonstrating sound judgement on reputation, brand and risk considerations, ensuring communications are timely, consistent and aligned with an institutional voice.

• Managing multiple priorities effectively in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high-quality execution and meeting deadlines.

• Maintaining a strong understanding of the global issues, stakeholder landscape and strategic priorities relevant to the Forum's work.

Why join us?

Join an independent and impartial organization with over 55 years of connecting leaders to make sense of global challenges and move the world forward together.