(executive level position within the Global Communications Group)

The World Economic Forum, committed to improving the state of the world, is the international organization for public-private cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas.

The Global Communications Group is the central Forum team dedicated to communications with the public, media, stakeholders and staff in relation to the Forum’s mission. Through multiple channels, the Group is responsible for communicating the work of the Forum and its constituents, reaching, growing, engaging and inspiring diverse and interested audiences.

Why we are recruiting

The Group is expanding and adapting its strategy for the future. It is composed of four key functions: Communication Strategy and Communications, Public Engagement, Media Engagement, and Stakeholder and Staff Engagement. The Head of Stakeholder and Staff Engagement will lead the function within the team responsible for managing the Forum’s core stakeholders engagement strategy and operations, developing marketing content and shaping and directing communications to the Forum’s staff.

Reporting Lines & Interactions

The role will report to the Managing Director responsible for the Global Communications Group and lead a team of managers and individual contributors in the Stakeholders and Staff Communications function. The role will be a member of the Global Communication Group’s Leadership Team. Internally, it will partner with the Forum’s thematic Centres as well as with senior colleagues across the Global Communications Group and broader organization; externally, it will work with a broad range of stakeholders, including executives from the Forum’s partner companies and broader constituents’ base.

Key responsibilities

• Convert the Group’s overall communication strategy into compelling partner and constituent outreach content and processes, designed for deepening awareness of  and engagement with the Forum’s activities throughout the year, including its calendar of events, initiatives and insights.

• Oversee the design, content creation, production and dissemination of Forum’s marketing collaterals in all formats, in line with the Group’s central communication strategy and design guidelines, as well as the needs of key internal stakeholders.

• Develop trusted relationships with internal teams to understand their outreach needs in addition to understanding the preferences and views of partners and constituents.

• Support partners and constituents on communicating the impact achieved through engagement with the Forum across a range of communication platforms.

• Oversee the successful management of a community of Chief Communications and Marketing Officers from Forum partners and constituents for exchange on common opportunities and challenges

• Oversee the development and execution of a compelling internal communications strategy, ensuring that all staff members are informed and engaged into the Forum’s activities and broader mission.

• Identify and remain at the forefront of the latest communication trends and formats as well as the breadth of topics covered by the Forum’s work, informing the Forum’s external and internal constituents’ outreach strategy and formats accordingly.

• Manage and lead a team of communication leaders and professionals, acting as a role model for the team, providing leadership and supporting team members to grow and excel.

• Serve as a crucial member of the Global Communications Group Leadership Team, developing trusted internal relationships across the team and the organization

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key external stakeholders, including suppliers, advisors and consultants.

The successful candidate will be assessed on

• Development and delivery of compelling and engaging messages relating to Forum activities and overall value proposition, aimed at increased constituent’s awareness, engagement and commitment to the Forum’s mission.

• Active engagement of partners and constituents in communicating their impact through Forum engagement across communication channels.

• Collaboration with and support to partners and constituents in anticipating and managing opportunities and challenges for communications, including through the Chief Communications and Marketing Officers.

• Seamless execution and continuous improvement of the Forum’s outreach strategy to its partners and constituents, underpinned by a coherent messaging strategy, engaging formats and state-of-the-art tools and technology.

• Clear, relevant and timely communications to internal staff, delivered through a multi-channel strategy and leading to increased awareness and engagement into the organizational activities and overall mission.

• Ability to coordinate and align internally within the Communications Group as well as more widely across the Forum, especially stakeholder relations teams.

• Ongoing learning of the marketing and communication landscape. 

• Successfully lead a team of communication leaders and professionals, fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, trust and institutional stewardship

• Represent effectively the Forum externally, in interactions with external constituents, as well as at institutional events.

Required qualifications

• Advanced degree in communications, marketing, journalism, business or other relevant areas

• 15+ years of relevant work experience in business communications, outreach and public relations.

• Proven track record of effectively engaging external and internal audiences through the conception, implementation and operationalization of successful outreach strategies.

• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage strong working relationships with senior leadership and ability to craft and shape compelling communication narratives.

• Excellent English communication skills, both written and verbal. Familiarity with design skills and with other languages a valued asset.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

• Experienced leader with a demonstrated ability to lead, develop and grow teams.

• Strong analytical skills and experience using data to drive decisions.

• Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple projects simultaneously.

Why work at the Forum:

The Forum believes that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to improve the state of the world by building awareness and cooperation, shaping mindsets and agendas, and driving collective action. Join us and become a driver for positive change!