Senior Director - Content and Editorial

Senior Director, Content and Editorial 

Context and why we are recruiting 

The Global Communications Group (GCG) is evolving its content capabilities to ensure the World Economic Forum continues to shape global conversations through distinctive, authoritative and impactful thought leadership. 

As the Forum expands its use of digital platforms, multimedia storytelling and emerging technologies, we are seeking a senior editorial leader to define the long-term direction of the Forum’s global content and editorial capability. 

The Senior Director, Content and Editorial will lead the integrated Content and Editorial pillar, bringing together editorial, publications, social media, broadcast, video and podcasts. The role will establish a clear editorial mandate, strengthen the pillar’s operating model and ensure the delivery of high-quality, relevant and influential content across audiences and channels. 

Reporting line and role within the wider team 

The Senior Director, Content and Editorial reports to the Chief Communications Officer and is a member of the Global Communications Group Leadership Team. 

The role works closely with senior leaders across the Forum and in close partnership with the other GCG pillars (Marketing and Brand and Media and Reputation Management) to ensure a coherent approach to institutional narratives, campaigns and audience engagement. 

What will you be responsible for? 

Editorial strategy and impact 

• Define and lead the Forum’s multi-year Content and Editorial strategy, translating institutional priorities into clear objectives, investment priorities and measurable outcomes. 

• Establish a clear editorial mandate and standards that promote quality, accuracy, accessibility, consistency and responsible use of AI. 

• Set the direction for the Forum’s thought leadership, publications, multimedia storytelling, social media and institutional narratives. 

• Advise senior leadership on editorial priorities, emerging opportunities and reputational considerations. 

• Work with the Global Programming Group to set the Content and Editorial direction for the Annual Meeting and other major institutional events. 

Leadership and delivery 

• Provide overall leadership for the Content and Editorial portfolio across written, audio, video and live formats. 

• Oversee editorial prioritisation, commissioning, production, distribution and resource allocation across major content initiatives. 

• Working with the Insights and Reporting team, establish performance measures to assess content quality, audience engagement and institutional impact. 

• Ensure effective editorial decision-making and risk management, balancing editorial integrity, institutional priorities and reputational considerations. 

• Simplify workflows, clarify ownership and strengthen collaboration across editorial, creative, production and distribution teams. 

Organisational capability and collaboration 

• Define and evolve the operating model, capabilities and ways of working required to support the Forum’s changing needs. 

• Lead the development of future skills, leadership capacity and succession across the pillar. 

• Sponsor improvements in content workflows, technology adoption and production practices, including the effective use of AI and emerging technologies. 

• Build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across the Forum and with relevant external editorial and content partners. 

• Lead a high-performing, inclusive and collaborative function, empowering senior professionals, contractors and team leaders to deliver sustainable results. 

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

Domain Knowledge and Experience 

• Extensive leadership experience in journalism, publishing, thought leadership, research-led content or public engagement, with accountability for a significant editorial or content function. 

• Demonstrated experience defining and delivering multi-year content or editorial strategies with broad organisational impact. 

• Proven experience evolving editorial functions, operating models, governance and capabilities. 

• Experience leading senior professionals and managers, including leadership development and succession planning. 

• Strong understanding of the global media and digital content landscape, including emerging technologies, AI-enabled practices and changing audience behaviours. 

• Experience advising executive leadership and influencing decisions across complex, matrixed organisations. 

• Experience managing budgets, resources and external partnerships. 

Core Skills 

• Exceptional editorial judgement and the ability to establish a compelling, credible and coherent editorial direction. 

• Excellent writing and message development skills, with the ability to translate complex ideas into clear, compelling and audience-relevant communications. 

• Strategic and systems thinking, with the ability to translate institutional priorities into effective execution. 

• Strong organisational leadership and the ability to lead through others. 

• Ability to influence senior stakeholders, align diverse perspectives and build collaboration across organisational boundaries. 

• Sound judgement in balancing editorial integrity, institutional priorities and reputational considerations. 

• Strong resource stewardship and prioritisation skills. 

• Adaptability, curiosity and the ability to anticipate developments in media, technology and audience engagement. 

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.