Community Lead

Please Note: This role requires the ability to work on site 3 days per week per company policy.

The annual salary range for this role is $120,000-$140,000 in New York.

(position based in Geneva or New York, start asap through to 15 January 2028)

About Us

The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. It brings together the foremost political, business, and other leaders of society to address pressing global challenges and drive collective action.
In 2021, the World Economic Forum established the Centre for Urban Transformation with the mission to accelerate global progress and create a more prosperous, sustainable future through collective action in cities and local communities. The Centre mobilises public- and private-sector leaders to commit expertise and resources to invigorate local economies, improve quality of life, and enhance resilience in communities worldwide.

Why We Are Recruiting

Travel and Tourism is one of the world’s largest economic sectors, accounting for over 10% of global GDP. This sector holds immense potential to drive economic opportunity, social mobility, and sustainability. By 2034, Travel and Tourism is projected to grow 1.5 times faster than the global economy. However, these opportunities come with significant challenges that require coordinated, multistakeholder action.
Earlier this year, the Forum launched a new initiative to redefine the Future of Travel and Tourism as a transformative force for good—fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth, preserving cultural heritage, and protecting natural ecosystems. This initiative convenes stakeholders across geographies and sectors to elevate Travel and Tourism on the global stage.

The Community Lead, Travel and Tourism will play a key role in this initiative by driving the development and engagement of a global community of stakeholders, fostering collaboration, and ensuring effective governance.

Reporting Lines & Interactions

The Community Lead, Travel and Tourism reports to the Initiative Lead and works closely with the rest of the initiative team, i.e Insights Lead, Initiative Specialist, and the Insights Specialist. He/she also works with the broader Centre for Urban Transformation team, and external partners to ensure smooth operations and efficient execution of initiative activities

Key Responsibilities

Community Development and Management
•    Lead the identification and nomination process of the travel and tourism community to establish a diverse, multistakeholder network bringing voices from various sectors and regions.
•    Develop and implement governance structure and a community management system to ensure effective operations and engagement of the community members.
•    Design and deploy tools and frameworks to strengthen community engagement and collaboration.

Community Engagement and Animation
•    Shape and manage the Travel and Tourism community by facilitating community meetings, working groups, and fostering meaningful partnerships.
•    Serve as the main liaison for community members, providing updates and nurturing strong relationships.
•    Plan and execute community meetings and events, including agenda preparation, session management, on-site delivery and follow-up actions.

Integration within the Forum
•    Facilitate the active involvement of the community in key Forum events to enhance visibility and impact.
•    Strengthen synergies by linking the community with relevant initiatives within the Centre for Urban Transformation and the broader Forum.

Administration and Operational Support
•    Maintain up-to-date and accurate member-related information in the Forum's information systems.
•    Coordinate the planning, development, and delivery of sessions and events, including stakeholder management and logistical support.

Preferred Requirements and Experience

•    Advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in public policy, travel and tourism, or a related field. A Bachelor’s degree with significant experience may also be considered.
•    A minimum of 7+ years of professional experience in travel and tourism, stakeholder engagement, governance, or project management, preferably in a relevant business or not-for-profit organisation.
•    Proven track record in community development, event management, and programme design and delivery.
•    Familiarity with urban transformation or sustainable development is a strong asset.
•    Demonstrated ability to engage and collaborate with high-level stakeholders across sectors and geographies.
•    Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to navigate multicultural environments.
•    Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to synthesise complex information and present it effectively to diverse audiences.
•    Results-driven with excellent organisational and project management skills, ensuring delivery under tight deadlines.
•    Skilled presenter and facilitator, capable of articulating strategic insights with clarity and influence.
•    Fluency in English (written and verbal); proficiency in additional languages is highly desirable.

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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!