Senior Manager, Strategy and Operations

Senior Manager, Strategy and Operations

The World Economic Forum

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 (GCG) is responsible for communicating the Forum’s mission, initiatives and impact to the public, media, partners and other stakeholders. Through integrated communications, marketing, editorial, media engagement and digital channels, the Group strengthens the Forum’s reputation and expands engagement with diverse global audiences.

As GCG evolves its operating model, it is establishing a Strategy and Operations role to support the transition and strengthen coordination, planning and execution across its three pillars: Marketing and Brand, Media and Reputation Management, and Content and Editorial.

To support the Group during this crucial phase of its evolution, we are seeking a Senior Manager, Strategy and Operations for a fixed term until 30 June 2027. The role will help the Chief Communications Officer and GCG Leadership Team translate priorities into action, strengthen ways of working, establish effective operating rhythms and leave the Group with clear processes, tools and ownership for continued delivery.

By the end of the assignment, the role is expected to have strengthened GCG’s planning and governance processes, clarified ownership and decision-making, improved visibility of priorities and progress, and embedded sustainable ways of working across the three pillars.

Reporting line and role within the wider team

The Senior Manager, Strategy and Operations reports to the Chief Communications Officer and is a member of the Global Communications Group Leadership Team.

The role works closely with:

• The GCG Leadership and Extended Leadership Teams.
• The three GCG pillars: Marketing and Brand, Media and Reputation Management, and Content and Editorial.
• Strategy and Operations colleagues across the Forum.
• Internal stakeholders involved in institutional planning, governance and communications.

Responsibilities

• Translate institutional and GCG priorities into clear operational plans, objectives and measurable outcomes aligned with the Forum’s strategy and governance processes.
• Lead the development of GCG’s strategic and operational agenda during the assignment, ensuring priorities are translated into action and progress is visible.
• Represent GCG in relevant institutional planning and governance forums, ensuring that communications priorities are integrated into broader Forum decision-making and operating processes.
• Establish effective planning cycles, governance forums, operating rhythms and tools that improve prioritisation, accountability and collaboration across the three pillars.
• Foster collaboration, consistency and knowledge-sharing across the three pillars to strengthen integrated delivery and reduce unnecessary handoffs.
• Identify opportunities to simplify GCG’s operating model and implement practical improvements that can be sustained beyond the assignment
• Identify opportunities to simplify GCG’s operating model, improve ways of working and strengthen the Group’s contribution to institutional priorities.
• Provide strategic advice and operational recommendations to the Chief Communications Officer and GCG Leadership Team, based on performance insights, organisational priorities and developments in the communications landscape.
• Support the Leadership Team in prioritising resources, managing interdependencies and building processes to track progress against key strategic and operational commitments.

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

Domain Knowledge and Experience

• University degree in strategy, business, management, communications or another relevant discipline; an advanced degree is an advantage.
• At least 8 years of professional experience in strategy, operations, communications planning or related fields.
• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional initiatives and translating strategic priorities into operational execution.
• Strong understanding of organisational planning, governance, operational excellence and performance management, with a track record of turning these into practical tools and ways of working.
• Experience working with senior stakeholders in complex, matrixed or international organizations.
• Experience supporting organisational transformation, operating-model evolution or the implementation of new ways of working in a complex organisation.
• Understanding of multi-stakeholder environments and a strong interest in the Forum's mission and global agenda.
• Excellent command of English; additional languages are an asset.

Core Skills

• Strategic thinking with the ability to translate vision into execution.
• Outstanding stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with sound judgement.
• Excellent project and programme management skills, including managing competing priorities and organizational complexity.
• Exceptional written, verbal and presentation skills.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders through clear recommendations and evidence-based insights.
• Collaborative and inclusive leadership style, with the ability to build alignment, create clarity and enable teams to deliver through change.
• Continuous improvement mindset with the ability to simplify processes and implement practical solutions.
• High level of integrity, professionalism and accountability.
• Adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

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.