Head of Operations & Strategic Engagement, Schwab Foundation

Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship , in partnership with the World Economic Forum, is a leading global platform that convenes a pioneering community of over 500 social innovators and ecosystem actors to drive systemic change. Since 1998, the Foundation has recognized values-driven, entrepreneurial leaders shaping innovative models for social and environmental impact. The Schwab Foundation also hosts a coalition of over 120 ecosystem actors and Forum members in support of social entrepreneurs and innovators globally.

We seek an experienced leader in social innovation to oversee operations and community and stakeholder engagement, including strategic partnerships, ensuring the Foundation remains a leading platform for social innovators, policymakers, and business leaders. This role works closely with the Director of the Schwab Foundation and the Head of Social Innovation, and collaborates across the World Economic Forum and external partners to strengthen engagement, thought leadership, and operational excellence. The role will be responsible for a team of five reports responsible for events, operations, community management, communications and impact.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Engagement & Communications

• Curate and strengthen strategies to select, engage and support the Schwab Foundation’s global community of social innovators and ecosystem actors.

• Oversee approaches to community engagement and leadership development, leveraging insights and opportunities from Forum centres, partners, and learning institutions to equip social innovators and ecosystem actors with partnerships, insights and system leadership skills.

• Collaborate with internal communications teams to craft and execute a strategic communications plan to shape the global narrative on social innovation, creating a platform for constituent voices, maximizing reach and engagement.

• Support the development of the Foundation’s knowledge products (reports, white papers, opinion pieces) throughout the year.

Operations & Finance

• Refine and implement long-term plans and immediate objectives that allow the Foundation to deliver impact through all its operations and activities, creating unique value for its key stakeholders.

• Ensure optimal use of the Foundation’s human and financial resources.

• Ensure annual financial resource planning, budgeting, with quarterly and monthly financial review, liaising with the relevant Forum teams.

• Ensure expenditures, procurement, and contracts follow Forum and Foundation policies.

• Oversee all human resource processes for Foundation employees in collaboration with People and Culture, from recruitment, onboarding, performance reviews.

• Oversee the mobilization and management of grants and additional resources and engagement strategic partnerships related to the Foundation’s portfolio of work, ensuring oversight on all contracts reporting.

Stakeholder Convenings & Events

• Oversee the annual calendar planning and execution of Schwab Foundation events, including summits, learning journeys, roundtables, and convenings.

• Ensure the seamless operational execution of events, working closely with internal teams on logistics, content, and stakeholder engagement.

• Oversee the integration of the Foundation’s constituents and programming into World Economic Forum events, ensuring alignment with global agendas.

• Drive cross-collaboration with Forum initiatives such as the Young Global Leaders and Global Shapers Community where appropriate.

Partnerships & Forum Collaboration

• Develop and manage relationships with strategic and financial partners, ensuring alignment with the Foundation’s mission and the Forum’s broader initiatives.

• Work with the Foundation’s leadership team to mobilize funding and resources to support community-building, events, and convenings.

• Ensure synergies with Forum Centres and initiatives, embedding social innovation across various global and regional efforts.

• Build and strengthen relationships with partners across the private, public, and social sectors, ensuring the Foundation’s work is widely recognized and amplified.

Team Leadership & Operations

• Lead a diverse and high-performing team, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven culture.

• Optimize resource allocation and operational processes to ensure the effective execution of events and community engagement activities.

• Ensure ideal organizational structure and efficient processes to create a healthy team culture and dynamic work environment.

• Represent the Foundation and Forum in leadership meetings and external engagements, advocating for social innovation globally.

Success Metrics

• Seamless execution of high-quality, high-impact activities and events aligned with strategic objectives.

• Enhanced visibility and influence of social innovation through effective stakeholder engagement and communications.

• Growth in partnerships and financial resources to support the Foundation’s mission.

• Effective team leadership and organizational alignment with the Forum’s broader priorities.

Preferred Experience & Qualifications

• 12-15 years of experience in social innovation, international development or sustainability, with strong operational and management skills and stakeholder engagement.  

• Proven experience in managing strategic partnerships, fundraising, and events in an international setting.

• Strong understanding of the social innovation ecosystem, including key trends and emerging models.

• Demonstrated ability to develop strategic initiatives, manage complex projects, and engage with senior-level stakeholders.

• Master’s degree in business strategy, economics, sustainability, international development, or a related field.

• Lived experience in social innovation or social entrepreneurship in low- or middle-income countries is an asset.

• Exceptional communication, relationship management, and leadership skills.

• Fluency in English; additional languages are an asset.

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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!