Partner Development Lead, North America

Why we are recruiting:

As a membership organization, the Forum, through the Business Engagement Group, engages businesses to address industry, regional and systemic issues.

As part of the Business Engagement Group, the Partner Development (sales) team is responsible for leading business development efforts by engaging CEOs and senior executives to identify strategic priorities, shape tailored engagement opportunities, and develop long-term partnerships with the World Economic Forum.

Reporting lines and interactions:

The Partner Development Lead will report to the Head of Partner Development team – North America.

Internally, this person will work closely with colleagues across Industries, Regional and Functional teams to develop coordinated engagement strategies and deliver compelling value propositions. Externally, the successful candidate will engage a broad range of senior stakeholders, including CEOs, C-suite executives and board members.

Main responsibility:

• Business development & strategic partnerships: Lead business development efforts by engaging CEOs, C-suite executives and board members to understand their strategic priorities, shape tailored engagement opportunities, and articulate the World Economic Forum's value proposition. The role is responsible for building trusted executive relationships, developing a high-quality pipeline of prospective Partners, leading engagement discussions, negotiating commercial agreements, and closing new partnerships across industries.

The successful candidate will be assessed on:

• Build and maintain a high-quality pipeline of potential Partner companies across priority industries and sectors.
• Consistently achieve sales targets by leading the full partnership development lifecycle, from prospecting through contract signature.
• Develop a deep understanding of potential Partners' strategic priorities and align them with the Forum's centres, communities and initiatives.
• Proactively engage senior executives across North America to build long-term, trusted relationships and identify opportunities for strategic collaboration.
• Partner closely with colleagues across Industry, Regional and Functional teams to develop coordinated engagement strategies and maximize business development opportunities.
• Build trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders by leveraging networks, expertise and collaboration throughout the partner development process.

Preferred requirements and experience:

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.
• 6+ years of professional experience in business development, sales, consulting, partnerships, corporate development or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience engaging and influencing senior executives, including CEOs and C-suite leaders.
• Strong commercial acumen, negotiation skills, and experience managing complex stakeholder relationships.
• Ability to quickly understand complex business, industry and geopolitical dynamics and translate them into compelling executive conversations.
• Excellent analytical, organizational and execution skills, with strong intellectual curiosity and sound judgment.
• Exceptional communication, relationship-building and influencing skills, with the executive presence to engage senior leaders credibly.
• Agile team player who thrives in a highly collaborative, fast-paced and evolving environment.
• Demonstrated interest in global economic, geopolitical and industry trends.
• Willingness to travel at least 20%.

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.