Director Strategy

Team: Strategy

Activity: Full-time

Role grade: Director (8)

Direct reports: 4

Indirect reports: 0

Reporting to: COO

Role location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Job Purpose: As the Director Strategy at the Esports Foundation (EF), you will shape and lead the strategic agenda of one of the most ambitious esports and gaming organizations in the world. You will be responsible for defining and executing strategic initiatives that drive growth, innovation, and long-term sustainability of the Foundation and its flagship events.

This leadership role requires a forward-thinking strategist who can anticipate industry shifts, identify new opportunities, and align diverse stakeholders around a clear roadmap. You will work closely with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to position EF at the forefront of the global esports and entertainment ecosystem.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop, refine, and communicate a clear strategic vision for the Esports Foundation that aligns with its mission, vision, and values.

• Lead the organization’s multi-year strategic planning process, setting long-term objectives, priorities, and KPIs.

• Translate high-level vision into actionable roadmaps and ensure execution across divisions.

• Conduct in-depth market analysis of global esports, gaming, and entertainment trends.

• Identify opportunities and risks emerging from industry, consumer, and regional dynamics.

• Provide regular insights and recommendations to leadership and the Board of Trustees.

• Drive high-impact initiatives that expand EF’s market position and global reach.

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities, partnerships, and alliances aligned with strategic priorities.

• Assess the feasibility of new verticals, markets, or products that diversify EF’s portfolio.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders (senior leadership, division heads) to ensure alignment with corporate strategy.

• Partner with external stakeholders - publishers, teams, sponsors, government entities - to foster relationships that advance EF’s objectives.

• Prepare and present strategic updates, reports, and recommendations to senior leadership and the Board.

• Identify risks associated with strategic initiatives and propose mitigation approaches.

• Ensure all initiatives are executed in line with governance frameworks and organizational priorities.

• Develop and maintain a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy that supports the broader esports and gaming ecosystem.

• Champion initiatives that create positive social impact and strengthen EF’s reputation globally.

• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing strategy team.

• Establish performance metrics and conduct regular reviews to ensure the delivery and growth of team members.

• Lead the end-to-end Board of Trustees process, including preparation of materials and decision frameworks, and ensure a clear cascade of Board decisions and strategic priorities across the organization.

• Drive the Foundation’s international expansion by coordinating the setup of regional operations and acting as the central point of alignment across global teams to ensure effective, localized, and integrated growth.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Strategy, or related field. A master’s degree is preferred.

• 10+ years of experience in corporate strategy, management consulting, or equivalent strategic roles.

• 4+ years of leadership experience in complex organizations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proven track record of designing and executing corporate strategies in fast-evolving industries.

• Strong understanding of strategic planning methodologies and best practices.

• Exceptional market analysis and business development skills.

• Ability to influence and align diverse stakeholders at all organizational levels.

• Strong leadership and people management capabilities.

• Prior consulting experience with projects involving sports, entertainment, digital products, or large-scale events.

• Proven background in top-tier management consulting (e.g., strategy, transformation, or organizational design).

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English (Mandarin is a plus).

Bonus / Nice to Have:

• Good understanding of the gaming and esports industry

Our Perks:

• Relocation support

• Transportation allowance

• Competitive compensation

• Housing allowance

• VIP medical insurance

• Opportunity to work on a new exciting project with a group of passionate professionals. You will get the freedom to excel and make a real impact

Diversity disclaimer

Our mission is to build a diverse organization where our members, regardless of background or identity, have a sense of belonging. We genuinely believe that thanks to creating a collaborative environment where different perspectives are valued, we can achieve more. Together, we want to reshape the boundaries of what is achievable in the esports domain.