Community Engagement Specialist

About the Role

As a Community Engagement Specialist, you play a key role in integrating IKEA into local communities. You build strong emotional connections with customers and community members, co-create meaningful experiences, and help position IKEA as a trusted, welcoming and sustainable destination that people love to visit again and again.

WHO YOU ARE

• A people-centric professional who truly believes in the power of community.
• Passionate about sustainability, social responsibility, and creating positive impact for both people and the planet.
• Enjoys working collaboratively, bringing diverse groups together, and turning ideas into engaging experiences.
• Has a natural ability to build relationships and inspire others.
• Curious about local cultures, customer behaviours, and community needs, and uses these insights to create relevant, authentic engagement initiatives.
• Comfortable working with multiple stakeholders from local authorities and NGOs to start-ups, partners, and internal IKEA teams, acting as a strong ambassador of IKEA values.
• Motivated by being part of something bigger, where your work contributes to long-term business growth while making everyday life better for the many people.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, implement, and continuously develop the community engagement plan for IKEA, including activities, strategies, and key talking points aligned with IKEA values and brand positioning.
• Act as a brand ambassador by understanding how IKEA stores are perceived locally and using these insights to shape marketing and engagement initiatives.
• Build strong relationships with key local communities, interest groups, NGOs, start-ups, and local authorities to co-create meaningful community-driven activities.
• Collaborate closely with IKEA teams to ensure strong integration.
• Integrate community and city-level activities into the commercial calendar, ensuring IKEA Stores become an active part of everyday local life.
• Co-create and manage community spaces (online and offline) that encourage interaction, nurture local talent, support start-ups, and showcase the uniqueness of IKEA.
• Engage community members in sustainability and social responsibility initiatives, promoting a people- and planet-positive agenda.
• Work closely with internal teams and FFPTs to identify local community needs, risks, and opportunities, and ensure leadership awareness and mitigation plans.
• Lead on-ground engagement with individuals, communities, governments, and organisations to support business objectives and long-term partnerships.
• Drive promotion of events and initiatives across all communication channels, including digital platforms, social media, PR, and ATL support.
• Contribute to additional income streams, co-investment opportunities, and partnerships that enhance customer experience while optimising marketing costs.

TOGETHER AS A TEAM

• The team is the voice of IKEA, using words, pictures, and videos to tell the story about IKEA, build the brand, and inspire people with the offer.
• Ideas are bounced back and forth, colleagues challenge each other, and there is a strong passion for communication.
• The team ensures that all fellow co-workers are informed, engaged, and connected in a constantly changing business environment.