Global Designing Cities Initiative Seeks an Associate Director (Programs & Design) — Apply Before July 15, 2026
Introduction
The Global Designing Cities Initiative (GDCI) is an international organisation focused on transforming streets into safer, healthier, and more inclusive public spaces. Launched in 2014, GDCI works with cities, designers, and policymakers around the world to reimagine urban streets that prioritise people over cars.
The organisation is currently hiring a Regional Associate Director (Programs & Design) to join its executive leadership team. This remote role is open to candidates based in Asia, Africa, or Europe and is expected to begin in Q3 2026.
The position sits at the intersection of urban design, programme leadership, and global strategy. Below are four key advantages of joining GDCI in this senior leadership role.
1. Lead Global Urban Transformation Projects
This role places you at the centre of large-scale urban design and street transformation initiatives across multiple continents.
- Oversee funded programmes across more than 30 global cities
- Ensure delivery of high-quality street design projects
- Support implementation of people-centred urban planning strategies
- Align design work with safety, accessibility, and equity goals
- Contribute to shaping global standards for street design
This is a high-impact leadership position influencing how cities are designed and experienced worldwide.
2. Shape Strategy and Executive-Level Decision Making
As part of the executive team, the Associate Director plays a major role in organisational strategy and direction.
- Contribute to high-level strategic planning and decision-making
- Support executive leadership in organisational governance
- Conduct research to improve systems and operational models
- Lead internal meetings and cross-team coordination
- Represent the organisation in global discussions and forums
This role is ideal for professionals who can balance vision-setting with practical execution in complex international environments.
3. Manage Teams, Partnerships, and Global Stakeholders
The position requires strong leadership across people management, partnerships, and stakeholder engagement.
- Supervise leads, managers, and programme coordinators
- Provide coaching, feedback, and professional development support
- Manage relationships with funders and international partners
- Oversee reporting, budgets, and grant deliverables
- Serve as a key communication bridge across teams and regions
This ensures smooth coordination across diverse stakeholders working on global urban transformation projects.
4. Influence Urban Design Standards and Global Best Practices
GDCI is known for its Global Street Design Guide, which informs how cities redesign public space worldwide. This role directly contributes to advancing those standards.
- Uphold and refine global street design principles
- Ensure consistency across design outputs and publications
- Review technical urban design proposals for quality and impact
- Represent GDCI at international conferences and forums
- Promote equitable and sustainable street design practices globally
The Associate Director helps ensure that urban design innovation remains central to GDCI’s global mission.
Conclusion
The Associate Director (Programs & Design) role at the Global Designing Cities Initiative offers a rare opportunity to influence how cities are designed across the world.
- It enables leadership of global urban transformation programmes
- It contributes to executive-level strategy and organisational growth
- It involves managing international teams and partnerships
- It helps shape the future of safe, inclusive, and sustainable streets
With applications closing on July 15, 2026, this role is suited to experienced professionals in urban design, planning, and programme leadership who are ready to shape the future of cities at a global scale.
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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
