Senior Communications Manager

Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more, and we’re dedicated to this mission across every aspect of our company. On Microsoft’s Public Affairs Communications Team, you’ll join a group of professionals focused on telling stories that demonstrate the company’s commitment to building trust and contributing to solutions for some of the world’s big challenges. The Public Affairs Communications Team is also part of the broader Microsoft Communications Group, so you’ll join a large, diverse community of professionals focused on innovative communications, and you’ll have significant opportunities for career growth.We’re looking for an experienced Senior Communications Manager to join our communications team working on issues at the intersection of AI and society, including responsible AI, privacy, intellectual property, and AI for Good. You’ll tell stories about the company’s work to responsibly introduce new technologies around the world aligned to the highest ethical standards, and proactively adapt to emerging regulatory developments. You will help share stories on the ways AI is helping address some of society’s greatest challenges and how it is benefiting people around the globe. You will work closely with teams focused on our key products including AI and cloud computing as well as our global experts on human rights, government affairs, and litigation.As a member of the Public Affairs Team, you’ll also collaborate with colleagues focused on marketing, digital media, campaign management, and global government affairs, as well as communications colleagues across the company in locations around the world focused on products, services, and custom solutions.The candidate should be a world class communicator with strength and direct experience in media relations at the highest level and the other tools in modern communications including messaging, social media, content development, and events. You’ll understand emerging technologies and the political and regulatory landscapes in key markets worldwide. You’ll know how to manage a crisis and provide communications counsel for senior executives. You’ll be a practitioner of communications yourself.The role is preferably based in Redmond, WA or Washington, DC.Microsoft is on a mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. Our culture is centered on embracing a growth mindset, a theme of inspiring excellence, and encouraging teams and leaders to bring their best each day. A growth mindset encourages each of us to lean in and learn what matters most to our customers, to create the foundational knowledge that enables us to make customer-first decisions in everything we do. In doing so, we create life-changing innovations that impact billions of lives around the world. You can help us achieve our mission.ResponsibilitiesStrategic Planning, Execution, and Agency Management• Collaborates with others on the development and production of communications materials and deployment of communications tactics.• Engages with internal and external stakeholders to develop messaging and meet objectives.• Develops collateral materials (e.g., decks, posts, talking points) for use in specific communications initiatives and events.• Understands standardized tools and templates available and uses them appropriately.• Executes strategy with adherence to program.• Leads and directs agency teams as needed.Communication Strategy Setting and Planning• Develops thought leadership initiatives to form communications strategy and planning.• Defines and executes tactics in support of overall strategy, ensuring consistency of voice across messages and channels.• Translates value proposition into effective communications strategies and storytelling that resonate with target audience(s).• Understands audience needs and adapts communications strategies accordingly.• Embeds Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) throughout strategy and execution.Storytelling and Messaging• Develops story telling opportunities by using data and insights.• Collaborates across teams to develop stories in ways that generate positive perceptions towards Microsoft.• Leverages expertise to determine what format is most appropriate and meaningful for a story and target audience(s).Embody our Culture and ValuesQualificationsRequired Qualifications:• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, Finance, or related field AND 4+ years Communications, Marketing Operations, Field Operations, Program Management, Project Management, or related experience• * OR equivalent experience.Preferred Qualifications• Ability to manage complex issues in a fast-changing environment• Direct experience working with reporters proactively and reactively• Work closely with content and owned channel team members on thought leadership campaigns.• Demonstrated ability to manage reactive media inquiries• Ability to provide strategic communications counsel to executives• Understanding of evolving communications trends like social and digital media• Ability to collaborate effectively within a team and across complex cross-group organizations• Proven track record for new and innovative storytelling with ability to take risks• Experience in navigating legal and regulatory issues and environments• Deep understanding of geopolitics globally and domestic politics in large marketCommunications IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $103,800 - $200,300 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $133,700 - $219,200 per year.Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-payMicrosoft will accept applications for September 30, 2024.#CELAMicrosoft is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with applicable law, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.