Community Affairs Manager - North Italy

Microsoft’s Cloud Operations & Innovation (CO+I) team is responsible for the full lifecycle of Microsoft’s cloud infrastructure, spanning site selection, development, construction and operations. Our global footprint includes more than 400 datacenters in 34 countries, supported by over 165,000 miles of fibre optic cable. These facilities form the backbone of the Microsoft Cloud and are central to our commitment to reliable, secure, and sustainable digital infrastructure. Microsoft is looking for a Community Affairs Manager in Italy. The Datacenter Community Affairs team supports the growth and operations of Microsoft’s cloud infrastructure by managing relationships with local stakeholders, bringing insights and understanding of potential new and existing communities, developing and executing a local community engagement strategy to effectively manage social impact, risks, and opportunities. It also develops a community investment strategy, including social and environmental programs, in communities that host our datacenters. In alignment with our Microsoft values, we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment for all employees to positively impact our culture every day.

Serve as Microsoft’s key representative in local communities, building trusted relationships with residents, government authorities, businesses, NGOs, and other stakeholders across the Italy North region. Develop and execute community engagement and social impact strategies that align with Microsoft’s mission, including initiatives focused on STEM education, skills development, and environmental sustainability. Gather and analyze community feedback, data, and insights to identify local needs, opportunities, and potential challenges, translating them into meaningful actions and programs. Proactively manage community concerns, social risks, and local issues, while supporting transparent communications, reputation management, and crisis response efforts. Deliver high-impact community programs from planning through execution, ensuring initiatives are completed on time, aligned to local priorities, and create measurable value. Act as the voice of the community within Microsoft, partnering closely with datacenter, permitting, construction, communications, and legal teams to inform decisions and strengthen community outcomes. Track, measure, and communicate program impact, sharing insights, progress, and recommendations with regional and global stakeholders while contributing to continuous improvement across the Community Affairs function.

Extensive experience in community and local government affairs, preferably with a focus on large infrastructure and construction projects. Experience presenting/meeting and building trust with diverse stakeholders including local government officials, community leaders, non-profits, environmental groups, STEM education partners and students in a variety of environments (rural, suburban and urban). Ability to thrive in a fast-paced multinational environment working across multiple lines of business.  Experience managing contractors, agencies, and/or other third parties.  Ability to communicate and work in Italian and English.  While not required, we also look for the following   Preferred Qualifications: Experience with community engagement in infrastructure projects preferred. Ability to work across functions effectively within virtual and in-person teams in a fast-paced, complex and matrixed environment. Excellent verbal and written communications and strong interpersonal skills. Strong project and program management skills. Background Check Requirements:  Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. These requirements include, but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings:  Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft