Director of Communications for Washington State Affairs

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.   The Public Affairs team is part of Microsoft’s Corporate, External, and Legal Affairs (CELA) organization and part of the broader Communications community of practice. You’ll join a large, diverse community of professionals focused on innovative communications and have significant opportunities for career growth.   The Public Affairs Team works on issues at the intersection of technology, public policy, and societal impact. We manage external communications and outreach on topics that contribute to the public discussion about the impact of technology around the world and in our own backyard. We use the tools of communications, marketing and public engagement to help support public policy efforts across a wide range of issues impacting the company and the communities we serve.  We do this work as part of a larger multi-disciplinary team with communications, public relations, marketing, and government affairs professionals.   As Director of Communications for Washington State Affairs, you will develop a communications strategy for Microsoft’s work locally in the Puget Sound region and Washington State, while coordinating with our communications motions and moments globally. This specific role works closely with the Vice President of Public Affairs, the company’s government affairs team, and the office of the Vice Chair and President. As such you’ll be working on public policy issues related to education, transportation, public safety, and the economy in Puget Sound and Washington state that are central to securing Microsoft’s future in Washington state.   We have an opportunity to engage with the community on subjects that matter, and you can help bring that story to life in partnership with our senior leaders. You will define, build and execute a strategic communications plan grounded in the work of CELA’s experts and leaders. You’ll work in close partnership with executives to help them establish their voice, refine their message, and identify creative ways to connect effectively with diverse audiences in person, online and through interviews and opinion pieces. Your work will shape the direction of public policy and perception of Microsoft as a corporate citizen in Washington state. Importantly, you will build and maintain media relationships in Washington State relevant to the business.   The position is based in Redmond, reporting to a Senior Director of Public Affairs.

This is a high-profile role, embedded with the office of CELA’s Vice Chair and President. You’ll build and execute plans that help advance the company’s community engagement goals and support broader efforts on important issues. You’ll work together with executives to craft the narrative and identify the right opportunities for public engagement across speeches, events, published content and earned media opportunities. You’ll have the writing and storytelling skills needed to develop narratives, speeches, Op-eds, blog posts, presentation material as needed.  You’ll use social media effectively to reach the audiences we care most about and maximize the impact of each opportunity.  And you’ll have the ability to engage with local and regional stakeholders on key issues and initiatives. You’ll be skilled at working across the CELA Public Affairs team and across the company to bring together to develop the content you need and ensure strategy is followed with world class execution.

Required/minimum qualifications Bachelor's Degree in Business, Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, Finance, or related field AND 6+ years communications, marketing operations, field operations, program management, project management, or related experience OR equivalent experience Additional or preferred