Director, AI & Society Communications

Overview

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 professional to lead communications on AI for Good and technology’s impact on society. Embedded with policy professionals, the  Director, AI & Society Communications is charged with storytelling for the AI for Good Lab, AI Economy Institute, and teams working at the intersection of trust, technology, and society. You’ll work in a fast-paced environment, communicating real-time developments, and managing a direct report, while managing outside agency support.

As a member of the Public Affairs Team, you’ll also collaborate with global colleagues focused on marketing, digital media, and campaign management.

The successful candidate will 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, executive communications, broadcast communication, content development, and events. You’ll have a deep understanding of emerging technologies and world geopolitics. You’ll know how to develop and execute a communications plan, manage a crisis, and provide communications counsel for senior executives.

The role is based in Redmond, Washington, New York, NY, or Washington, D.C.

Responsibilities

Team Culture

• Ability to collaborate closely across the team while managing a direct report, budgets, timelines and priorities as well as outside agency partners.

Development and Execution of Communication Strategy

• Take responsibility for the bill of materials and engagements and ensure alignment to the strategy and adherence to business objectives for the AI for Good Lab, AI Economy Institute, Trusted Technology Group and other teams working on issues at the intersection of trust, technology, and society. Recommend, develop, and orchestrate communications strategies and tactics. Solicit feedback and iterate as appropriate. Modify narratives in real time based on reaction/response. Drive collaboration on the development and production of communications materials and deployment of communications tactics.

Stakeholder Management

• Conceptualize and develop content to educate, guide, and advise internal stakeholders and partners on communications strategy and tactics. Proactively solicit understanding of perspective, goals, and desired outcomes of stakeholders. Establish decision making criteria and principles at outset to drive priorities and expectations. Ensure alignment on strategic intent as foundation for execution of tactics. Escalate and resolve escalations appropriately.

Reputation Management

• Act as a trusted advisor within Microsoft to senior leaders by advancing and protecting the corporate image and reputation. Anticipate, understand, and address factors that impact reputation.

Other:

• Creatively highlight Microsoft’s commitment to leveraging technology to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.

• Showcase Microsoft’s work to address issues related to emerging technologies.

• Protect the company’s reputation in crisis situations.

• Shape our messages and find ways to tell our stories with the most impact.

• Develop and prepare corporate spokespeople.
• Ability to travel periodically as needed.

Qualifications

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.
• 1+ year(s) people management experience.

Additional or preferred qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, Finance, or related field AND 8+ years communications, m…