Director, AI & Society Communications

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.     

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.   

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, marketing operations, field operations, program management, project management, or related experience
  • OR Bachelor's Degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, Finance, or related field AND 12+ years communications, marketing operations, field operations, program management, project management, or related experience
  • OR equivalent experience.
• 3+ years people management experience.
• Experience in communications for policy or corporate communications. 
• Ability to manage complex issues in an incredibly fast-changing environment.  
• Direct and significant experience working with reporters proactively and reactively.   
• Ability to provide strategic communications counsel to executives.   
• Understanding of evolving communications trends.   
• Demonstrated ability to design and execute a proactive communications campaign.
• Proven track record for new and innovative storytelling with ability to take risks.  
• Ability to navigate across cultures and tell impactful stories globally.

Communications M5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $130,900 - $251,900 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 $165,600 - $272,300 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-pay

This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. 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 with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.