Government Affairs Director (Policy & Advocacy)

Corporate Communications Knowledge of corporate communications best practices and techniques. This includes knowledge of existing and emerging media and/or communication tools (e.g., print, intranet, internet, electronic, broadcast communications). This also includes the ability to apply knowledge of various media to produce communications material and set and execute public relations strategy. 

Customer Advocacy Knowledge of Customer Advocacy, a continuing focus on the requirements of the company’s customers, anticipating their needs, remaining sensitive to customers while performing services for them, being responsive to customer requests, generally working on their behalf. 

English Language Proficiency The ability to speak and understand English when giving instructions and directions, and when talking with colleagues, managers, and others for work matters. 

Intercultural Skills The ability to conduct business in multiple cultures. This includes the ability to recognize and adapt to cultural differences in work and communication styles across regions or countries. 

Oral Communication The ability to make a verbal message understood and to receive/understand messages during in-person or remote (e.g., telephone) interactions. 

Political Advocacy, Lobbying and Engagement Knowledge of public opinion and organized engagement to influence the political process. This includes skill in writing political communication materials, and lobbying to compel or persuade key constituencies and elected officials to take action on behalf of the company. This may include regionally specific political knowledge and lobbying skill. 

Innovation and Creative Solutions Harness creativity to innovate and develop unique solutions that drive progress and address challenges effectively. 

Legislation and Regulatory Compliance Applying a comprehensive understanding of the legislative process, political framework, and regulatory compliance to enable effective government relations strategy development and execution for organizational alignment with internal and external requirements. 

Operational Excellence and Financial Management Drive organizational efficiency by implementing quality assurance and attention to detail. Manage projects effectively and make informed financial decisions, supported by budgeting acumen. 

Strategic Corporate Relations The expertise to form and maintain partnerships, govern corporate conduct, organize major corporate events, and influence policy with a deep understanding of technology and product implications. 

Strategic Thinking and Decision Making Evaluate complex situations and forecast outcomes to guide informed decision-making and strategic planning. 

External Relationships Builds and maintains a strong, ongoing network and coalition with complex governmental and non-governmental stakeholders (e.g., peer and industry organizations, think tanks, academics, businesses, community leaders) to align interests to significantly advance Microsoft's objectives in key priority areas. Builds strategic relationships that position Microsoft as a key trusted advisor to targeted political leadership and/or trade/think tank organizations in the region. 

Internal Collaboration Acts as a subject matter expert for a large, critical projects, and may provide direction to teammates or a cross-functional project team, or act as a project lead across country and team lines. Resolves complex, cross-group priority conflicts and gains alignment across teams to enable the achievement of shared business objectives. Facilitates and coordinates internal business operations within region to raise awareness and facilitate communication and coordination of effort. Collaborates with and influences senior-level internal stakeholders and subject matter experts within and outside of Government Affairs to ensure a mutual understanding and alignment of objectives, priorities, and resources. 

Representing Microsoft Participates in internal/external events and is working closely with external comms teams on key issues. Supports executive engagement and participation in international events. Directs political strategies, provides strategic vision, and develops communication framework and/or messaging in partnership with Communications team for Microsoft by implementing strategies across diverse stakeholders. Serves as an expert in translating, presenting, and evangelizing technical information to non-technical audiences. 

Strategy/Program Management Advocates for, and manages, policy issues (e.g., social, political, technical) and leads the company’s engagement and campaign with senior internal stakeholders related to government affairs on priority issues, strategies, and/or programs. Contributes to, and develops, Microsoft’s policy agenda and/or advocacy strategies for top priorities, community relations, and business objectives across the company. Responds to key strategic issues and recommends well thought-out actions by prioritizing, ensuring alignment with stakeholder positions, leveraging specialists, or escalating matters. Manages affairs in rapidly changing and ambiguous political, policy, and industry environments. Develops strategies for multiple regulatory and/or legislative initiatives by serving as a subject matter expert on regulatory and/or legislative issues to assess their impact on Microsoft goals and objectives. Delivers materials (e.g., strategy, policy briefings, other documentation) to internal stakeholders. 

Subject Matter Expertise and Influence Develops and implements strategies for leveraging partnerships with external partners and key influencers to advance Microsoft's public policy agenda, and/or business objectives across the company in several key areas. Develops and establishes an intelligence network, gathers and analyzes external/internal data and relationship interactions, and shares internal and external intelligence findings in support of Microsoft’s and customers' business objectives. Ensures timely updates of intelligence insights. Provides regular counseling on public policy, geo-political topics, and/or cultural context to senior stakeholders, related to specific product development or business plans. Develops and/or recommends highly creative solutions for advancing Microsoft policy and/or political agenda, while managing risks and consequences. Proactively enhances expertise in technology, business models, and policies, and strategically advises on their integration into business initiatives.