Communications Manager at Microsoft

As a Communications Manager you will be a trusted advisor for Communications who is charged with advancing and protecting the image and reputation of Microsoft. You will collaborate across teams to tell stories in new and fresh ways that help generate help generate thought leadership and positive perception toward Microsoft among key stakeholders. You will generate momentum for our commercial and/or consumer offerings as aligned with priorities, while emphasizing thought leadership and customer storytelling. You will leverage analytics to inform Comms and business strategy by contributing communications insights. 

Responsibilities

You will be given the below responsibilities:

• expand our reach to new audiences beyond traditional tech media by building and managing influencer relationships
• leverage owned channels to deliver creative and compelling visual storytelling and other innovative digital experiences
• manage negative news cycles and proactively identify and flag trends that may negatively impact corporate reputation
• inform and engage internal audiences through employee and executive communications strategies and tactics, and act as trusted advisor to provide executive support and counsel

The impact you will be asked to make:

• Communication strategy setting and planning, media strategy and media relations: 25%
• Employee and executive communications: 25% 
• Storytelling, thought leadership and messaging: 15%
• Crisis, issues, and change management communications: 10%
• Digital communications partnership and channel management: 10%
• Consulting on communications matters that impact business; growing industry and professional expertise: 15%

Qualifications

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. 

Benefits/perks listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Microsoft and the country where you work.

• Approximately 8 - 10 years of Communications experience, or in areas of Communications, Media and influencer relations, Journalism, Integrated marketing (consumer, commercial), Public affairs, or Issues management
• Experience managing media relations
• Awareness of and experience dealing with government and public affairs issues
• Strong project management and communication skills
• Experience leading employee and leadership communication efforts
• Knowledge of Microsoft products and the technology industry is strongly preferred
• Current knowledge of digital communications techniques and social media engagement is preferred