Director, Government Affairs (Campaigns & Strategic Relations)

Are you passionate about advancing Microsoft's policy agenda and aligning it with the country's interests? Do you have extensive experience and networks in government, policy, law, communications and/or corporate affairs? Do you want to work for a company that is empowering every person and organisation in Australia and New Zealand to achieve more? If so, Microsoft’s Corporate, External and Legal Affairs Department (CELA) is looking for you.CELA is an organization that assists Microsoft in navigating complex global regulatory and geopolitical challenges, and we are looking for an experienced professional with extensive knowledge of the political and policy communities in Australia and New Zealand to join our team.We are seeking someone who not only has broad connections within these important groups but knows how to collaborate with and influence these stakeholders to guide the technology policy and regulatory agenda to advance national economic growth and drive societal impact. This work will primarily concentrate on Australian and New Zealand policy makers, but this role will also collaborate closely with regional and global organisations where both countries have an active involvement.While we are flexible on location, we prefer candidates that are based in Canberra or Sydney.Responsibilities:This position aims to contribute to the policy-making processes on technology-related matters and to strengthen Microsoft's relationships with government, intergovernmental organizations, academia, industry, and civil society/non-profits on areas of shared interests.The successful candidate will offer strategic guidance, advice, planning, management, and delivery for Microsoft's government and industry affairs campaigns. They will also collaborate with customers, our sales teams, and legal, regulatory, and compliance support specialists to assist the country's digital transformation.The position will focus on:Advocacy campaigns: Manage the design and implementation of our global policy agenda through effective and goal-oriented campaign delivery. This work will involve communication and collaboration on various public policy issues related to technology and require the production of persuasive communications and outreach plans to important stakeholders and groups.Strategic Relations: Build and maintain connections with important stakeholders and groups, with an emphasis on those influential actors that we will need to relate to in the future. This work will involve forging partnerships across industry, civil society, and academia.Research and insights: Create tools and methods for listening and detecting shifts in the operating environment that help the company anticipate and manage change. This work involves improving current intelligence tools and programs and finding the best research and insights capabilities available.Strategic Issues Management: Oversee our government and corporate affairs approaches for crucial key developments needing cross-team and cross-company collaboration. These could be global projects that need local implementation or where Australia and New Zealand could be a leader in applying new policy initiatives.Qualifications:We are seeking someone with at least 12-15 years of work experience as a Government Affairs, public affairs, or public policy specialist in government, policy consultancy, communications, and media.The ideal candidate will have both public and private sector experience in institutions that deal with issues relevant to Microsoft’s business and show a history of building and maintaining relationships with senior government officials, research/academic institutions, community, or industry leaders and other third parties who may play a key role in shaping public policies.They should have a proven ability and skills to design, analyze, develop, and implement medium-to-long term strategies and campaigns to deal with complex issues of technology, policy and law, involving multiple issues and players. They will be great communicators with strong organisation and leadership credentials, and able to work efficiently and at a self-directed pace.A bachelor's and preferably advanced degree in public policy, political science, law, or another relevant field is required.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. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request via the .