Government Affairs Manager

Local Government Affairs Manager

Redmond, Washington, United States

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Job number322812 Date postedSep 6, 2017 Travel0-25 % Job categoryLegal & Corporate Affairs Role typeIndividual Contributor Employment typeFull-Time

Many of the world’s most pressing challenges can best be addressed through cooperative efforts of the public and private sectors. Microsoft has a long track record in leading or contributing to these coordinated efforts, and is committed to continuing to do its part by working closely with governments and other stakeholders to help achieve important economic and social goals.

To that end, we are seeking a State and Local Government Affairs Manager to join the team leading Microsoft’s public policy, regulatory, and procurement engagement with state and local government officials and other stakeholders. The successful candidate will help promote Microsoft’s corporate responsibility, philanthropic and public policy initiatives with government and civic leaders to create new economic opportunities and enhance quality of life in the Puget Sound region and State of Washington.

The Government Affairs Manager will work closely with the company’s Public Sector sales organization to help build productive working relationships, identify new market opportunities and support efforts to increase share of Microsoft technology usage, especially O365 and associated products, at the state and local level. The Government Affairs Manager also will be responsible for developing and maintaining strong relations with local governments in Washington state to help achieve the company’s political and public policy objectives, consistent with the values of Microsoft.

Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities Include:

Promote Microsoft as a local and worldwide leader in providing software, services and solutions that help people realize their full potential.

Work closely with Public Sector sales teams at the local and state level to effect adoption and usage of Microsoft technology in Washington state governments.

Organize, coordinate and host Microsoft campus visits by key target audiences nationally.

Develop and maintain strategic relationships with local elected officials in Washington State and represent Microsoft’s interests with them.

Represent Microsoft in key community, business and trade organizations and at external events, meetings and conferences as needed.

Coordinate closely with the Director of Government Affairs on legislative, political, and public sector business matters.

Coordinate and collaborate with MSFT’s Technology and Civic Engagement team to ensure a complementary approach to local governments.

Ensure compliance of political activities with external laws and regulations and Microsoft Standards of Business Conduct.

Build effective advocacy campaigns focusing on improving perceptions and driving adoption of long-range public policy goals at both the local and regional levels.

Drive internal communication strategies across teams.

Qualifications

Microsoft’s government affairs team is a fast-paced and agile organization, and the successful candidate will be expected to contribute to all activities as needed, collaborate within the group and across departments, and influence across organizational boundaries.

Qualifications include:

B.A. degree in government, public policy, or similar field plus

5+ years related work experience in a government affairs, public policy, or closely related role.

Knowledge of policy, political and community landscape in Puget Sound region and Washington State a plus;

Understanding of the technology industry, preferably including Internet/cloud services and enterprise software;

Strategic focus, strong analytic skills, and creative problem solver;

Excellent oral, written communication and presentation skills;

Experience utilizing social media in a business environment; and proficiency with Microsoft software tools, including the Office suite;

Demonstrated ability to multitask, prioritize, and clearly communicate with peers and managers;

Strong organizational skills and detail-orientation;

Work experience should clearly demonstrate the following:

Results in developing and implementing strategic plans involving legislative, policy and community issues;

Familiarity with technology and related public policy issues;

Ability to understand complex technical, business and legal issues and develop end-to-end partner strategies;

Ability to engage effectively with diverse audiences in a wide range of public settings;

Experience effectively managing external resources, including consultants and trade associations;

Ability to work as a team player;

Proven track record as an effective advocate and relationship builder.

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. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request to askstaff@microsoft.com.