Microsoft's hardware teams incubate advanced technologies and build deep partnerships with internal research, product planning, business, and marketing teams. Microsoft ships tens of millions of hardware products every year, including the Xbox, Surface devices, HoloLens, accessories, and much more. Our opportunities represent a variety of disciplines including, but not limited to, design, verification, performance modeling, and DevOps supporting the development of custom silicon.   

The Silicon Engineering team is seeking a Director of Communications to join our growing team to develop executive and employee communications programs to support it’s business objectives. The Director of Communications will help drive key messages across the diverse and highly technical organization resulting in positive tone and sentiment amongst internal and Microsoft stakeholders.   

We are looking for someone that has a blend of employee and executive communications experience. The ideal candidate will be an excellent writer and self-starter with track record of developing strong relationships, collaborating across teams, integrating with marketing/PR, as well as coordinating multiple timelines. 

Responsibilities

Create a communication platform for the Executive Office of Silicon Engineering by building and implementing impactful internal and external communication plans, strategies, and programs. 

Work closely with the CVP and Chief of Staff to ensure accurate representation of their style, vision, and voice in all communications.    

Identify, recommend, and implement creative methods for communicating with employees through a variety of channels, including, but not limited to, social platforms, listening and feedback systems, intranet, podcasts, videos, presentations, newsletters, all hands meetings, and emails. 

Write internal articles, messages, briefing documents, scripts, newsletter copy, and other campaign content as needed.  

Respond to employee communication-related issues in a timely manner.  

Manage an editorial calendar, working with stakeholders throughout the organization to determine how we share our story.  

Work closely with business, communications, marketing, and engineering counterparts as a trusted communications partner and advisor.  

Build predictable and structured communications rhythm. You will collaborate to help create and drive a framework for a yearly rhythm of business calendar and communications activities based upon our strategic priorities.  

Lead and guide internal and external resources for content creation, research, engagement, and results measurement. 

Leverage metrics and KPIs to play to measure results based on campaign objectives.    

Special projects as assigned. 

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, marketing, communications, or relevant field, or equivalent work experience. 

10+ years of experience in executive, technical and corporate communications, including public relations or marketing communications.   

Creative and analytical thinking mixed with a high degree of organization and attention to detail. 

Broad communications strategy and execution expertise, including change management. 

Exceptional communications skills, with proficiency in storytelling. 

A strong grasp of grammar, proactive writing, language, and powerful writing.  

Experience managing a portfolio of resources that span the breadth of the communications mix – web, email, newsletters, events, and internal tools.   

The ideal candidate will also have: 

Experience working directly with senior executives and other leaders. 

Passion for tech or the proven ability to demonstrate and/or grow technically, while being able to distil the complex into simple and compelling key messages and stories.   

Experience working in a highly matrixed organization.    

Portfolio of communications or marketing content 

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 via the Accommodation request form.

Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. These requirements include, but are not limited to, the following specialized security screenings: Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud background check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.

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