Overview

Microsoft’s Global Affairs team has an immediate opening for an experienced Government Affairs professional to support the company’s public policy engagement in Korea.

Reporting to the Head of Government Affairs for Microsoft Korea, this role will work closely with national government leaders, regulators, and external stakeholders to develop and advance Microsoft’s policy, political, business and relationship objectives in Korea in a manner consistent with Microsoft’s mission and values.

The Director, Government Affairs will lead Microsoft’s engagement on public policy issues impacting the adoption of secure cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure, with a focus on Korea’s public sector and critical industries. The role will partner closely with Microsoft’s global and regional Government Affairs teams and business stakeholders to ensure that government policy frameworks support responsible technology adoption and long-term digital resilience.

Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.

Responsibilities Government Engagement

• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with national and subnational government officials and regulatory authorities in Korea.
• Represent Microsoft’s interests with government, business, and industry organizations to support the company’s long-term growth in Korea’s digital ecosystem.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration with policymakers and public sector stakeholders on issues of mutual interest.

Policy Advocacy

• Advocate for public policy positions that support the deployment and responsible adoption of cloud computing, AI, and related digital technologies.
• Shape and contribute to Microsoft’s policy agenda in Korea by addressing complex governmental issues and business priorities.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments affecting Microsoft’s business and proactively manage related policy risks.

Coalition Building & Campaigns

• Develop partnerships with industry associations, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and policy think tanks to support Microsoft’s policy objectives.
• Build coalitions to support Microsoft’s advocacy priorities and improve perceptions of technology adoption across government stakeholders.
• Coordinate government affairs consultants and external advisors in support of Microsoft’s advocacy strategies where appropriate.

Internal Collaboration

• Work closely with Microsoft’s Legal Affairs, Infrastructure, and Commercial, and Engineering teams, among others, to support strategic initiatives requiring government engagement.
• Provide policy analysis and strategic counsel to internal stakeholders on government-related developments impacting business priorities.
• Prepare briefing materials for senior leadership relating to policy developments and advocacy strategies. 

Strategic Focus Areas

• The Director will be expected to demonstrate ability and be able to take on new areas of responsibility, in line with Microsoft’s government affairs and strategic priorities in Korea. Initial priorities are likely to include:
• Public sector cloud and AI adoption
• Cybersecurity and critical infrastructure resilience
• Artificial intelligence diffusion and governance

Qualifications Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Law, Business, or related field AND 6+ years of experience in government affairs, public policy, or other related roles that includes developing and implementing strategic advocacy or policy engagement plans.
• OR equivalent experience.
• Strong understanding of Korea’s political and regulatory environment, including the role of government agencies and the National Assembly.
• Fluency in both English & Korean, excellent communication skills, and strong stakeholder management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Preferably 10+ years of relevant work experience in developing and managing strategic relationships to advocate and influence public/technology policy priorities. Exposure in both public and private sector is ideal, Tech industry exposure is a plus.
• Adept diplomatic skills with demonstrated capability to manage geopolitical challenges, and to engage with high-ranking governmental authorities, research/academic institutions, community, or relevant industry associations.
• Self-directed and strong analytical skills with the ability to develop creative/simplified solutions to complex problems.
• Ability to counsel senior business leadership in the company with demonstrated capability to build and execute public policy programs that support business growth and policy objectives.
• Strong team player with collaborative skills to encourage a culture of shared ownership and execution.

This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.