Senior Communications Manager

Overview

Governments across the United States are transforming how they serve constituents through the adoption of cloud computing, AI, cybersecurity, and digital modernization initiatives. Microsoft is a trusted technology partner to government organizations at the federal, state, and local levels, helping agencies improve services, strengthen security, empower employees, and deliver mission outcomes.

We are seeking a Senior Communications Manager (PR) to support communications for Microsoft's U.S. Government business, with a primary focus on State and Local Government and supplemental support for Federal Government communications. In this role, you will help develop and execute both proactive and reactive communications strategies that showcase how government organizations are using Microsoft's technology to modernize operations, enhance citizen services, improve public safety, and accelerate innovation.

You will work closely with communications, marketing, sales, policy, legal, and business leaders to develop narratives and execute strategic communication campaigns that highlight customer success, technology innovation, trust and security, and Microsoft's commitment to serving the public sector. Success in this role requires strong storytelling skills, sound judgment, media relations expertise, and the ability to navigate a complex stakeholder environment, while communicating the positive impact technology can have on government mission outcomes.

This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the narrative around Microsoft's work with government customers and partners during a period of significant investment in AI and digital transformation across the public sector.

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.

In alignment with our Microsoft values, we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment for all employees to positively impact our culture every day.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute communication strategies that support Microsoft's U.S. Government business, with a primary focus on State and Local Government customers.
• Identify, cultivate, and amplify customer success stories that demonstrate the impact of Microsoft technologies across government organizations.
• Lead proactive media relations efforts, including story development, pitching, executive thought leadership, customer evidence, and strategic communications campaigns.
• Manage reactive communications opportunities and issues, including media inquiries, breaking news, customer developments, and reputational matters.
• Drive storytelling through earned, owned, and shared communications channels, including executive platforms, blogs, case studies, social content, and customer stories.
• Partner closely with sales, marketing, customer success, government affairs, legal, and product teams to align communications strategies with business priorities.
• Support strategic announcements involving government customers, partners, contracts, programs, and initiatives.
• Help identify, assess and manage reputational risks while developing response strategies and communications plans.
• Coordinate communications support for key events, conferences, customer engagements, and industry moments relevant to state, local, and federal government audiences.
• Monitor industry trends, policy discussions, competitor activity, and customer developments to identify both communications opportunities and potential risks.
• Manage agency partners and external vendors to execute integrated communications programs and media outreach.
• Collaborate across Microsoft's broader Cloud & AI communications organization to advance shared priorities and campaigns.
• Support executive media engagements, speaking opportunities, and thought leadership initatives related to Microsoft's government business.

Qualifications Required/minimum qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Political Science, Public Policy, or related field AND 4+ years of communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or related experience; OR equivalent experience.
• Excellent written, verbal, and project management skills.
• Strong storytelling skills and the ability to simplify complex technology and policy topics for a variety of audiences.
• Experience supporting communications campaigns, media relations, executive communications, or content development.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work effectively across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Strong judgment, attention to detail, and ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Embody our Culture  &  Values

Additional or preferred qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Political Science, Public Policy, or related field AND 6+ years of communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or related experience; OR equivalent experience.
• Experience leading both proactive communications campaigns and reactive issues or media response efforts.
• Experience supporting communications for government, public sector, technology, or regulated industries.
• Experience developing customer evidence and storytelling programs.
• Knowledge of cloud computing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, or digital transformation trends.
• Proven ability to work across cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders without direct authority.
• Strong executive presence and experience supporting senior leaders.
• Ability to navigate complex business, customer, and policy environments.
• Experience in government communications at the federal, state, local, military, or public-sector level is preferred but not required.
• Familiarity with government procurement, public policy, or public-sector technology adoption is a plus.

#commsgroup

Communications IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $106,400 - $203,600 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $137,600 - $222,600 per year.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay

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.