We are looking for a Director, Thought Leadership and Executive Communications to join the Small & Medium- sized Business (SMB) Audience Marketing team in the Modern Work and Business Applications organization.

In this role, you will shape the narrative and help leaders understand how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming work for SMBs. As our head content strategist, your primary objective will be to establish Microsoft as an SMB thought leader and create compelling editorial content across a range of formats designed to engage the SMB audience. You will also play a critical role in maximizing the scale, impact, and voice of the General Manager, SMB Modern Work and Business Applications Marketing through external communications including keynotes, podcasts, videos, and Public Relations.

The ideal candidate will have effective writing and communication skills, ability to create influential thought leadership, and the capacity to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders in a fast-paced setting. While this is a senior position in the team, you will be required to take the pen, not just manage the work. Experience working in a global, matrixed organization as well as experience in executive communications is considered an asset.

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

• Develop the SMB thought leadership strategy and communications plan to establish Microsoft as an SMB thought leader.
• Create content across multiple formats and channels, such as blogs, podcasts, whitepapers, eBooks, infographics, social media, etc.
• Develop executive communications materials for the General Manager, SMB Modern Work and Business Applications marketing, including keynote decks, scripts, social, etc.
• Partner with integrated marketing to design and implement a complex editorial calendar.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including outbound marketing, product marketing, sales, partners, customers, industry experts, and influencers, to identify content opportunities and amplify the impact of the content.
• Measure and optimize the performance of the content and provide insights and recommendations to improve the content effectiveness and reach.
• Establish and maintain a consistent tone, voice, and style that reflects Microsoft's brand and resonates with the SMB audience.
• Embody our culture and values
  
  

Qualifications

Required/Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, Journalism, Business or related field AND 6+ years experience in business
• OR Master's Degree in Marketing, Computer Science, Business or related field AND 4+ years experience in business
• OR equivalent experience.
  

Additional Or Preferred Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in content marketing, thought leadership, or editorial roles, preferably in the technology industry.
• Effective writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with a portfolio of published content that demonstrates your ability to take the pen and craft compelling narratives.
• Demonstrated business acumen and understanding of Microsoft technologies as well as the SMB market, challenges, and needs.
• Proven track record of developing and executing content strategies that drive awareness, engagement, and conversion.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic, and matrixed environment.
• Ability to simplify the complex and identify opportunities to create scalable systems / processes to drive improvement.
• Capable of learning and staying up to date on the latest technology trends as well as best practices in content marketing and thought leadership.
  
  

Product Marketing IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $129,200 - $248,800 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 $162,000 - $268,900 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

Microsoft will accept applications for the role until August 1, 2024.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with applicable law, 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 and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.