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.

The Datacenter Community Affairs team is part of Microsoft’s datacenter organization – Cloud Operations + Innovation (CO+I). It supports the growth and operations of Microsoft’s cloud infrastructure by managing relationships with local stakeholders, bringing insights, and understanding of potential new communities, developing a local community engagement strategy to effectively manage social impact, risks, and opportunities. It also develops a community investment strategy, including social and environmental programs, in communities that host our datacenters.

We are looking for a Community Affairs Manager with track record in communications, research, social responsibility (CSR) and community engagement to support the evolution of the datacenter community affairs strategy in ANZ. The individual in this role will be responsible for communication, community engagement, community development, and research initiatives to create and implement community strategy plans in select locations across ANZ and other communities as needed.

• Act as a primary point of contact between the local community and Microsoft’s datacenters.
• Represent Microsoft in community engagements and with government stakeholders to advance Microsoft’s position as a trusted, long-term partner.
  
  
• Coordinate qualitative (e.g. community listening sessions) and quantitative data collection, and turn that research data into actionable insights to understand and prioritize community needs, as well as identify social risks and opportunities.
• Use research findings and exercise thought leadership to develop location-specific community strategies and engagements that deliver on Microsoft’s mission and vision, including:
• Immediate corrective and preventive action recommendations, identifying key internal stakeholders (like Land Development or Construction) to implement these recommendations.
• Local community communication plans, sharing knowledge of the crucial role of datacenters, as well as the impactful and meaningful projects Microsoft supports.
• Local social impact investment plans aligned to community needs and are self-sustaining.
• Lead strategic engagements with local community groups such as municipal leaders and community based non-profit organizations.
• Collaborate across functional teams to localize and implement our community research methodology, community communications priorities, as well as community development initiatives in each community.
• Coordinate activities with a broad set of CO+I stakeholders, including Land development, Research, Construction, Permitting, Engineering and Design, Energy, Government Affairs, End to End, and Operations teams as well as with local Microsoft teams.

Embody our culture and values.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• At least 5 years of technology-related experience, preferably in skilling and sustainability non-profit partners, public affairs, research and/ or communications.
• At least 5+ years of experience presenting/managing diverse stakeholders including government policymakers, community leaders, non-profits, environmental groups, educators and school administrators, education partners and students in rural, suburban and urban environments.

While not required, we also look for the following Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in building trust with local municipality, non-profit decision makers, community members, articulating the impact of the cloud and Microsoft’s commitment to responsible technology leadership.
• Able to set clear expectations internally and externally based on community needs, available funding, and project timelines.
• Experience with infrastructure development and/or construction preferred.
• Understanding of research methodologies, and experience in developing and sharing strategic recommendations from a broad range of data sources (e.g., survey data, social intelligence, qualitative research, online telemetry, business metrics).
• Experience with creating and implementing external engagement and communications plans, including crisis communication management.
• Ability to work across groups managing individuals both directly and indirectly, marshalling resources toward a common goal and drive for results.
• Experience managing contractors, agencies, and/or other third parties.
• Skilled at prioritization, creating order out of ambiguity.
• Committed team player with cooperative interpersonal and communications skills (e.g., listening, written, oral, and data visualization).
• Experience with philanthropic engagements including identifying nonprofit beneficiaries and developing skilling and/or sustainability programs based on local needs.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced multinational environment working across multiple lines of business.
• Understanding or experience working in Western Sydney and/or West Melbourne.

Background Check Requirements:

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.
• Citizenship & Citizenship Verification:
  
  Australian Citizen

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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.