The posting
Overview
Microsoft Security is seeking a Director of Communications to help shape and amplify the company's voice on cybersecurity, AI, and trust in an increasingly complex risk and threat landscape.
This leader will serve as a manager on the Microsoft Security PR team, overseeing team members and driving strategic communications programs elevating Microsoft's thought leadership. The role sits at the intersection of technology innovation, corporate reputation, executive communications, media relations, crisis support and strategic storytelling. The director in this role and their team will strengthen executive visibility, influence industry conversations, and support some of Microsoft's highest-profile security product and AI initiatives.
In this role you will be a communications strategist with a strong cybersecurity background who can operate comfortably with executives, translate highly technical concepts into compelling narratives, and lead integrated communications efforts that advance business priorities and reinforce Microsoft's leadership in security.
Responsibilities
Lead Security Thought Leadership Strategy
- Develop and drive Microsoft Security's thought leadership strategy across cybersecurity, AI security and more.
- Identify opportunities for Microsoft to shape industry dialogue and proactively contribute to key conversations influencing customers, industry partners, media, creators in the security community, and industry stakeholders.
- Partner with executives and subject matter experts to create differentiated narratives grounded in customer impact, innovation, and market relevance.
- Advise senior leaders on communications strategies that strengthen Microsoft's reputation and visibility on trust security – in proactive and reactive moments.
Executive Communications & Influence
- Serve as a trusted communications advisor to senior security executives and business leaders.
- Develop executive visibility strategies spanning media, speaking engagements, social platforms, industry events, and thought leadership opportunities.
- Drive executive messaging, talking points, keynote content, bylined articles, social content, briefing materials, and strategic narratives.
- Anticipate emerging issues, industry trends, and opportunities that require executive engagement and communications leadership.
Strategic Storytelling & Narrative Development
- Lead development of integrated narratives that connect Microsoft's security innovations, customer impact, research, and AI advancements into compelling stories.
- Translate complex technical topics into clear, credible, and engaging content for a broad range of audiences.
- Partner closely with engineering, research, product, policy, and marketing teams to uncover stories that demonstrate Microsoft's leadership and differentiation.
- Ensure alignment across corporate, product, and executive communications efforts.
Media & Influencer Engagement
- Direct communications strategies supporting top-tier media and creator engagement programs.
- Advise on proactive and reactive communications approaches related to industry trends, product innovations, and security-related developments.
- Partner with agency teams and internal stakeholders to identify opportunities that expand reach and influence among key audiences.
- Support executive preparation and engagement for high-profile interviews, events, and external appearances.
Cross-Company Leadership
- Lead complex communications initiatives across highly matrixed organizations and multiple stakeholder groups – including other communications teams supporting Microsoft.
- Build strong partnerships across Security, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, Marketing, Research, Product Engineering, and executive leadership teams.
- Drive alignment among diverse stakeholders while balancing competing priorities and business needs.
- Influence without authority and serve as a connector across functions, organizations, and communications disciplines.
Integrated Communications & Launches
- Lead communications strategies for major announcements, launches, campaigns, thought leadership moments, and industry events.
- Shape audience strategies across earned, owned, executive, influencer, and creator channels.
- Ensure consistent narrative development and execution across all communications activities.
- Establish frameworks, processes, and best practices that improve how Microsoft Security tells its story at scale.
Qualifications
Required/minimum qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field AND 6+ years communications, public relations, journalism, public affairs, executive communications, or related experience
- OR equivalent experience.
- 1+ year(s) people management experience.
Additional or preferred qualifications
- 5+ years of dedicated cybersecurity experience in product categories or disciplines such as endpoint security, anti-malware, identity, threat intelligence, vulnerability management, data protection
- 3+ years of people-management experience, including leading teams, coaching employees, supporting their success, and fostering learning and growth.
- Deep understanding of the media, analyst, and influencer landscape.
- Proven experience advising and building trust with senior executives and driving strategic communications programs in complex organizations.
- Demonstrated success developing thought leadership initiatives and shaping external narratives.
- Exceptional storytelling, writing, editing, and presentation skills.
- Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and influencing stakeholders.
- Experience applying AI to communications tasks: Drafting content, measuring impact, analyzing coverage, communications planning
- Experience with international communications planning and execution – working with PR teammates and agencies, across regions
- Crisis communications experience
- Ability to synthesize technical subject matter into compelling business and customer stories.
- Experience leading communications strategies for high-profile launches, issues, or industry moments.
Communications M5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $130,900 - $251,900 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 $165,600 - $272,300 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.
