Microsoft’s Defending Democracy Program (DDP) works to defend democratic institutions and processes from cyber-enabled interference by focusing on election integrity, campaign security and disinformation defense. The Program is a core component of Microsoft’s Digital Diplomacy Team which engages with domestic and international governments, private sector actors, and civil society members to advocate for and implement policies and technologies aimed at achieving a more secure cyberspace.
The Defending Democracy Program is seeking a Senior Program Manager to lead numerous cross-team functions as outlined below. This seasoned Senior Program Manager must have strong program management and prioritization skills, be able to develop and implement corporate strategies, and work collaboratively across internal Microsoft and external stakeholders. This professional should have a solid understanding of and experience in relevant policy areas such as cybersecurity policy, disinformation defense and/or election security.
Responsibilities
The Senior Program Manager will:
Lead program management across the Defending Democracy Program, including
- Support core DDP initiatives and help drive external campaigns on key issues
- Be responsible for the team’s rhythm of business, including preparing for regular team meetings and developing high quality executive updates
- Coordinate the creation of internal and external team collateral and content
- Liaise with key internal stakeholders across the Corporate, External and Legal Affairs department (CELA) as well as key product teams
- Oversee research and budget management for the Defending Democracy Program and providing project management support for DDP and Digital Diplomacy leadership
- Provide counseling on key public policy and regulatory developments in the U.S. and key international markets related to election security, disinformation and democracy resilience issues
Strategy/Program Management
- Track and monitor policy-, industry-, or geographical-related issues and execute on Microsoft strategies and/or programs related to government affairs
- Contribute to the formation of Microsoft’s policy agenda and/or advocacy strategies
- Respond to issues by prioritizing, engaging relevant parties, and escalating matters or contacting a specialist, as appropriate
- Manage the implementation of Microsoft's strategic initiatives by directing collaboration between company business owners, suppliers, and external influencers (e.g., government policymakers); prepare and provide materials (e.g., strategy, policy briefings, other documentation) for internal stakeholders
Subject Matter Expertise and Influence
- Share and exchange ideas with key influencers to advance Microsoft's public policy agenda
- Gather and integrate external/internal data and other intelligence to assist with the preparation of position papers, policy briefings, presentations, and legislative testimony for legislative action
- Contribute to and/or implement creative solutions for advancing Microsoft policy and/or political agenda, while managing risks and consequences
Representing Microsoft
- Manage and coordinate internal/external events, including developing content, drafting materials, and driving social media engagement
- Collaborate with internal teams to ensure there is communications strategy in place
External Relationships
- Establish relationships with key governmental and non-governmental stakeholders (e.g., peer and industry organizations, think tanks, academics, businesses, community leaders) implements outreach strategies, and positions these partners as advocates for Microsoft's policy, political, and business priorities
- Support the execution of strategies and strategic projects that advance the Public Sector and other key business objectives by working with the government and academic partners
Internal Collaboration
- Lead, coordinate, and gain buy-in for intra-group and/or cross-group projects and holds others accountable by leveraging project management approaches
- Work with others to resolve cross-group priority conflicts and gain alignment across teams as needed to enable the achievement of shared business objectives
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand and align objectives, priorities, and resources
Other
Qualifications
Required/Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's Degree in Cybersecurity Policy, Public Policy, Public Administration, or related field AND 2+ years of experience in government affairs, corporate affairs, public policy, or government. OR 5+ years of experience in government affairs, corporate affairs, cybersecurity policy, or government
- Demonstrated experience in program management, policy analysis and executive briefings
- Solid practice in key cybersecurity/election security concepts and policy landscapes
In addition to the above, the Senior Program Manager must have the following key skills:
- 3+ years of experience in developing and managing strategic relationships to advocate and influence public/technology policy priorities
- Strong understanding of Microsoft products and services
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to engage with diverse stakeholders at various levels
- Ability to build, sustain, and grow relationships across internal teams and external partners
- Ability to incorporate different perspectives and collaborate, within Microsoft and with our partners, to drive outcomes
- Strong sense of commitment and drive to address complex challenges, individually and as part of a team
Redmond, WA or Washington, DC are the preferred locations for this position. The position will require some limited travel both within the U.S. and internationally, conditions permitting.
Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request via the Accommodation request form.
Benefits/perks listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Microsoft and the country where you work.
