Assistant General Counsel, Responsible Business Practices

Microsoft•Redmond, WA

About The Position

The Corporate External and Legal Affairs (CELA) organization is seeking a Senior Director, Responsible Business Practices to lead Microsoft’s Responsible Business Practices team within Tech for Society. This role will provide strategic leadership, legal guidance, and operational oversight to advance Microsoft’s responsible business practices globally, supporting compliance with legal and regulatory obligations, strengthening responsible sourcing and supply chain commitments, and helping to ensure the company operates transparently and in alignment with its principles and human rights commitments. As Assistant General Counsel, Responsible Business Practices, you will lead an established team and own the strategy, execution, and continuous evolution of Microsoft’s responsible business practices portfolio. You will serve as a trusted advisor across the company, partnering closely with product, engineering, supply chain, procurement, and policy teams to integrate trust, integrity, and respect for human rights into business decisions and operations. The role also includes significant engagement with external stakeholders to incorporate diverse perspectives and strengthen accountability. Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more, and we are dedicated to this mission across every aspect of our company. Our Culture is centered on embracing a growth mindset and encouraging teams and leaders to bring their best each day. Join us and help shape the future of the world.

Requirements

Juris Doctor Degree or international equivalent degree AND 9+ years experience as a practicing attorney
Active license to practice law in a jurisdiction and capable of meeting admission requirements in relevant jurisdiction.

Nice To Haves

8+ years of experience working as Counsel within private sector or industry, specializing in matters related to responsible sourcing and supply chain commitments and human rights; or equivalent experience.
3+ years people management experience.
3+ years of experience building, scaling, and operationalizing responsible business, supply chain integrity, or human rights programs.
Experience advising on complex issues at the intersection of business, ethics, governance, and risk.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage the Responsible Business Practices team, setting strategic direction, priorities, and operating rhythms across the portfolio.
Own the strategy and execution of Microsoft’s responsible business practices, ensuring alignment with company values, risk management priorities, and long‑term business objectives.
Provide principled leadership and sound judgment on complex human rights and governance issues, including matters that require escalation to senior leadership.
Mentor and develop team members, fostering a culture of collaboration, rigor, accountability, and trust.
Serve as a trusted advisor to product, engineering, supply chain, procurement, and other cross‑company partners on responsible business and human rights considerations.
Provide legal and strategic guidance on responsible sourcing, human rights risk management, governance, and accountability across Microsoft’s business activities.
Lead or advise on complex, sensitive, and time‑critical responsible business and human rights matters, including incident response and crisis management.
Collaborate closely with colleagues across CELA, policy, security, risk, and operations to address multifaceted and cross‑functional challenges.
Oversee the design and execution of responsible business programs, processes, and governance frameworks across the company.
Lead human rights due diligence efforts, including risk identification, assessment, mitigation, monitoring, and continuous improvement across products, operations, and partnerships.
Ensure effective tracking, documentation, and internal accountability for responsible business initiatives.
Manage and oversee the Responsible Business Practices team budget, including planning, tracking, and ensuring resources are aligned with strategic priorities.
Drive operational excellence by strengthening processes, improving efficiency, and scaling impact across the portfolio.
Oversee transparency and disclosure related to responsible business practices, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and credibility across public‑facing materials and stakeholder communications.
Lead Microsoft’s engagement with the Human Rights Advisory Council and manage relationships with relevant third‑party organizations, experts, and stakeholders.
Engage with civil society, industry groups, and other external partners to incorporate independent perspectives and inform Microsoft’s responsible business approach.
Represent Microsoft in external forums related to responsible business practices, as appropriate.
Champion Microsoft’s culture and values by embedding integrity and respect for human rights into business decision‑making.
Promote transparency, accountability, and trust internally and externally.
Embody our culture and values