Director of Communications

Microsoft•Redmond, WA

1d•$130,900 - $272,300

About The Position

Microsoft Security is seeking a Director of Communications to shape and amplify the company’s voice on cybersecurity, AI, and trust amid an increasingly complex risk and threat landscape. The director serves as a manager on the Microsoft Security PR team, overseeing team members and leading strategic communications programs that elevate Microsoft’s thought leadership. The role spans technology innovation, corporate reputation, executive communications, media relations, crisis support, and strategic storytelling. The director will advise executives, translate technical concepts into compelling narratives, and lead integrated communications efforts that advance business priorities and reinforce Microsoft’s security leadership. The role supports high-profile security product and AI initiatives, strengthens executive visibility, influences industry conversations, and builds alignment across Microsoft’s communications and business organizations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field, and 6+ years of communications, public relations, journalism, public affairs, executive communications, or related experience; or equivalent experience.
At least 1 year of people management experience.
Ability to synthesize technical subject matter into compelling business and customer stories.

Nice To Haves

5+ years of dedicated cybersecurity experience in product categories or disciplines such as endpoint security, anti-malware, identity, threat intelligence, vulnerability management, or 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, including drafting content, measuring impact, analyzing coverage, and communications planning.
Experience with international communications planning and execution, working with PR teammates and agencies across regions.
Crisis communications experience.
Experience leading communications strategies for high-profile launches, issues, or industry moments.

Responsibilities

Develop and drive Microsoft Security’s thought leadership strategy across cybersecurity, AI security, and related areas.
Identify opportunities for Microsoft to shape industry dialogue and contribute to conversations involving customers, industry partners, media, creators in the security community, and other stakeholders.
Partner with executives and subject matter experts to create differentiated narratives grounded in customer impact, innovation, and market relevance.
Advise senior leaders on proactive and reactive communications strategies that strengthen Microsoft’s reputation and visibility on security and trust.
Serve as a trusted communications advisor to senior security executives and business leaders.
Develop executive visibility strategies across media, speaking engagements, social platforms, industry events, and thought leadership opportunities.
Create executive messaging, talking points, keynote content, bylined articles, social content, briefing materials, and strategic narratives.
Anticipate emerging issues, industry trends, and opportunities requiring executive engagement and communications leadership.
Lead integrated narratives connecting Microsoft’s security innovations, customer impact, research, and AI advancements.
Translate complex technical topics into clear, credible, and engaging content for broad audiences.
Partner with engineering, research, product, policy, and marketing teams to identify stories demonstrating Microsoft’s leadership and differentiation.
Ensure alignment across corporate, product, and executive communications.
Direct communications strategies for top-tier media and creator engagement programs.
Advise on proactive and reactive communications related to industry trends, product innovations, and security developments.
Partner with agency teams and internal stakeholders to identify opportunities to expand reach and influence among key audiences.
Support executive preparation and engagement for high-profile interviews, events, and external appearances.
Lead complex communications initiatives across matrixed organizations and stakeholder groups, including Microsoft communications teams.
Build partnerships across Security, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, Marketing, Research, Product Engineering, and executive leadership.
Drive alignment among stakeholders while balancing competing priorities and business needs; influence without authority and connect functions and communications disciplines.
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 communications activities.
Establish frameworks, processes, and best practices to improve how Microsoft Security tells its story at scale.