State Government Affairs, Senior Director

Microsoft•Washington, DC

About The Position

Are you passionate about shaping the future through collaboration between the public and private sectors? Microsoft is dedicated to driving positive change by partnering with governments and communities to advance key economic and societal priorities. We are excited to invite a dynamic leader to serve as State Government Affairs, Senior Director, helping steer impactful initiatives across eastern states. In this influential role, you’ll engage with local and state officials, build meaningful relationships, and champion strategies that reflect Microsoft’s core values while advancing important policy and business goals. You will help guide Microsoft’s positions on critical topics—like technology, innovation, privacy, education, and more—while leading a skilled team focused on making a difference. If you’re ready to make your mark at the intersection of business, government, and community, we encourage you to explore this opportunity to join our team. As State Government Affairs, Senior Director, you will advocate Microsoft’s legislative and executive branch lobbying efforts at the state and local levels, playing a pivotal role in shaping policy outcomes. You’ll collaborate closely with the U.S. Public Sector sales organization to drive the adoption of Microsoft’s products, services, and solutions among government and education clients. Acting as a key external representative for Microsoft, you will engage with government officials, regulators, influential stakeholders, and third-party organizations to champion our public policy and business priorities. This high-impact position also interacts with senior Microsoft leaders and executives, as well as a broad range of internal and external audiences, amplifying Microsoft’s voice and advancing strategic goals. This role will report to the State Government Affairs, GM.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, or a related field, plus 8+ years of experience in government affairs, corporate affairs, public policy, or government, or related area
OR equivalent experience.

Nice To Haves

A track record (8+ years) of building and managing strategic relationships to champion public and technology policy priorities.
Direct experience with lobbying and designing/executing policy campaigns, ideally in partnership with external consultants.
Familiarity with emerging technology policy issues, or the ability to quickly master complex technical and regulatory topics.
Experience crafting responses to legislative and policy processes.
Exceptional political awareness, analytical ability, and government relations expertise.

Responsibilities

Strategy & Program Leadership:
Set the strategic vision for Microsoft’s government affairs initiatives in the Eastern Region of the U.S, including assigned states and localities driving high-impact programs that deliver on policy, regulatory, and political objectives.
Lead the design and execution of key policy campaigns, collaborating across functions locally and globally to amplify Microsoft’s voice.
Inspire and manage a team of high-performing government affairs professionals and external consultants, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.
Policy Development & Advocacy:
Shape Microsoft’s policy agenda on a diverse set of issues—such as technology, privacy, AI, education, and healthcare—by crafting innovative campaigns that move the needle.
Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, offering insight and counsel on complex, high-stakes challenges facing the company and the broader industry.
Anticipate emerging opportunities and threats in a fast-changing environment and lead the development of forward-thinking strategies to address them.
Oversee compliance with all lobbying regulations in the region, ensuring Microsoft maintains the highest standards of integrity and transparency.
Stakeholder Engagement:
Direct advocacy efforts to shape regulations and legislation, working alongside coalitions and interest groups to secure outcomes that benefit Microsoft’s products, customers, and communities.
Cultivate and sustain influential relationships with elected officials, regulators, and opinion leaders, building Microsoft’s reputation as a trusted partner and thought leader.
Subject Matter Expertise & Influence:
Leverage partnerships with external influencers to propel Microsoft’s policy and political agenda at the state and local level.
Gather and apply strategic intelligence from your network of senior executives and stakeholders to inform Microsoft’s future direction.
Advise and collaborate with executives to secure buy-in on policy positions, and prepare leaders for public testimony on critical and complex issues.
Champion innovative solutions and cutting-edge initiatives that advance Microsoft’s long-term vision and priorities.
External Relationships:
Drive the creation of strategic alliances with a diverse range of partners—from government agencies to think tanks and community leaders—aligning interests and turning stakeholders into advocates for Microsoft’s policy and business goals.
Provide thought leadership to overcome regulatory hurdles, partnering closely with the Public Sector and key business leaders to unlock new market opportunities.
Internal Collaboration:
Lead and collaborate on high-impact, cross-group projects—including those involving senior executives—to develop actionable, scalable solutions for Microsoft’s most pressing challenges.
Resolve competing policy perspectives by working with Microsoft’s senior leaders in both legal and business units, ensuring a unified, company-wide approach to high-visibility issues.
Influence and align with senior internal stakeholders and subject matter experts to drive shared objectives and priority outcomes.
Coordinate communications across departments to guarantee all stakeholders stay informed and engaged on evolving issues.