Sr. Communications Manager – Issues Management Do you thrive under pressure and see opportunity in a crisis? Do you have strong judgement and feel confident in your ability to influence broad groups of people and make decisions to achieve the right outcome? If so, a Sr. Communications Manager on Microsoft's Issues Management team may be the fast-moving media strategy and communications position just for you. The Issues Management team is part of a world-class Communications Group and helps blunt and mitigate negative media activity to clear the way for your communications agenda while protecting the Microsoft brand. The Issues Management team influences the trust and favorability customers have of Microsoft, and the reputation of our products and services for customers. Your work will be focused on setting context for customers and the media during situations that require, and benefit from, timely and effective communications. Issues present in the position range across a wide spectrum
Define and execute on communications strategies for issues across a broad array of topics that may have significant corporate and/or product brand impact. Provide counsel and strategy to communications group partners, engineering and executives during an issue or crisis. Proactively provide response best practices to avoid potential pitfalls. This type of preventative consultation is the "proactive" avoidance expertise inherent in "reactive" issues management. Partner with communications groups across Microsoft to develop and implement response communications processes and procedures. Provide executive
Minimum Minimum of 7-10 years of public relations, or communications experience. Bachelor's degree or higher is required. Deep understanding of media relations and success in dealing with complex, strategic communications challenges. Previous experience managing issues or crisis. Preferred Sound problem identification, judgment, resolution and decision-making skills often in ambiguous situations. Excellent written communication skills maintained to a high standard during times of extreme time-pressure. An ability to assess the severity and priority of multiple incoming inquiries from press, customers