Director of Communications for Washington State Affairs

Job ID: 200053279Posted: 2026-09-02Location: United States, Washington, RedmondSalary: USD $130,900 - $251,900 per yearEmployment type: Full-TimeWork site: 4 days / week in-officeRole type: Individual ContributorTravel: Less than 25%Profession: CommunicationsDiscipline: CommunicationsCompany: MicrosoftOverviewMicrosoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more, and we’re dedicated to this mission across every aspect of our company. As Director of Communications for Washington State Affairs, you will develop and lead the execution of our communications strategy for Microsoft’s work locally in the Puget Sound region and across Washington State. As part of Microsoft’s Public Affairs team, you will be responsible for building and maintaining key media relationships across the state in service of the company’s policy and programmatic efforts. This role will serve as a strategic partner to our state and local government affairs experts, working on community impact and public policy issues central to securing Microsoft’s future in the region, including education, transportation, public safety, and economic impact. We have an opportunity and a responsibility to engage the community on subjects that matter, and you can help bring these stories to life in partnership with our government affairs team, external partners, and key stakeholders across the company. To do this you will define, build and execute strategic communications efforts grounded in the work of Microsoft’s experts and leaders, and your work will help shape the direction of public policy and contribute to the understanding of Microsoft as a responsible citizen in Washington State. The position is based in Redmond, reporting to a Senior Director of Public Affairs. ResponsibilitiesIn this high-profile role, you’ll build and execute communications plans that help advance key narratives in support of Microsoft’s role as a constructive, engaged, and long-term partner in the community. You will serve as the company’s primary point of contact for media across the state of Washington, developing and maintaining relationships with local reporters, editors, and opinion leaders. Working with a team of professionals, you’ll strategically engage relevant audiences through social media and other digital platforms around key initiatives. In service of this work, you’ll engage with local and regional stakeholders on important community issues and initiatives. As a member of the larger Public Affairs team, you will partner with colleagues and subject matter experts to engage in both proactive and reactive media affairs and communications work. To be successful, you will have a working understanding of the intersection of communications and public policy and be skilled at working across a highly matrixed organization to leverage key communications opportunities and ensure strategy is followed with world class execution. QualificationsRequired/minimum qualificationsBachelor's Degree in Business, Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, Finance, or related field AND 6+ years communications, marketing operations, field operations, program management, project management, or related experienceOR equivalent experienceAdditional or preferred qualificationsMaster's Degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, Finance, or related field AND 8+ years communications, marketing operations, field operations, program management, project management, or related experienceOR Bachelor's Degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, Finance, or related field AND 12+ years communications, marketing operations, field operations, program management, project management, or related experienceOR equivalent experience.6+ years’ experience supporting senior executives in an executive communications role.3+ years’ experience working with social media platforms.Experience or working knowledge of local WA State policymakers, media relations, and political landscape.Experience with organizing in-person events, press conferences, or roundtables with senior executives and officials.Experience developing and executing communications and engagement plans and campaigns.Communications IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $130,900 - $251,900 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $165,600 - $272,300 per year. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.