Senior Communications Manager

Senior Communications Manager

Welcome to one of the most dynamic and high-impact areas at Microsoft— Communications. The Microsoft AI (MAI) Communications Team is responsible for shaping, elevating, and protecting the narrative around Microsoft's AI innovations, research breakthroughs, products, and vision for the future of artificial intelligence. The team partners closely with AI researchers, engineers, product leaders, executives, and external stakeholders to ensure Microsoft's AI work is understood, differentiated, and trusted by key audiences.

Microsoft AI (MAI) is seeking a highly strategic and creative Senior Communications Manager to shape and amplify the story of our AI innovations, research breakthroughs, and industry vision. This role will play a critical part in elevating the visibility of Microsoft AI leaders, researchers, and technical professionals, ensuring their perspectives and contributions are recognized well beyond major product launches and news moments.

We are looking for a strategic communicator and skilled storyteller who is passionate about making complex ideas accessible and meaningful. In this role, you will bring Microsoft AI's innovations to life by translating technical breakthroughs, research advancements, and emerging technologies into compelling narratives that engage a wide range of audiences, including media, creators, developers, policymakers, customers, and the broader AI community.

The Senior Communications Manager will play a key part in shaping MAI's long-term narrative, proactive storytelling, and thought leadership across MAI's models, research, technical approach, people, and ambitions. This is a highly collaborative opportunity in a fast-paced, ever-evolving environment. We're looking for someone who enjoys both strategic planning and hands-on execution, embraces learning, thrives in ambiguity, and brings a growth mindset to every challenge. Most importantly, we're seeking a communicator who values diverse perspectives, builds inclusive partnerships, and is energized by the opportunity to help shape the future of AI alongside some of the industry's brightest minds.

At Microsoft, we believe innovation happens when people bring their unique backgrounds, experiences, and ideas together. If you're inspired by the opportunity to tell impactful stories, influence global conversations, and contribute to groundbreaking advancements in AI, we'd love to hear from you.

Responsibilities

• Develop proactive communications strategies and compelling stories that build understanding of MAI's models, research, technical approach, people, and long-term ambitions.
• Identify and develop compelling stories that connect technical advancements to MAI's broader strategy, vision, and role within Microsoft.
• Develop and execute thought leadership strategies for MAI executives and researchers across media, speaking, social, podcasts, events, and other influential platforms.
• Build and maintain relationships with reporters, creators, analysts, and other voices shaping conversations about AI.
• Create high-quality messaging and content, including briefing materials, executive content, blog posts, and other communications materials.
• Partner across communications, marketing, social, product, research, and other teams to reach developer, research, enterprise, and broader technology audiences through traditional and emerging channels.
• Support major model, research, and company news moments, while developing a sustained drumbeat of proactive storytelling between major launches.
• Monitor external narratives and emerging issues to identify opportunities and mitigate potential reputational risks.
• Contribute across the broader Microsoft AI communications portfolio as priorities evolve.

Other

• Embody our culture and values.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, Finance, or related field AND 4+ years communications, marketing operations, field operations, program management, project management, or related experience OR equivalent experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, English, or related field AND 6+ years of experience in communications, public relations, corporate communications, media relations, product communications, OR related disciplines.
• 5+ years of experience developing and executing communications, thought leadership, executive communications, or storytelling strategies for technology, AI, research, developer, or product organizations.
• Experience translating complex technical concepts, research, engineering advancements, or product innovations into clear and compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
• Experience managing high-profile announcement moments, product launches, research milestones, media engagements, or executive communications initiatives.
• Experience building relationships and working collaboratively with technical leaders, researchers, engineers, product teams, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Proficient writing, storytelling, and media relations skills.
• Ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of artificial intelligence (AI), technology, and innovation landscape, including industry trends, competitive dynamics, and emerging technologies.
• Comfort with ambiguity and ability to pivot quickly based on business priorities.
• Familiarity with AI models, research, evaluations, or the broader AI landscape.

Communications IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $106,400 - $203,600 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 $137,600 - $222,600 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.