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We are looking for a dynamic, highly motivated Government Affairs professional to help support Microsoft’s global cloud expansion in EMEA.

Microsoft’s datacenter organization – Microsoft Cloud Operations & Innovation (CO+I) – is leading the company’s investments in infrastructure to meet customer demand for Microsoft cloud services. See http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/server-cloud/cloud-os/global-datacenters.aspx.

Both CO+I, and the legal team supporting it, are growing to help drive these investments for the company. This is a unique opportunity for a Government Affairs professional to help build the hyperscale infrastructure for Microsoft’s rapidly expanding global cloud.

As Microsoft’s cloud business has grown, so too has the need for additional coordination and outreach to the range of public sector legislative and regulatory bodies whose decisions are needed to enable datacenter facility growth and the related need to access an adequate supply of clean energy and water.

Responsibilities

• Cloud infrastructure – coordinate government and public affairs support to Microsoft’s growing portfolio of data center facilities in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. You support all aspects of data center development and operation including land acquisition, incentives, permitting, and infrastructure support.
• You provide coordination and outreach by developing strong working relationships with state and local governments, public utility districts, investor-owned utilities, and public utility commissions, as well as working with state and local economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, and industry coalitions. If necessary, you will engage appropriate lobbyists (in coordination with the CELA team), legal support, and utility industry expertise and coordinating their activities to ensure approval of policies, regulations, and contracts that enable datacenter facility growth and the related need to enable predictable planning, zoning and permitting, and access an adequate supply of clean energy and water.
• Initial markets for engagement will be existing and proposed data center facilities in Ireland, Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, UK, Spain and supporting these facilities will range in scope from working with local municipalities, regional, national and EU governments and legislative initiatives.
• Strategy/Program Management - You develop strategic policy goals and execute corporate public policy agenda and/or programs, creating and managing matrixed, highly complex project timelines, budgets, and plans; you are a subject matter expert and assess regulatory and/or legislative impact on Microsoft's goals and objectives; you develop and gather an intelligence network of data and relationship interactions.
• Program Development - You shape Microsoft's policy agenda to address complex governmental issues/affairs and business priorities, and develop and/or recommend highly impactful solutions for advancing the agenda while managing risks and consequences; you develop processes to facilitate program outreach and execution, assessing the feasibility of extending the program to advance Microsoft's policy and/or political agenda.
• Issue Resolution - You advise on and respond to key strategic issues, recommending prioritized actions, ensuring alignment with stakeholder positions, and escalating matters, as appropriate.
• External Communication - You direct and align complex or conflicting policy with Microsoft's goals and strategies; you enhance company reputation by driving a communication framework and messaging for Government Affairs; you participate in and assist in developing internal/external events to drive Government Affairs' objectives and social media engagement.
• External Relationships - You develop and influence partnerships with datacenter trade associations and coalitions, and relevant interests groups to achieve desired regulatory and/or legislative outcomes; you lead the implementation of improvements to initiatives based on community and stakeholder feedback; you establish Microsoft's reputation as a globally trusted provider of technology and you assist in navigating and minimizing roadblocks.

Qualifications

• Business Acumen - The ability to understand the parts of the business and their interrelationships. This includes skill in understanding the industry, competition, and expected future developments and challenges, the business's competitive strengths and weaknesses, opportunities to grow the business and reduce operating costs; and awareness of the environment for opportunities.
• Formal Presentations - The ability to create and deliver formal presentations to others. This includes sharing information on a range of topics in a clear, concise, engaging and convincing manner; commanding the audience’s attention; developing effective presentation materials (e.g., handouts, visual aids); and handling questions or argumentative positions from the audience.
• Corporate Partnerships - The ability to develop and leverage strategic internal and external partnerships and networks to maximize the achievement of business goals. This includes the ability to lead key community outreach and involvement initiatives; engage key stakeholders in the development, execution, and evaluation of business plans and initiatives; and support associate efforts in these areas.
• Networking - The ability to build and maintain a professional network internally and with individuals outside the organization to share information, promote collaboration, and optimize individual and organizational effectiveness.
• Relationship Management - The ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with supervisors, staff, managers, customers, and vendors. This includes expressing empathy and compassion when dealing with the needs and problems of others, being approachable, taking time to address the concerns of coworkers, and treating others with respect and dignity.
• Government Operations - Knowledge of government operations, practices, and stakeholders. This includes the ability to utilize this information in the planning and execution of company activities and events.
• Technology Policy - The ability to understand, anticipate, and forecast the impact of technology on policy. This includes knowledge and awareness of technology concepts, evolution, innovation, and internal and external technological advancements and trends; and of policy related to technology, including Cloud, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, devices, accessibility, privacy, telecommunications, and internet topics.

Required/Minimum Qualifications

• Experience in government affairs, corporate affairs, public policy, or government.
• Experience in developing and managing strategic relationships to advocate and influence public/technology policy priorities.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with applicable law, 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 and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.