Director - Government Affairs

Overview Are you an experienced public policy and government affairs leader with a track record of shaping complex policy outcomes, advising senior executives and building trusted relationships across government, industry and civil society?

Are you passionate about technology and Microsoft’s mission to empower every person and organisation in Australia and New Zealand to achieve more? If so, Microsoft’s Corporate, External and Legal Affairs Department (CELA) is looking for a Director-level leader to help advance Microsoft’s policy, advocacy and external engagement priorities.

CELA helps Microsoft navigate complex regulatory, policy and geopolitical issues. We are looking for a senior government affairs professional with strong judgement, strategic influence and deep understanding of the political, policy and regulatory environment in Australia and New Zealand to lead priority work across technology policy, government engagement and cross-functional advocacy.

The successful candidate will lead engagement with policymakers, industry, civil society and internal stakeholders on significant technology policy issues including AI, digital infrastructure, cyber resilience, the future of work and international affairs.

The role will primarily focus on Australia and New Zealand, while contributing to regional and global policy alignment where relevant. Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals.

Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond. Responsibilities This Director-level position will help shape and lead Microsoft’s engagement in technology-related policy discussions, including AI, digital infrastructure, cyber resilience and the future of work, and strengthen Microsoft’s relationships with government, intergovernmental organisations, academia, industry and civil society on areas of shared strategic interest.

The successful candidate will lead the planning, coordination and delivery of Microsoft’s government and industry affairs activities. They will work closely with CELA colleagues, sales teams, communications, legal, regulatory and compliance specialists, and senior business leaders to advance policy objectives, manage strategic issues and support digital transformation across Australia and New Zealand.

The position will focus on: Advocacy campaigns: Lead the development and delivery of policy campaigns through strategic planning, evidence-based advocacy, stakeholder mapping, executive briefing, coalition-building and coordinated engagement.

Drive clear communication across internal and external stakeholder groups and help advance Microsoft’s organisational priorities. Strategic relations: Build and maintain trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across government, industry, civil society and academia.

This work will include representing Microsoft in senior external forums, preparing executive engagements and ensuring follow-through on strategically important relationships and commitments. Research and insights: Monitor policy, political and regulatory developments and translate emerging trends into clear strategic advice for senior leaders.

This work will include developing insights, maintaining intelligence tools and identifying opportunities and risks that inform Microsoft’s priorities in Australia and New Zealand. Strategic issues management: Lead cross-team work on significant policy and corporate affairs issues that require coordination across Microsoft.

This may include driving local implementation of global projects, contributing Australia and New Zealand perspectives into regional and global policy initiatives, and advising on issues with reputational, regulatory or commercial significance.

Qualifications Required Qualifications (RQs) Bachelor's Degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Law, Communications, Economics, International Relations, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field AND 10+ years of work experience in government affairs, public policy, parliamentary or ministerial offices, policy consultancy, communications, media, legal, regulatory, corporate affairs, or related area OR equivalent experience Experience leading complex public policy, advocacy, or government affairs initiatives involving multiple stakeholders across government, industry, and community sectors.

Experience developing policy positions, advocacy strategies, and executive-level recommendations on complex regulatory or public policy issues. Demonstrated experience building and maintaining trusted relationships with senior government officials, advisers, industry leaders, researchers, community stakeholders, and executive leaders.

Experience anticipating, analyzing, and influencing policy and regulatory developments, particularly on technology-related issues. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with experience leading cross-functional initiatives and delivering executive-ready advice in fast-paced and ambiguous environments.

Preferred Qualifications (PQs) Bachelor's Degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Law, Communications, Economics, International Relations, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field AND 15+ years of work experience in government affairs, public policy, parliamentary or ministerial offices, policy consultancy, communications, media, legal, regulatory, corporate affairs, or related area OR equivalent experience 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.