Director of Communications, Windows + Devices

Overview Microsoft is seeking a Director of Communications, Windows + Devices to lead public relations and communications strategy for Windows + Devices, one of the company's most visible and fast-moving portfolios. This leader sets the vision, strategy, and long-range narrative for how Windows + Devices show up with media, creators, analysts, developers, partners, and customers around the world, and aligns communications priorities with product and business goals. The Director of Communications, Windows + Devices leads a team of five communications managers, partners closely with product, marketing, engineering, analyst relations, and creator teams, and serves as a trusted advisor to executives. The role owns the media and communications strategy for the product portfolio, drives planning for major launches and moments, and connects stories across Microsoft to surface opportunities that span areas such as gaming, security, and Copilot. Team and Scope The Windows + Devices communications team includes a group of five direct reports, complemented by agency and vendor support. Each team member owns a distinct area of the portfolio, and the Director is responsible for setting direction, balancing coverage, coaching the team for growth, and ensuring a seamless, one-team approach across the following areas: Windows platform and innovation Developer and AI platform communications Windows quality, updates, and customer trust Security, privacy, compliance, and resilience Windows commercial and Windows 365 Surface consumer and commercial devices Windows partner ecosystem, including Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and silicon Gaming and creator ecosystem storytelling Community engagement and the Windows Insider Program.

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.

In alignment with our Microsoft values, we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment for all employees to positively impact our culture every day.

Responsibilities Strategy and Narrative:

• Set the communications strategy and vision for Windows + Devices, aligning priorities with product and business goals and shaping long-range narratives across the portfolio.
• Lead planning for major launches and moments, driving clarity and alignment for seasonal campaigns and industry events.
• Establish and steward messaging standards to ensure a consistent narrative across announcements, milestones, and moments.
• Identify opportunities to tell cross-Microsoft stories that connect Windows to adjacent areas such as gaming, security, and Copilot.

Media & Influencer Relations:

• Own the global media and influencer relations strategy for the portfolio, building and maintaining relationships with technology, business, developer, and trade press.
• Direct reactive media strategy, including reporter talk tracks and timely, on-narrative responses to competitive and industry moments.
• Oversee device review and seeding programs in partnership with marketing, engineering, and creator teams.
• Lead onsite public relations at industry and partner events, setting guidance and best practices for the team.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Lead, coach, and develop a five-person team, setting clear direction and investing in each person's growth and career path.
• Manage stakeholder relationships across product and business leadership, navigating competing priorities with diplomacy.
• Partner with agency and vendor teams to extend the team's reach and impact.
• Own the team's rhythm of business, including planning cadences, weekly alignment forums, and reporting.

Other

• Embody our Culture and Values

Qualifications Required/minimum qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, Finance, or related field AND 6+ years experience in communications, public relations, or a related field, including a track record of leading strategic communications for major products, platforms, or brands
• OR equivalent experience.
• 1+ year(s) people management experience.

Additional or preferred qualifications

• Master's Degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, Finance, or related field AND 8+ years experience in communications, public relations, or a related field, including a track record of leading strategic communications for major products, platforms, or brands
• OR Bachelor's Degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, Finance, or related field AND 12+ years experience in communications, public relations, or a related field, including a track record of leading strategic communications for major products, platforms, or brands
• OR equivalent experience.
• 3+ years people management experience.
• Experience building and executing global media relations and public relations (PR) strategies
• Experience advising and supporting senior executives on communications and thought leadership.
• Experience managing multiple concurrent workstreams and high-visibility moments under deadline.
• Experience in technology, consumer electronics, or platform and developer communications.
• Experience with the Windows, Surface, and broader PC ecosystem, including OEM and silicon partners.
• Experience managing agency and vendor relationships and associated budgets.

Communications M5 - 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: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay

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.