OverviewMicrosoft's Corporate, External and Legal Affairs (CELA) Department has an immediate opening in Washington, DC for a Senior Director, Public Sector Innovation .
In this role, you will help drive Microsoft's policy, regulatory, and government affairs strategy relating to the federal government's adoption of cloud and AI technologies. You will serve as a critical bridge between Microsoft's U.S. Government Affairs (USGA) team and the federal public sector business, working closely with leaders across Federal Civilian, National Security, and other public sector organizations to advance Microsoft's business objectives and strengthen the company's reputation as a trusted partner to government. This role will require close collaboration with Microsoft Federal, the Federal Civilian and National Security organizations, CELA headquarters teams, Public Affairs, engineering groups, and policy stakeholders across the company.
You will engage with policymakers, regulators, acquisition officials, agency leaders, trade associations, think tanks, and other stakeholders to influence the policy and procurement environment for cloud computing, cybersecurity, AI adoption, and digital transformation. You will also help position Microsoft as a thought leader on how technology can help government operate more effectively, securely, and responsibly.
The role requires demonstrated expertise in federal technology policy, procurement, government operations, or public sector innovation. Success in the role requires cross-company collaboration skills, sound judgment, and a proven ability to build trusted relationships across government and industry.
ResponsibilitiesFederal Public Sector Strategy & Business Partnership
- Serve as the primary USGA policy lead supporting Microsoft's federal public sector business.
- Partner closely with Federal Civilian and National Security business leaders to identify, assess, and advance policy and regulatory priorities that impact growth opportunities.
- Provide strategic counsel to senior executives regarding emerging federal technology, acquisition, and regulatory developments.
- Develop integrated advocacy strategies that align business objectives with Microsoft's broader public policy priorities.
Procurement Policy & Regulatory Engagement
- Monitor and influence federal procurement, acquisition, cybersecurity, and AI policy developments across the executive branch and Congress.
- Engage with officials at agencies such as GSA, OMB, and other departments responsible for federal technology policy and acquisition frameworks.
- Help shape procurement policies and regulations that encourage innovation, competition, responsible AI adoption, and modernization across government.
- Coordinate closely with Microsoft legal, compliance, and business teams to assess regulatory risks and opportunities.
AI Adoption & Government Innovation
- Advance Microsoft's efforts to help federal agencies adopt AI safely, securely, and responsibly.
- Promote policy frameworks that support effective government use of AI while building public trust.
- Develop and execute thought leadership strategies that demonstrate how AI can improve government services, mission delivery, scientific discovery, healthcare, public safety, and operational effectiveness.
- Help identify opportunities for pilot programs, partnerships, demonstrations, and other initiatives that showcase AI's positive impact on government outcomes.
Executive Branch Relationship Building
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with senior political, career, acquisition, and technology leaders throughout the federal government.
- Serve as a trusted resource to policymakers and agency leaders seeking to understand emerging technologies and digital transformation.
- Coordinate executive engagement opportunities for Microsoft leaders with key government stakeholders.
- Support strategic relationship management efforts across priority agencies and departments.
Thought Leadership & External Engagement
- Represent Microsoft in industry coalitions, trade groups, conferences, and public policy forums.
- Help shape and communicate Microsoft's perspectives on government modernization, procurement reform, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and AI adoption.
- Work with third-party organizations, academic institutions, think tanks, and policy experts to strengthen Microsoft's reputation as an innovative and responsible technology leader.
- Develop policy papers, presentations, speeches, and other materials for senior Microsoft executives.
Cross-Company Collaboration
- Collaborate closely with USGA, Public Affairs, Microsoft Federal, Engineering, Customer Security & Trust, the Office of Responsible AI, and other stakeholders.
- Build strong partnerships across Microsoft to ensure advocacy efforts are informed by customer needs, market realities, product roadmaps, and policy developments.
- Help coordinate company-wide responses to major public sector policy and regulatory issues.
QualificationsRequired/Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Political Science, Business Administration, Technology, Law, Engineering, or related field AND 10+ years of experience in government affairs, public policy, federal procurement, public sector technology, government service, congressional affairs, regulatory policy, or a related field.
- OR equivalent experience.
Additional or Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working within the federal government, Congress, a federal agency, public sector technology company, trade association, or consulting firm.
- Knowledge of federal acquisition, budgeting, procurement, and technology modernization processes.
- Familiarity with cloud computing, cybersecurity, AI, digital government, or emerging technology policy.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain senior-level relationships across government and industry.
- Experience advising executives and managing complex cross-functional initiatives.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment.
This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
