Microsoft

Senior Executive Communications Manager

Microsoft • $106K — $203K *
Redmond, WA 98052In-Person
Information Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Today
Be an Early Applicant
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in relevant field or equivalent experience.
  • 4+ years in communications, marketing operations, or related areas.
  • 8+ years in executive communications or journalism preferred.
  • Experience writing keynotes and speeches for large audiences.
  • Familiarity with technology domains such as software, AI, and cloud.
  • Proven ability coaching C-suite executives on delivery and messaging.

Responsibilities

  • Define and manage external narrative architecture aligned with Microsoft's strategy.
  • Translate complex technical concepts into clear, engaging stories for various audiences.
  • Collaborate with marketing and PR teams to craft consistent messaging during product news cycles.
  • Develop thought-leadership content across multiple platforms to establish industry presence.
  • Lead the creation of impactful keynotes for industry events from concept to script.
  • Prepare executives for major external events through comprehensive briefings and rehearsal processes.
  • Facilitate cross-functional partnerships to enhance communication strategies.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health benefits for employees and their families.
  • Generous paid parental leave and flexible vacation policies.
  • Professional development opportunities and tuition assistance.
  • Positive work-life balance with remote work options.
  • Access to company wellness programs and resources.
Full Job Description
Responsibilities

Narrative Development (External-Facing)
  • Define and steward the EVP and select additional leaders external narrative architecture - the core point of view, proof points, and storylines that ladder up to Microsoft's broader product and AI strategy.
  • Translate complex technical strategy, product roadmaps, and engineering bets into clear, differentiated stories for developers, customers, partners, press, and analysts.
  • Help build and devise key messages with supporting evidence at key points in product and industry news cycles, in partnership with product marketing group (PMG) & public relations (PR).
  • Partner with product, research, and corporate communications teams to ensure message consistency across launches, milestones, and reactive moments.
  • Develop signature thought-leadership platforms - blogs, op-eds, LinkedIn posts, podcast appearances, and long-form interviews - that build durable industry voice.

Keynote & Speech Development
  • Own end-to-end keynote development for major industry and customer moments (e.g., M365 Conference, Power Platform, Inner Circle, Microsoft Build, Ignite, customer summits, partner events, third-party industry conferences).
  • Lead the keynote process from concept and outline through final script, including demo storytelling, customer proof, and the through-line that ties technical announcements to a human narrative.
  • Collaborate with engineering leaders, product marketing, design, and demo teams to land technically precise content with cinematic clarity on stage.
  • Iterate quickly - you're comfortable taking a draft from a sticky-note outline to a 45-minute keynote in days, not weeks, and rewriting it the night before when the demo changes.

Events Strategy & Production Prep
  • Build the EVP's annual external moments plan in partnership with the Chief of Staff, communications leadership, and event teams - prioritizing where the executive shows up and why.
  • Lead executive prep for tier-one external events: briefing decks, run-of-show, audience analysis, message maps, Q&A prep, social amplification, and post-event measurement.
  • Partner with production, design, and audio-video (AV) teams to shape the on-stage experience - visuals, demos, segment pacing, and stagecraft - so the message and the moment reinforce each other.
  • Manage customer councils and executive roundtables connected to event moments.

Speaker Management & Coaching
  • Serve as the EVP and leadership team's primary speech and presence coach - running rehearsals, giving direct feedback, and partnering on delivery, pacing, and audience connection.
  • Build the briefing discipline that ensures the EVP walks into every external moment fully prepared: who's in the room, what they care about, what we want them to leave believing, and what we will not say.
  • Anticipate and prepare for tough questions - competitive, regulatory, AI safety, customer concerns - with crisp, on-strategy responses.

Internal Communications (~20%)
  • Craft the EVP's voice for internal moments - all-hands, town halls, written notes to the organization, and culture-defining communications.
  • Ensure internal and external narratives are tightly aligned so employees hear the strategy from their leader before they read it in the press.
  • Partner with the Chief of Staff and HR communications on org-shaping moments (reorgs, leadership changes, milestone announcements).

Cross-Functional Partnership
  • Operate as a trusted advisor to the EVP and their leadership team - bringing judgment, candor, and a strategic point of view, not just execution.
  • Partner deeply with Product Marketing, Corporate Communications, PR, Brand, Social, and the broader Engineering Comms community.


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, Journalism, English, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field AND 8+ years of executive communications, speechwriting, corporate communications, or journalism experience.
    • OR equivalent experience.
  • 4+ years of experience writing for, advising, or directly supporting C-suite or senior executive principals.
  • Demonstrated experience writing keynotes, scripts, or long-form speeches delivered to audiences of 1,000+ and to media/analyst audiences.
  • Experience communicating about technology - software, cloud, AI, developer platforms, or adjacent technical domains.
  • Deep familiarity with the developer, enterprise IT, AI, or cloud landscape - you can hold your own in a technical review and know what questions to ask.
  • Proven ability to coach senior executives on delivery, presence, and message discipline - with the confidence to give a principal direct feedback.
  • Experience producing keynotes and demos for tier-one industry events (Build, Ignite, re:Invent, Google I/O, WWDC, Davos, or comparable) from a communications seat.
  • Track record of building thought-leadership platforms - LinkedIn presence, podcast strategy, op-eds, or signature blog franchises - that move industry conversation.
  • Sound judgment under pressure; fluency with reactive comms, sensitive moments, and ambiguity.
  • Effective cross-functional operator: you can navigate Microsoft's scale, build coalitions across PR, AR, Product, Brand, and Engineering, and move work forward without formal authority.
  • A genuine passion for technology - you read the research, follow the launches, and have opinions about where the industry is headed.


Communications IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $106,400.00 - $203,600.00 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 $137,600.00 - $222,600.00 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.

About Microsoft

Microsoft is an American multinational corporation that develops, manufactures, licenses, supports, and sells a range of software products and services. Microsoft’s devices and consumer (D&C) licensing segment licenses the Windows operating system and related software, Microsoft Office for consumers, and the Windows Phone operating system. The company’s computing and gaming hardware segment provides Xbox gaming and entertainment consoles and accessories, second-party and third-party video games, and Xbox Live subscriptions; surface devices and accessories; and Microsoft PC accessories. Its phone hardware segment offers Lumia smartphones and other non-Lumia phones. Its D&C segment provides Windows Store, Xbox Live transactions, and Windows phone store; search advertising; display advertising; Office 365 Home and Office 365 Personal; first-party video games; and other consumer products and services as well as operating retail stores. Microsoft’s commercial licensing segments license server products, including Windows Server, Microsoft SQL Server, Visual Studio, System Center, and related Client Access Licenses (CALs); Windows Embedded; Windows operating system; Microsoft Office for business, including Office, Exchange, SharePoint, Lync, and related CALs; Microsoft Dynamics business solutions; and Skype. Its commercial segment offers enterprise services, including premier support services and Microsoft consulting services; commercial cloud comprising Office 365 Commercial, other Microsoft Office online offerings, Dynamics CRM Online, and Microsoft Azure; and other commercial products and online services. The company markets and distributes its products through original equipment manufacturers, distributors, and resellers, as well as online.

Microsoft Careers

Join Microsoft today and be part of a company that values innovation, leadership, and diversity in its workforce. As a global leader in technology and digital transformation, Microsoft offers unparalleled job opportunities that propel your career to new heights.

Explore Career Opportunities at Microsoft

Whether you're a seasoned professional looking for your next challenge or a recent graduate eager to start your career, Microsoft has a position that suits your skills and ambitions. We are committed to fostering a culture of growth and learning, where every team member is supported in expanding their horizons.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with a Microsoft internship. Our internships provide invaluable workplace experience and networking opportunities in a supportive and dynamic environment. You'll work on real projects, learn from industry leaders, and gain the skills necessary for a successful career in technology.

Employment Benefits

Choosing a career at Microsoft means more than just a job. Our employees enjoy a range of benefits designed to empower them both professionally and personally. These include comprehensive health benefits, flexible working conditions, and opportunities for career advancement through professional development and diversity training.

Inclusive Culture and Diversity

At Microsoft, we believe that innovation comes from diversity of thought and inclusion. We are committed to a workplace where everyone feels valued and inspired. Our leadership is dedicated to fostering an environment where diverse perspectives lead to breakthrough innovations and a competitive edge.

Grow with Us

Career growth at Microsoft is about more than climbing the corporate ladder; it's about continuous learning, expanding your skills, and improving your capabilities. With access to various leadership and training programs, you can evolve as a professional and make a significant impact within the company and on the global stage.

Hiring Process

Our hiring process is designed to identify true potential. Starting with a review of your resume, followed by interviews that assess your problem-solving abilities and cultural fit, we ensure that all candidates have a fair chance to demonstrate their strengths and potential to contribute to our team.

Networking and Professional Development

Microsoft is a place where you can build a professional network that spans the globe. Our employees benefit from connections with top-tier professionals and industry leaders, which opens doors to innovative projects and collaborative opportunities that are second to none.

Join Our Team

If you're ready to take on exciting challenges and make a difference in the world of technology, explore the job opportunities at Microsoft. Search for open positions that match your skills and interests, and prepare to embark on a rewarding career path filled with innovation and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest at Microsoft Careers by subscribing to our job alert emails. Get tailored content that aligns with your career preferences and discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Microsoft.

SEARCH MICROSOFT JOBS

At Microsoft, your future is limitless. Join us in our mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. Your journey with Microsoft starts here.
Learn more about Microsoft
Size
181,000 employees
Market Cap
$1,762.4 billion
Industry
Enterprise Technology
Net Income
$51.3 billion
Founded
1975
5 Year Trend
+15.5%
Revenue
$153.2 billion
NASDAQ
MSFT
* Ladders Estimates

Similar Jobs

Ad banner background

Get Ready For Your
Next Interview

More Jobs at Microsoft

More Information Technology Jobs

Find similar Senior Executive Communications Manager jobs:

NationwideRedmond, WA