Senior Director of Washington State Government Affairs

Microsoft is committed to supporting an economically vibrant Washington state where everyone can live, work, and thrive. For more than two decades, we have championed an education system and transportation network to build a robust talent pipeline and infrastructure. Today, our focus has expanded to increasing the supply of affordable housing, driving sustainability, strengthening the nonprofit community, and cultivating a more civically engaged business ecosystem. 

To advance these goals, we are seeking a Senior Director of Washington State Government Affairs to join our team. This position requires a strategic, relationship-oriented leader who can work across political ideologies and sectors, partnering with elected officials, agency leaders, advocacy organizations, and internal Microsoft teams including business leaders, legal, communications, and philanthropy. 

This position will lead Microsoft’s engagement with Washington State government, including executive and legislative branches, on a broad range of policy priorities that shape the long-term health and prosperity of our home state. It will also work closely with the U.S. Public Sector sales organization to help accelerate digital transformation and responsible AI adoption in state government. 

The Senior Director of Washington State Government Affairs will report to the General Manager, Washington State Program, in the Office of the Vice Chair and President (CELA HQ). The position will be based at the Microsoft.

Responsibilities

Policy Advocacy & Legislative Engagement 

• Develop and execute strategies to advance Microsoft’s state-level policy priorities. Lead the formation of Microsoft’s policy agenda and positions relevant to Washington state. 
• Build trusted, nonpartisan relationships with state elected officials, executive branch leaders, and key staff. 
• Track, analyze, and shape policies, legislation, and regulations that impact Microsoft’s business and community efforts. 
• Anticipate and address novel issues and opportunities facing Microsoft and the technology industry in a rapidly changing and ambiguous environment. 

Public Sector Enablement

• Collaborate with U.S. Public Sector and Industry Solutions teams to accelerate cloud and AI adoption by Washington state agencies. 
• Develop and maintain an understanding of Microsoft products and services and their suitability for various government functions and their competitive advantages. 

Strategic Partnerships & Ecosystem Building 

• Represent Microsoft in key coalitions, trade associations, and civic organizations. Build support for and advance solutions to our state’s most pressing issues and opportunities. 
• Maintains and grows relationships with key political leadership, think tanks, trade organizations, and community organizations. Identifies for opportunities to partner on public policy issues. 

Internal Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration 

• Provide political and policy insight to help Microsoft business units engage effectively with state leaders and government customers. Advise executive leadership on complex and critical issues. 
• Partner with Microsoft’s Philanthropies, Communications, and Community Engagement teams to support integrated external strategies. 

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Political Science, Business Administration, Technology, Law, Liberal Arts, Engineering, or related field AND 8+ years work experience in government affairs, public policy, government service, or government consulting with significant time spent working in or with Washington State government or related area
• Experience developing and executing policy strategies that deliver impact in complex political environments. 
• OR equivalent experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships across government, business, and community sectors. 
• Experience representing organizations externally and working across large, matrixed teams internally. 
• Self-starter with an ability to lead and motivate others, embrace big challenges, learn new topics, and collaborate and coordinate effectively across organizations. 
• Experience working in the technology industry or with tech policy issues (e.g., data privacy, AI governance, cybersecurity, digital equity).
• Familiarity with corporate responsibility, philanthropic partnerships, and ESG principles.
• Understanding of local and regional dynamics in the Puget Sound region. 
• Experience managing contract consultants and creating clarity in priorities and objectives.  

Government Affairs IC6 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $160,700 - $284,400 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 $207,700 - $311,500 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

Microsoft will accept applications for the role until October 03, 2025

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.  We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request via the Accommodation request form.

Benefits/perks listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Microsoft and the country where you work.

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