Head of Government Affairs, Anz

Are you a visionary leader who can shape and execute Microsoft’s policy agenda in Australia and New Zealand? Do you have a deep understanding of the political and regulatory landscape and a strong network of stakeholders across government, industry, academia, and civil society? Do you want to work for a company that is empowering every person and organisation in Australia and New Zealand to achieve more through technology? If so, Microsoft’s Corporate, External and Legal Affairs Department (CELA) is looking for you.

CELA is an organization that helps Microsoft navigate complex global regulatory and geopolitical challenges, and we are seeking a seasoned professional to lead our government affairs team in Australia and New Zealand.

You will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies and campaigns to advance Microsoft's interests and values on a wide range of technology-related public policy issues, such as AI, cloud, privacy, cybersecurity, digital transformation, trade, and social inclusion. You will also manage a team of senior government affairs practitioners across Australia and New Zealand, and provide them with guidance, coaching, and support. You will report to Head of CELA for Australia New Zealand and work closely with the senior leaders of the business groups in the subsidiaries, as well as with the CELA teams across the region and global headquarters.

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate strategic thinking, leadership, collaboration, communication, and influence skills, as well as a passion for technology and its potential to drive positive change in society. You should have at least 15 years of relevant work experience in government affairs, public affairs, public policy, or a related field, and a bachelor's or preferably advanced degree in public policy, political science, law, or another relevant field. You should also have a proven track record of building and maintaining relationships with senior government officials, policy makers, industry partners, and other key stakeholders.

This role is based in Canberra.

**Responsibilities**:
**Strategy development and deployment**: Lead the design and execution of Microsoft's government affairs strategy and campaigns in Australia and New Zealand, aligning them with the company's business goals and the interests of both countries, including the influential role they play in the broader region.

**Influencer engagement**:Build and maintain strong relationships with government, intergovernmental organizations, academia, industry, and civil society/non-profits on areas of shared interests and represent Microsoft's views and values on relevant policy issues. A key part of this influencer engagement is fostering strategic relations with new constituencies and influencers.

**Business support**: Collaborate with the public sector business team to support the digital transformation of government customers and partners and help them leverage Microsoft's cloud and AI solutions. A core focus of this work is advancing the opportunity of AI to deliver improved citizen services and help strengthen the country’s cyber resilience.

**Leadership**:Manage and develop a team of senior government affairs practitioners across Australia and New Zealand, providing them with coaching, guidance, and opportunities for growth.

**Risk identification and management**: Anticipate and manage emerging issues and risks related to Microsoft's corporate operations and societal impact across Australia and New Zealand, and advise the relevant local, regional, and global teams on any specific regulatory compliance expectations.

**Policy acumen**:Work with experts from inside and outside the company, to help understand and resolve legal and regulatory issues that affect Microsoft's business strategy.

**Public affairs**:Work with the public relations team to create effective internal and external communications plans and content to showcase Microsoft's societal impact.

**Qualifications**:

- At least 15 years of work experience as a government affairs, public affairs, or public policy specialist in government, policy consultancy, communications, and media, or a related field. Both public and private sector experience in institutions that deal with issues relevant to Microsoft's business and a history of building and maintaining relationships with senior government officials, policy makers, research/academic institutions, community, or industry leaders and other third parties who may play a key role in shaping public policies.A proven ability and skills to design, analyze, develop, and implement medium-to-long term strategies and campaigns to deal with complex issues of technology, policy and law, involving multiple issues and players.Excellent communication, organization, and leadership skills, and the ability to work efficiently and at a self-directed pace.A bachelor's and preferably advanced degree in public policy, political science, law, or another