Communications & Philanthropies Lead for Microsoft

We are looking for an experienced Communications and Corporate Responsibility Leader to join our Czech & Slovak Subsidiary. Based in Prague, you will be accountable for the roll out of the Microsoft Communication strategies in the Czech Republic and Slovakia and full range of external and internal communications and corporate responsibility activities in support of Microsoft’s vision and mission, in a way that addresses the core business objectives of boths markets. The role reports to the subsidiary Chief Operating Officer & Marketing Lead and (as a function) to the Central & Eastern Europe Communications Director.  

Therefore, a solid background and experience in Communications and Corporate Responsibility is needed, as well as proven leadership in developing and landing innovative and impactful strategies to drive corporate image, ability to innovate, drive change & impact; and manage issues.

Responsibilities

Be the steward of the Communications’ discipline mission for CZSK, ensuring alignment with our global and regional Communications & Philanthropies strategy and priorities and facilitating the roll-out of corporate, EMEA and CEE Communications and Philanthropies plans.  
Work closely with local leadership to land strategic vision, thought leadership and corporate responsibility programs and solution-related messages to build desired external image of the Microsoft brand, solutions and programs with media, influencers, analysts, end-users, partners, academics, government officials, community and other influential constituencies. Look for new opportunities and ways to positively shift perceptions about MS and its solutions. 
Transforming the communications discipline by, among others, building strategies on data and insights, expanding our audience by broadening our media and influencer mix, leveraging owned channels and earned media in innovative and creative ways. 
Own the management, development, execution and reporting of strong and innovative. communications strategies and plans that map to local business goals and marketing campaigns.  
Manage corporate and solution-focused communication and storytelling, develop compelling, concise, creative, and credible fact-based messaging and narratives. Telling stories in new and fresh ways that help generate positive perceptions towards Microsoft among key external. stakeholders, and engaging internal audiences around our culture, values and business strategy 
Proliferating global storytelling and CEE narrative by adding local perspective and relevance, using data and insights and featuring local customers. 
Generating momentum for our commercial offerings; helping prioritize and align messaging and storytelling across markets, business groups and functional areas.  
Managing issues and crisis communication and proactively identify and flag trends that may impact corporate reputation. 
Retrieve, create and amplify great field customer-success stories internally and externally. 
Build high quality and professional relationships with media and influencers across segments.  
Able to act as trusted advisor to subsidiary management and solution managers, brief executives on key messages and storytelling for interviews and public or internal events, coach Microsoft employees on messaging and storytelling for various audiences.  
Responsible for current knowledge of Microsoft's products and technology strategy, media and social networking environment, customer and partner audiences, competitive landscape and influencers.   
Manage small internal team and Czech and Slovak PR agencies incl. selection, target setting, oversight, measurement processes, and reporting in dedicated areas of responsibility. 
Own Corporate responsibility program (Philanthropies) and work closely with local leadership, CEE Government Affairs Director and CEE Philanthropies Lead to design and manage strategic corporate responsibility programs; create and drive Philanthropies strategy, facilitate engagement in relevant platforms and with relevant organizations, ensure strategic alignment of objectives across subsidiary to bring to life the company’s mission with technology, skills and a focus on employability to drive sustainable social impact and economic opportunity for all. 
Contribute to internal communications (strategic advice, executive communication, support internal strategic projects, all-employee communications). 
Handle Comms and Philanthropies operations including monthly steering meetings, ownership of or contribution to internal newsletters and other communications platforms, manage budgeting and forecasts, vendor management, managing compliance requirements etc. 
Managing issues and crisis communication and proactively identify and flag trends that may impact corporate reputation. 
Fostering an environment that promotes and values diversity and inclusion, where people from all backgrounds can do their best work. 
Being adaptable, always learning, and creating impact in a fast-paced, highly matrixed organization while maintaining business efficacy. 

The Impact You’ll Be Making across the 2 countries includes: 

• Communication Strategy Setting & Planning
• Storytelling & Messaging for both Earned and Owned Media
• Media and non-traditional influencers Strategy & Relations
• Crisis, Issues, & Change Management Communications
• Employee/Executive communications
• Philanthropies and Societal Impact activities  

Qualifications

Candidates should have several years of proven leadership in developing a corporate image strategy and solid PR experience within the country, including demonstrated relationships with the media and influencers (especially b2b) 
Experience in strategic corporate responsibility and stakeholder management, awareness of dealing with government and public affairs issues 
Robust strategic thinking, ability to prioritize and manage conflicting expectations  
Hands-on approach and desire to engage to move things forward and demonstrate real impact and outcomes 
Active media relations and familiarity with local media and (b2b) influencer landscape and public relations dynamics beyond traditional media 
Demonstrated experience dealing with crisis issues and resolving successfully  
Knowledge of Microsoft products and the cloud technology industry is a strong asset, but not a condition; passion for technology is a must  
Strong project management, collaboration and communication skills, ability to collaborate in/whit remote teams  
Robust strategic thinking, ability to prioritize and manage conflicting expectations  
Czech or Slovak language (native level) + excellent knowledge of English, both oral and written is mandatory  
Excellent writing and storytelling skills, ability to segment message for different audiences 
Awareness of and experience dealing with government and public affairs issues 
Current knowledge of digital communications techniques and social media engagement 
Ability to build strong relations withing and outside organization 
Agility, ability to work under pressure 
Flexibility and readiness to respond to change 
Reliability and accuracy, respect to corporate policies and procedures 
Business background and marketing experience are an advantage 
Bachelor’s degree (B.S. or B.A.) required with emphasis in journalism, public relations, marketing, or communications (Masters, M.Sc. or M.A. preferred)  

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. 

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

Benefits:

Industry leading healthcare
Savings and investments
Giving programs
Educational resources
Maternity and paternity leave
Opportunities to network and connect
Discounts on products and services
Generous time away