Director, Cybersecurity Policy and Diplomacy in Brussels, Belgium

Microsoft is seeking a Brussels-based Director as part of its Customer, Security and Trust organization to advance cybersecurity within Microsoft and across the online environment. The Cybersecurity Policy and Diplomacy team’s mission is to work with governments, the private sector, and civil society to advocate for and implement policies aimed at achieving a more secure cyberspace, both domestically and at the international level.

The successful candidate will shape EU cybersecurity policy and shape digital diplomacy approaches in partnership with colleagues around the world, as well as external industry partners and other stakeholders in Brussels and Europe. This includes representing Microsoft in relevant industry associations, external events, and direct engagements.

The idea candidate should have strong interpersonal skills, expertise in cybersecurity policy and diplomacy, and relevant government affairs experience and stakeholder networks. Familiarity with the wider EU political and commercial landscapes is also desired to help inform policy considerations and opportunities for the company. The Director should be able to clearly communicate complex technical and policy issues to different audiences and have a relevant academic or professional background in government affairs, cybersecurity, and/or political science.

Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond. The successful candidate will report to the Digital Diplomacy lead and will have a dotted line to the Brussels government affairs team. This is a unique opportunity to join a dynamic team on critical issues of company-wide and international importance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and engage on behalf of Microsoft on EU cybersecurity policy and diplomacy initiatives consistent with Microsoft principles and practices.  

• Advocate for relevant policy issues and develop, drive and positively impact corresponding EU campaigns in collaboration with internal stakeholders and European government affairs colleagues on priority issues, strategies, and/or programs. 

• Participate in internal/external events and supports executive engagements in the EU. 

• Represent Microsoft on cybersecurity policy and diplomacy initiatives in industry fora and public private partnerships. 

• Proactively build and maintain a strong and impactful stakeholder network in Brussels to better inform and execute on Microsoft’s objectives in key priority areas and position the company as key partner for EU policymakers.

• Help assess and create internal awareness of key cybersecurity policy and diplomacy initiatives and their implications for Microsoft. * *  

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Public Administration, or related field AND proficient experience in the private sector, government, or academia.  

• Proven track record engaging with government officials, political and corporate stakeholders. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to discuss and advance complex technical and policy concepts with diverse stakeholders at various levels.

• Demonstrated ability to drive impactful campaigns to address complex challenges, individually and as part of a wider, matrixed team. 

• Flexibility and willingness to shift priorities and adapt to new policy needs, leveraging government affairs background and expertise.

• A collaborative and team-first mindset and a desire to learn and grow

#CELA

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with applicable law, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations (https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/accessibility.html) .