Overview
Microsoft’s European Government Affairs (EGA) team serves as the company’s primary interface with European institutions, national governments, and strategic stakeholders across the region. Operating at the intersection of technology, policy, and business, EGA advances Microsoft’s public policy objectives by engaging on priority issues including cybersecurity, resilience, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation, and fostering trusted partnerships.
As Europe accelerates investments in defense modernization and digital resilience, governments and multilateral organizations are increasingly seeking structured operational partnerships with trusted technology providers. Microsoft is well positioned in this environment but requires dedicated regional ownership to translate strategic commitments into sustained initiatives across NATO and European capitals.
The EGA team in Brussels is seeking a Lead for National Security & Resilience to engage with stakeholders in a rapidly evolving security environment, not least given the emergence of new technologies, and drive the development and execution of national security, resilience, and defense‑related policy initiatives.
Role Summary
The Lead for National Security & Resilience will serve as the Brussels‑based owner for Microsoft’s European initiatives related to national security, resilience, and defense modernization.
The role is externally facing and focused on building trust, designing and executing strategic partnerships and initiatives with NATO, related organizations and selected national governments across Europe. It will lead Brussels‑based workstreams on security and resilience policy engagement while acting as a key connector across EGA colleagues in European capitals - supporting local advocacy efforts and enabling coordination, alignment, and delivery across markets.
Working closely with internal stakeholders including but not limited to Microsoft’s Customer Security & Trust (CST) organization, the Defense & Intelligence team, Microsoft’s Enterprise Resilience & Crisis Management team, engineering teams, and regional business groups, this role will translate strategic intent into operational initiatives and partnerships across the region.
Responsibilities
External Engagement
- Represent Microsoft in engagements with NATO, European government officials, and relevant national security and resilience stakeholders in Brussels and across Europe / EMEA.
- Build and maintain strategic relationships with governmental and non‑governmental partners including think tanks, industry organizations, and academic institutions.
- Identify opportunities for collaboration that advance Microsoft’s public policy and business objectives in the resilience and defense ecosystem.
Resilience Partnerships
- Lead the design and execution of Microsoft’s European engagement strategy on national security, resilience, and defense‑related policy initiatives.
- Identify and develop opportunities for operational partnerships with NATO and European governments aligned with Microsoft’s long‑term strategic priorities.
- Drive implementation and follow‑through on regional resilience initiatives and multilateral commitments across European defense communities.
- Support the sequencing and delivery of cross‑regional initiatives that advance Microsoft’s role as a trusted technology partner in the security and resilience domain.
Internal Collaboration & Coordination
- Coordinate Brussels‑based workstreams on security, resilience, and defense policy engagement.
- Work closely with Government Affairs colleagues in European capitals to support national‑level initiatives and enable alignment across markets.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders across policy, communications, legal, engineering, and business teams to ensure effective execution of regional initiatives.
- Contribute to cross‑group projects involving senior executive participation and develop scalable approaches to partnership delivery.
Messaging & Executive Support
- Contribute to the development of strategic messaging and briefing materials for senior Microsoft executives engaging on resilience and defense issues in Europe.
- Synthesize insights from internal subject‑matter experts and external stakeholders to inform engagement strategies and partnership development.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, International Relations, Political Science, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
- Significant experience in government affairs, public policy, international security, or related roles within government, international organizations, industry, or consultancy.
- Demonstrated understanding of the European and NATO policy ecosystem and experience engaging with governmental stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced degree in a relevant field.
- Experience supporting or leading strategic initiatives or partnerships in complex and fast‑moving policy environments.
- Ability to collaborate effectively in a highly matrixed, multinational organization and influence stakeholders across functional boundaries.
- Proficient communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
- Familiarity with security, defense modernization, or resilience policy frameworks in Europe.
- Demonstrated experience working with multilateral organizations or national governments on technology or security‑related initiatives.
- Eligibility to obtain nato secret security clearance.
Other
- Embodies Microsoft’s culture and values.
- Contributes to a positive, collaborative, and inclusive team environment.
- Ability to manage multiple workstreams and deliver outcomes in a fast‑paced environment.
This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. 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 with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about **requesting accommodations.**