Connected Communities Communications Manager (remote)

GP Strategies Corporation - Columbia, MD

Full-time

Remote - Columbia, MD

1,001-5,000 employees

Performing Arts, Spectator Sports, and Related Industries

About the position

As the Connected Communities Communications Manager, you will play a pivotal role in leading and executing communication strategies for the Connected Communities program at Microsoft. This program is the largest communities-of-practice initiative at Microsoft, engaging approximately 60,000 members and fostering social learning, shared knowledge, and connection that amplifies Microsoft's culture and values. Your primary responsibility will be to build awareness, drive adoption, and articulate the strategy and impact of the Connected Communities function. You will work closely with the MCAPS Academy communications manager and other key stakeholders to leverage the program's reach and audience effectively. In this role, you will define communication strategies and execute plans that align with the priorities of the Connected Communities team. This includes developing awareness and adoption campaigns targeted at the Microsoft Customer and Partner Solutions (MCAPS) organization, as well as initiatives for Microsoft New Employee Orientation (NEO) and other prioritized organizations. You will also be responsible for member journey campaigns, which encompass new hires, member maturity, and recognition. You will lead the communication approach for Connected Communities, which includes managing the editorial calendar, establishing a communications rhythm, and ensuring adherence to Microsoft’s brand standards. Your writing will span various mediums, including emails, Viva Engage posts, SharePoint content, newsletters, and presentations, all aimed at achieving defined outcomes and objectives. Understanding the different audiences and the appropriate formats for communication will be crucial, as you will engage in one-to-one, one-to-many, and one-to-all communications. Additionally, you will be tasked with telling compelling stories that articulate thought leadership and reinforce key outcomes related to social learning and shared experiences. Collaboration with communication and marketing contacts across the organization will be essential to align with the Connected Communities strategy and empower shared priorities. You will also manage the publishing process for Connected Communities and monitor, track, and analyze the impact of communications to refine strategies and plans iteratively.

Responsibilities

• Define communication strategies and execute associated plans aligned with Connected Communities team priorities.
• Lead awareness and adoption campaigns for the targeted Microsoft Customer and Partner Solutions (MCAPS) organization.
• Develop awareness and adoption campaigns with Microsoft New Employee Orientation (NEO) and other prioritized organizations.
• Create member journey campaigns for New Hire, Member Maturity, and Recognition.
• Establish a stakeholder strategy for effective communication.
• Manage the Connected Communities communication approach, including editorial calendar and communications rhythm-of-the-business.
• Author accessible copy across various mediums such as email, Viva Engage posts, SharePoint, newsletters, and presentations.
• Understand different audiences and the applicability of formats for one-to-one, one-to-many, and one-to-all engagements.
• Tell stories in innovative ways that articulate thought leadership and reinforce key outcomes.
• Partner with communication and marketing contacts to align with Connected Communities strategy and direction.
• Manage the Connected Communities publishing process.
• Monitor, track, and analyze the impact of communications to refine strategies and plans.

Requirements

• 4+ years experience in business, marketing, communications or related experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 product family and Viva Engage.