Junior-Level Communications Specialist - 153911-1

Job Title: Junior-Level Communications Specialist - 153911-1 
Location: Hybrid - Bldg 34, Redmond, WA
Schedule: 3-4 days onsite, 1-2 days' work from home (Monday and Tuesdays required to be onsite, other days can be discussed with the sponsor)
Duration/Start Date: 7/1/2025
Salary: $31.71 /hourly

Candidates with previous experience working at Microsoft Corporation, either as a full-time employee (FTE) or contractor, are strongly preferred.

Summary:
The main function of a Communications Specialist is to assist corporate communications with message development, writing, and editing.

This is the Bing Places organization, which is part of Microsoft AI focused on the Bing product, specifically around location and geospatial intent. They are looking to bring on a resource to execute their communications plan and provide generalized support for the team.

This role will contribute to manage and execute the communications plan for the Bing Places organization. This includes handling SharePoint, Teams, emails, newsletters, and announcements, ensuring the quality of communications, and optimizing communication channels. Additionally, the role involves providing generalized support for the team, including managing information, equipment, and office logistics. The position offers a diverse range of responsibilities, including communications, team support, and logistics, providing an opportunity to engage in various aspects of the team's operations

The role is designed for someone who wants to grow and develop their skills, particularly in communications and administrative support. The role allows for significant access to information and the ability to be creative in executing communication strategies. The Bing Places organization is described as a fun and collaborative group, with a strong focus on creating connection and a supportive environment.

Job Responsibilities:

• Responsible for ensuring timely, creative and accurate dissemination of news, multimedia content and information
• Create a variety of content for platforms, ensuring quality, accuracy and effective storytelling that aligns with corporate messaging
• Forecast and track marketing and sales trends, analyzing collected data.
• Works closely with Client's Product corporate sales team to write and finalize monthly and annual press release.

Candidate Requirements
- Years of Experience Required: 2-4 overall years of experience in the field.
- Degrees or certifications required: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience preferred.

Disqualifiers: Candidates who are not genuinely interested in the role and are looking to move out of it quickly (e.g., within 90 days) are a red flag. While overqualified candidates are not automatically disqualified, there is concern if they view the role as a temporary stepping stone rather than an opportunity. Candidates who can't commit to being onsite will be disqualified - they must be able to commit to the required on-site presence, specifically on Mondays and Tuesdays, and for a total of 3-4 days a week.

Best vs. Average: The ideal resume would contain experience as an admin assistant with responsibilities for communications. The best candidates are highly proficient in language, catching grammatical mistakes, and skilled in multimedia visuals, including pictures, fonts, and display elements. Ideal candidates can build and follow plans, manage schedules, and meet deadlines independently. Candidates who are already familiar with tools like SharePoint, Teams, and web publishing are preferred.

Skills:

• Verbal and written communication skills, negotiation skills, customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Basic ability to work independently and manage ones time.
• Basic knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services
• Basic knowledge of media production, communication and dissemination techniques and methods

Education/Experience:

- Bachelor's degree in marketing or equivalent training preferred.
- 2-4 years related experience required.

Top 3 Hard Skills Required + Years of Experience
1. Minimum 2+ years' experience with language proficiency, must have excellent language skills, including grammar and the ability to catch and correct mistakes. This also includes proficiency in creating and designing multimedia visuals.
2. Minimum 2+years' experience with organizational skills/project management - the ability to build and follow plans, manage schedules, meet deadlines, and coordinate tasks effectively
3. Minimum 2+years' experience with familiarity with communication tools like SharePoint, Teams, and web publishing

** Customer service is important ***

Hard Skills Assessments
1. Expected Dates that Hard Skills Assessments will be scheduled: 6/30-7/1, maybe 7/2
2. Hard Skills Assessment Process: The assessment process will include one round with the sponsor and an FTE.
3. Required Candidate Preparation: N/A