Corporate Initiatives Research Manager

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Microsoft is in the press more than any corporation in the world. As such, we need to know how our customers are thinking about a broad array of issues, from our corporate image to competition to charitable giving to computer security, to help us understand how we should respond to emerging issues and opportunities. This position is on the market research team that informs our corporate PR, brand and image activities. You will be responsible for managing projects that help guide Microsoft’s broad corporate initiatives and how we communicate with our markets.

In this position, you will provide market research planning and project management for research supporting a wide array of dynamic issues that change as the market “buzz” and IT industry change. You will be responsible for working with a broader research team to develop actionable insights for internal partners, such as corporate PR, brand and executives, by managing both qualitative and quantitative research. You will drive the process and budgeting for these efforts, including defining specific information needs and objectives, designing and implementing research to achieve those objectives, selecting and managing vendors. You will also collaborate with other research and business groups to maximally leverage research and knowledge across the teams and the business.

This research role will play an exciting part in areas that are of the highest importance to Microsoft’s long-term business. It requires a person with strong project management capabilities, attention to details, the ability to quickly prioritize and re-prioritize based on changing research needs, and the motivation to hit the ground running.

 

Specific responsibilities include:

 

  • Participating in business strategy discussions to evaluate the business need for research
  • Evaluating proprietary and syndicated research to garner insights
  • Developing research proposals and project plans, selecting and managing vendors, and managing budgets
  • Developing questionnaires/discussion guides and analytical plans, managing fielding and verifying the accuracy of the results, analyzing and summarizing results for international research projects

 

Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, statistics, social sciences or related areas is a plus, with a minimum of 3 years business experience that includes designing and executing market research. Technology industry, public opinion research and/or public relations experience are all highly desirable. MBA or related Master’s degree or a Ph.D a plus. International experience also a plus. Strong analytical abilities and a passion for technology, as well as excellent communication and team skills are a must.

(Send resume to Heather.Hamilton@microsoft.com)

 

6/22/2006