M

Head of Portfolio Marketing and Events

Microsoft
Full-time
On-site
Redmond, Washington, United States

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Head of Portfolio Marketing and Events

πŸ”Ή Company: Microsoft

πŸ”Ή Location: Redmond, WA & San Francisco, CA

πŸ”Ή Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid

πŸ”Ή Category: Marketing & Events

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: July 2, 2025

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: 5-10 years

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: On-site/Hybrid

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Leading strategic direction and execution of marketing initiatives and events for M12’s portfolio companies
  • Driving portfolio growth and enhancing market presence through storytelling and engagement opportunities
  • Collaborating with agencies and cross-functional teams across Microsoft
  • Working independently with a scrappy, team-of-one mindset

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of self-motivation and initiative, as the Head of Portfolio Marketing and Events will often work independently while managing multiple projects and stakeholders.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Lead the strategic direction and execution of marketing initiatives and events for M12’s portfolio companies

βœ… Drive portfolio growth and enhance market presence by telling startups’ stories and creating engagement opportunities

βœ… Collaborate with M12 leadership, portfolio company founders, and cross-functional teams across Microsoft

βœ… Partner with two external agencies to execute marketing strategies and events

βœ… Work independently with a scrappy, team-of-one mindset

ASSUMPTION: This role is not focused on demand generation. Instead, it involves amplifying the successes of M12’s portfolio companies and creating opportunities for them to engage with the industry and customers.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field

Experience: 5-10 years of experience in marketing, with a focus on brand management, event planning, and communication

Required Skills:

  • Proven experience in marketing strategy and execution
  • Strong brand management skills
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills
  • Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
  • Experience in event planning and management
  • Familiarity with the startup ecosystem and venture capital industry

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience working with external agencies
  • Knowledge of Microsoft's ecosystem and network
  • Fluency in multiple languages

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, proficiency in English is required for this role due to the nature of the work and the need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 - $180,000 per year (based on industry standards for a marketing manager role with 5-10 years of experience in the tech industry)

Benefits:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) matching
  • Generous time off and paid holidays
  • Employee stock purchase plan
  • Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities

Working Hours: Full-time, hybrid work schedule (2-3 days per week in the office)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a marketing manager role with 5-10 years of experience in the tech industry. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as skills, experience, and market conditions.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: Microsoft operates in the technology industry, with a focus on software development, hardware manufacturing, and cloud computing services.

Company Size: Microsoft is a large corporation with over 442,000 employees worldwide. Working at Microsoft offers opportunities for career growth and exposure to diverse projects and teams.

Founded: Microsoft was founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen. It has since grown into one of the world's largest technology companies.

Company Description:

  • Microsoft is committed to empowering every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.
  • The company's mission is to build best-in-class platforms and productivity services for a mobile, cloud-first world.
  • Microsoft values diversity, inclusion, and collaboration, fostering a culture where everyone can bring their authentic selves to work.

Company Specialties:

  • Operating systems and platforms (Windows, Azure)
  • Productivity and business processes (Office, Dynamics 365)
  • Hardware (Surface, Xbox)

Company Website: https://www.microsoft.com

ASSUMPTION: As a large corporation, Microsoft offers extensive resources and opportunities for professional growth and development.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the manager level, with the opportunity to lead and influence the strategic direction of marketing initiatives and events for M12’s portfolio companies.

Reporting Structure: The Head of Portfolio Marketing and Events will report directly to the M12 leadership team and collaborate with portfolio company founders and cross-functional teams across Microsoft.

Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid role, with a flexible work schedule that allows for 2-3 days of remote work per week.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Expanding the portfolio marketing and events team as the portfolio grows
  • Gaining exposure to various aspects of Microsoft's business and ecosystem
  • Developing leadership and management skills by leading cross-functional teams and external agencies

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth opportunities, as the Head of Portfolio Marketing and Events will be instrumental in shaping the marketing strategy and events landscape for M12’s portfolio companies.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Microsoft's offices are modern, collaborative workspaces designed to foster innovation and creativity.

Office Location(s): Redmond, WA & San Francisco, CA

Geographic Context:

  • Redmond, WA: Located near Seattle, Redmond is home to Microsoft's headquarters and offers a mix of urban and outdoor living.
  • San Francisco, CA: Known for its vibrant culture, diverse neighborhoods, and tech industry, San Francisco provides ample opportunities for networking and professional growth.

Work Schedule: Full-time, hybrid work schedule (2-3 days per week in the office)

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers flexibility and work-life balance, allowing employees to work from home for part of the week while still enjoying the benefits of an on-site office environment.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Online application and resume screening
  • Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
  • On-site or virtual interview with the M12 leadership team and cross-functional stakeholders
  • Final round interview with senior leadership

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Marketing strategy and execution
  • Event planning and management
  • Communication and presentation skills
  • Collaboration and cross-functional teamwork
  • Cultural fit and alignment with Microsoft's values

Application Tips:

  • Highlight your experience in marketing strategy, brand management, and event planning
  • Demonstrate your ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
  • Showcase your understanding of the startup ecosystem and venture capital industry
  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your relevant skills and experiences

ATS Keywords: Marketing strategy, brand management, event planning, communication, partnership development, startup support, cross-functional collaboration, growth optimization

ASSUMPTION: As a large corporation, Microsoft may use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to screen and rank resumes based on relevant keywords. Including these keywords in your application materials can help increase your visibility and improve your chances of being selected for an interview.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

  • Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
  • Event planning and management software (e.g., Eventbrite, Cvent)
  • Marketing automation and analytics tools (e.g., Marketo, Google Analytics)

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is required for this role due to its widespread use within the company and the need to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • One Microsoft
  • Innovation
  • Customer Obsessed
  • One Customer
  • Results
  • Collaboration
  • Inclusive
  • Quality
  • Growth Mindset

Work Style:

  • Collaborative and team-oriented
  • Results-driven and focused on execution
  • Adaptable and responsive to change
  • Customer-centric and committed to delivering exceptional experiences

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • Do you thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented environment?
  • Are you results-driven and focused on execution?
  • Are you adaptable and responsive to change?
  • Are you customer-centric and committed to delivering exceptional experiences?

ASSUMPTION: Microsoft values diversity, inclusion, and collaboration, fostering a culture where everyone can bring their authentic selves to work. Applicants should assess their fit with Microsoft's values and work style to ensure a successful and fulfilling career.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • Managing multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously
  • Working independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams and external agencies
  • Adapting to the unique needs and goals of each portfolio company
  • Balancing the demands of marketing strategy and event planning with the need to support the growth and success of M12’s portfolio companies

ASSUMPTION: The Head of Portfolio Marketing and Events must be able to manage multiple priorities, adapt to change, and collaborate effectively with various stakeholders to overcome these challenges.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • Unlike traditional marketing roles, this position focuses on amplifying the successes of M12’s portfolio companies rather than demand generation
  • This role offers the opportunity to work with a diverse range of startups and founders within Microsoft’s venture capital arm
  • Career progression may involve expanding the portfolio marketing and events team or taking on additional responsibilities within M12 or Microsoft

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should consider the unique aspects of this role and how it differs from traditional marketing positions when evaluating their fit and career growth opportunities.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Developing and executing a marketing campaign to showcase a portfolio company's latest product launch
  • Planning and coordinating a startup showcase event to connect portfolio companies with customers, partners, and Microsoft's network
  • Creating a brand guidelines document to ensure consistent representation of portfolio companies across various marketing channels

ASSUMPTION: The Head of Portfolio Marketing and Events will have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects that support the growth and success of M12’s portfolio companies, requiring adaptability and a strong understanding of marketing best practices.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • How does this role fit into the overall strategy and goals of M12 and Microsoft?
  • What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
  • How does Microsoft support the growth and success of its portfolio companies?
  • What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how have previous incumbents addressed them?
  • How does this role collaborate with other teams and functions within Microsoft?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and provides valuable insights into the company's culture and expectations.

πŸ“Œ Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

  • Submit your application through this link
  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your relevant skills and experiences in marketing strategy, brand management, and event planning
  • Prepare examples of your past marketing campaigns and events, highlighting your ability to drive results and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
  • Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.