Lead Analyst, IT Strategy (Updated Sept. 25, 2007)

Directions on Microsoft is seeking an IT guru to join our team of computing technology experts.

About Directions on Microsoft

Directions on Microsoft is an INDEPENDENT and trusted research firm (founded in 1992) focused exclusively on Microsoft. We provide a suite of information services—in print and on the Web—for people whose job depends on knowing what Microsoft is doing and where it's heading. The depth and quality of our intelligence goes far beyond what is found in the trade press. It also exceeds anything available from services such as Forrester and Gartner. Leading IT industry executives around the world rely on our weekly news and analysis, product roadmaps, in-depth Research Reports on key technologies and trends, OrgCharts of the top 750+ Microsoft executives, and briefing and advisory services to guide their strategic decisions. [Samples]

Half of the Directions team is very technical. The other half is journalists with considerable high-tech editorial experience. Each has an average of 15+ years of industry experience. [Analyst bios] Our offices are in downtown Kirkland on the Lake Washington waterfront—you won't find a more idyllic work setting. Plus, you'll have the option to telecommute for the majority of your workweek.

Your Responsibilities

You'll have responsibility for researching, understanding, and communicating strategic shifts in core Microsoft technology areas, such as operating systems, networking, security, application platforms, systems management, and business applications and services. You'll be expected to contribute approximately 5K words per month to our newsletter and research services, as well as deliver 6+ speeches per year.

You'll stay up-to-date on the "bleeding edge" of Microsoft technologies and track the pulse of the IT community by doing lots of reading, by directly experimenting with the technology, by attending conferences (some are invitation-only events on the Microsoft campus), and by directing questions to our many contacts within Microsoft product groups. You'll also be expected to field questions from our senior IT industry executive customers. Your audience is key technical and business decision-makers—not system administrators or help desk personnel rolling out or performing day-to-day maintenance of IT systems. This is the ideal opportunity for the seasoned industry professional who has the experience and technical acumen to separate substance from marketing hype. It's also ideal for that rare individual who can make the complex seem simple without sacrificing accuracy.

Your Qualifications

You have 10+ years experience in IT or the computer industry. You have proven project management ability and can work with little or no direction. You love learning about and analyzing cutting-edge technologies and explaining their significance to others. You have demonstrated skill communicating with customers. You are especially adept at explaining complex technical topics to people with only limited technical backgrounds, and can prove this skill through writing samples and verbal presentation. You are able to answer important questions—such as "Is this technology mature enough to be safe to use?"—without getting lost in a maze of techno-babble. You also enjoy working with intelligent peers, accept their feedback with good grace, and put it to constructive use.

Through past work experience you understand the mindset of corporate IT departments, system integrators, software vendors, and hardware vendors who build and maintain business solutions on top of Microsoft platforms. You can help a project manager or system architect justify technology recommendations to a CIO or other senior managers, by explaining the technology's benefits to a business as well as its risks.

You have a Bachelor of Science plus 10 to 15 years' industry experience that demonstrates knowledge of enterprise computing and development platform technologies, and the ability to conceptualize a problem from a customer's perspective. Resourcefulness, strong verbal skills, and rigorous organization skills are a must.

More About the Position

We offer a superb compensation package that includes pension, 401(k), and health benefits. We also offer a relaxed and collegial work environment plus a flexible work schedule with the option for some telecommuting. Travel requirements are minimal. This position requires relocation to the Seattle area.

To apply for this position, e-mail your resume and writing samples to jparker at directionsonmicrosoft.com or fax them to 425.739.0339.