Why You'll Love Cisco

We change the World; you will become passionate about your employer and the brand you represent. Everything is converging on the Internet, making networked connections more relevant than ever before in our lives. Our employees' groundbreaking ideas impact everything. Here, that means we take creative ideas from the drawing board to dynamic solutions that have real world impact. You'll collaborate with Cisco leaders, partner with mentors, and develop incredible relationships with colleagues who share your curiosity about connecting the unconnected. You'll be part a team that cares about its customers, enjoys having fun, and you'll take part in changing the lives of those in our local communities. Come prepared to be encouraged and inspired.

What You'll Do

The Director, Corporate Communications will lead Cisco's Global Public Affairs communications. This role entails leading Cisco's efforts in enhancing its corporate reputation among global governments, promoting its innovative collaborations, and driving public policy initiatives. Reporting to the Senior Director of Global Public Affairs, the successful candidate will craft communication strategies, and engage with Comms teams of government officials and partners, media, and influencers at multiple levels. This person will also lead a small team (2-3 individuals) and contribute to the Global Communications Team's mission of advancing Cisco's worldwide reputation through effective storytelling and strategic counsel. The role requires experience with global public policy, a strong network in Washington, D.C., and the ability to earn trust and provide strategic guidance to the government affairs team, ensuring the execution of the company's public policy and public affairs strategy.

You will be part of our award-winning Global Communications Team, which is comprised of over 200 elite communications professionals. This team is responsible for advancing Cisco's reputation worldwide, crafting and delivering clear and compelling narratives that grab the attention of employees, investors, customers, partners, media, and influencers.

Global Communications is home to Corporate and Technology Public Relations, Analyst Relations, International Relations, CEO and Employee Communications, as well as the Communications Intelligence and Cisco's Storytelling content hub. You will partner closely with peers and colleagues in these areas within Global Communications.

Responsibilities

You Will:

• Have oversight leading U.S. public policy and DC PR and programs, while taking the leading role in advising and supporting Cisco's Executive Leadership Team
• Develop an integrated, coordinated approach to communications, ensuring specific support for Public Policy / Gov Affairs, and Cisco Business Unit P&L centers, while striving for consistency of message and strategic coordinated initiatives
• Turn strategy into clearly articulated, actionable communications plans with key deliverables which are regularly evaluated and measured against business priorities and goals.
• Have oversight of Cisco's media campaigns and ongoing response to major public policy issues that impact our people, business, or communities.
• Oversee the communications strategy, cross-company coordination, and development of materials for interviews, key meetings, and public appearances of senior executives.
• Lead teams in the creation of original and compelling content for internal and external stakeholders that drives awareness of Cisco's positions on key issues related to the DC and Brussels environment.
• Create original and compelling content for internal and external stakeholders that drives awareness of Cisco's investments to close the digital divide globally.

Requirements

• 12 years' experience as a Communications Leader with an emphasis on public policy and Washington DC and a bachelor's degree in communications, business administration, or related field.
• 5 years' experience doing PR including media relations.

Preferred Skills

• Ability to travel (10 - 20%) (domestic and international)
• Experience leading and growing teams from day-to-day mentoring to mapping out career growth pathways building out skillsets for team members.
• Ability to set strategy, lead execution while building credibility and trust with senior executives and C-Suite leaders.
• Strong storytelling and writing skills that tangibly advance company goals.
• You adapt easily and thrive in a rapidly changing environment and able to demonstrate geo-political knowledge and how macro issues can impact the company business and brand.
• You execute optimally while demonstrating confidence and patience under pressure acting as an advisor and counselor to executives.

Why Cisco

#WeAreCisco, where each person is unique, but we bring our talents to work as a team and make a difference powering an inclusive future for all.

We embrace digital, and help our customers implement change in their digital businesses. Some may think we're "old" (36 years strong) and only about hardware, but we're also a software company. And a security company. We even invented an intuitive network that adapts, predicts, learns and protects. No other company can do what we do - you can't put us in a box!

But "Digital Transformation" is an empty buzz phrase without a culture that allows for innovation, creativity, and yes, even failure (if you learn from it.)

Day to day, we focus on the give and take. We give our best, give our egos a break, and give of ourselves (because giving back is built into our DNA.) We take accountability, bold steps, and take difference to heart. Because without diversity of thought and a dedication to equality for all, there is no moving forward.

So, you have colorful hair? Don't care. Tattoos? Show off your ink. Like polka dots? That's cool. Pop culture geek? Many of us are. A passion for technology and world changing? Be you, with us!