The application window is expected to close on 11/29/24Due to the nature of the role, this person has to be located in the Washington DC, Virginia, Maryland area.What You'll DoThe Director, Public Affairs will lead Cisco's government affairs and sustainability communications. This role will promote and protect Cisco's corporate reputation with global governments. It will evangelize the innovative work we do with our customers and partners, and advance key public policy and sustainability initiatives around the world.
As a highly creative and flexible leader reporting to the Senior Director of Global Public Affairs, this person will set the communications strategy supporting Cisco's education of government and sustainability leaders and influencers. This role will work closely at the federal, state, and local level with government stakeholders, media and external influencers, and cross-collaboration internally is key for a truly integrated communications approach. You will directly manage 1 team member.
This role is a part of the team dedicated to public relations support for Cisco's Chief People, Purpose, and Policy officer, encompassing responsibilities including Government Affairs, Sustainability, Upskilling and Reskilling, People and Communities, Social Impact, and more. It will be part of Cisco's award-winning Global Communications Team, which is comprised of over 200+ people. 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.
Oversee policy and sustainability PR and communications programs, including advising Cisco's Chief Government Strategy Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer and their teams.Develop an integrated, coordinated communications approach, ensuring support for public policy, government affairs, and sustainability, mapping to Cisco's key focus areas – AI, networking, and security.Drive media campaigns and ongoing response to major public policy issues and sustainability in broadcast, business, trade, and vertical media.Turn strategy into clearly articulated, actionable communications plans with key deliverables and media results which are regularly monitored and measured against business priorities and goals.Oversee the communications strategy, cross-company coordination, and development of materials for interviews, key meetings, and public appearances of senior executives.Support senior executives across the company and partner with executive communications teams to enhance in-person engagements with media in Washington, D.C.Help manage and guide PR agency support.Who You AreA deep understanding of how public policy and sustainability issues, politics, beltway stakeholders, and corporate reputation intersect and can drive growth for a business while shaping how the technology industry is viewed by society.Experience running policy communications and public sector-focused campaigns at a technology company, a trade association, or within government.Deep relationships with business, political, trade press, and third-party influencers in Washington, D.C. (relationships in Brussels are a plus).Strong writing skills and understanding of message-crafting for target press and policymaker and associated audiences factoring in the competitive landscape and how to differentiate the Cisco story and external position.A learning mindset and ability to excel at digging into policy-related discussions around cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, the rapidly evolving AI landscape, environmental sustainability, future of work, and public sector technology.Exceptional interpersonal skills, executive presence, and professionalism with experience advising/working directly with executives.Experience as a people manager that helps teams grow.10-12 years of experience in a communications role with at least 8 in Public Affairs.
Bachelor's degree in communications, business administration, or related field.
Must be located in the Washington, DC area.
Deep relationships with business, political, trade press, and third-party influencers in Washington, D.C.
Strong existing media relationships in Washington, D.C., and proven results across business, broadcast, trade, and policy media required for consideration.
ESG/sustainability communications experience and sustainability media relationships are a plus.
Experience partnering with government affairs on issues management and crisis management required for consideration.
Ability to set strategy and manage execution while building credibility and trust with senior executives and C-Suite leaders.
Strong storytelling and writing skills that advance company goals.
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