Director, Public Affairs

1 month ago


Washington, United States Cisco Systems, Inc. Full time

The application window is expected to close on 11/29/24.

Due to the nature of the role, this person has to be located in the Washington DC, Virginia, Maryland area.

What You'll Do

The 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 advancing 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.

  1. Oversee policy and sustainability PR and communications programs, including advising Cisco's Chief Government Strategy Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer and their teams.
  2. 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.
  3. Drive media campaigns and ongoing response to major public policy issues and sustainability in broadcast, business, trade and vertical media.
  4. 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.
  5. Oversee the communications strategy, cross-company coordination, and development of materials for interviews, key meetings and public appearances of senior executives.
  6. Support senior executives across the company and partner with executive communications teams to enhance in-person engagements with media in Washington, D.C.
  7. Help manage and guide PR agency support.
Who You Are
  1. A 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.
  2. Experience running policy communications and public sector-focused campaigns at a technology company, a trade association or within government.
  3. Deep relationships with business, political, trade press, and third-party influencers in Washington, D.C. (relationships in Brussels is a plus).
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Exceptional interpersonal skills, executive presence and professionalism with experience advising/working directly with executives.
  7. Experience as a people manager that helps teams grow.
Minimum requirements

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 is 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.

Why Cisco?

#WeAreCisco. We are all unique, but collectively we bring our talents to work as a team, to develop innovative technology and power a more inclusive, digital future for everyone. How do we do it? Well, for starters - with people like you

Nearly every internet connection around the world touches Cisco. We're the Internet's optimists. Our technology makes sure the data traveling at light speed across connections does so securely, yet it's not what we make but what we make happen which marks us out. We're helping those who work in the health service to connect with patients and each other; schools, colleges, and universities to teach in even the most challenging of times. We're helping businesses of all shapes and sizes to connect with their employees and customers in new ways, providing people with access to the digital skills they need and connecting the most remote parts of the world - whether through 5G, or otherwise.

We tackle whatever challenges come our way. We have each other's backs, we recognize our accomplishments, and we grow together. We celebrate and support one another - from big and small things in life to big career moments. And giving back is in our DNA (we get 10 days off each year to do just that).

We know that powering an inclusive future starts with us. Because without diversity and a dedication to equality, there is no moving forward. Our 30 Inclusive Communities, that bring people together around commonalities or passions, are leading the way. Together we're committed to learning, listening, caring for our communities, whilst supporting the most vulnerable with a collective effort to make this world a better place either with technology, or through our actions.

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. Passion for technology and world changing? Be you, with us #WeAreCisco

#J-18808-Ljbffr

  • washington, United States Capstone Hill Search Full time

    Role: Director, Public Affairs, Crisis & Reputation Location: Washington D.C. Schedule: Hybrid We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Public Affairs Director to join a leading strategic communications agency in Washington, D.C. This individual will bring a minimum of 10 years of experience in public affairs with a focus on crisis and reputation...


  • Washington, United States Capstone Hill Search Full time

    Role: Director, Public Affairs, Crisis & Reputation Location: Washington D.C. Schedule: Hybrid We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Public Affairs Director to join a leading strategic communications agency in Washington, D.C. This individual will bring a minimum of 10 years of experience in public affairs with a focus on crisis and reputation...


  • washington, United States Capstone Hill Search Full time

    Role: Director, Public Affairs, Crisis & Reputation Location: Washington D.C. Schedule: Hybrid We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Public Affairs Director to join a leading strategic communications agency in Washington, D.C. This individual will bring a minimum of 10 years of experience in public affairs with a focus on crisis and reputation...


  • Washington, United States Microsoft Full time

    OverviewMicrosoft's mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more, and we're dedicated to this mission across every aspect of our company. On Microsoft's Public Affairs Communications Team, you'll join a group of professionals focused on telling stories that demonstrate the company's commitment to building trust and...


  • Washington, United States AT&T Full time

    Job Summary  AT&T is seeking an experienced Director of Public Affairs to lead our public affairs efforts in Washington, D.C. As a key member of our team, you will be responsible for developing and implementing strategic communication plans that advance our organization's public policy goals and enhance its reputation.  The ideal candidate will have a...


  • Washington, United States Cisco Full time

    The application window is expected to close on 11/29/24. Due to the nature of the role, this person has to be located in the Washington DC, Virginia, Maryland area. What You’ll Do The Director, Public Affairs will lead Cisco’s government affairs and sustainability communications. This role will promote and protect Cisco’s corporate reputation with...


  • Washington, United States American Society of Association Executives Full time

    About the RoleWe are seeking a highly skilled Senior Director of Public Affairs to join our team at American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). This is a full-time position that requires exceptional leadership and strategic thinking to advance ASAE's policy objectives.


  • Washington, United States SpecPro Management Services, LLC (SMS) Full time

    SpecPro Management Services, LLC is hiring for a Public Affairs Specialist to support our mission in Washington D.C. for the Department of Justice.The contractor shall provide trained and qualified personnel to assist OOC with its communications needs. The contractor must have a bachelor’s degree with 3-5 years’ experience with congressional affairs and...


  • Washington, United States SpecPro Management Services, LLC (SMS) Full time

    SpecPro Management Services, LLC is hiring for a Public Affairs Specialist to support our mission in Washington D.C. for the Department of Justice.The contractor shall provide trained and qualified personnel to assist OOC with its communications needs. The contractor must have a bachelor’s degree with 3-5 years’ experience with congressional affairs and...


  • washington, United States SpecPro Management Services, LLC (SMS) Full time

    SpecPro Management Services, LLC is hiring for a Public Affairs Specialist to support our mission in Washington D.C. for the Department of Justice.The contractor shall provide trained and qualified personnel to assist OOC with its communications needs. The contractor must have a bachelor’s degree with 3-5 years’ experience with congressional affairs and...


  • Washington, DC, United States Altria Group, Inc. Full time

    Overview Design, implement, and manage comprehensive public affairs campaigns for a fortune 200 company with some of the most iconic brands! Have a bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field? Have eight years’ experience in political campaign management and public relations? If so, we want to speak with you! We...


  • Washington, DC, United States Woodberry Associates Full time

    Woodberry Associates seeks a Senior Director to work on health care issues in its Public Affairs division. Based in Washington, DC, Woodberry Associates is a public affairs firm that specializes in non-profit management and stakeholder advocacy, primarily in the fields of health care and education policy. Our team is dynamic, creative, collaborative and...


  • Washington, United States General Motors of Canada Full time

    Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion. As the Director of Public Affairs and Regulatory Communications at General Motors of Canada, you will play a key role in driving this change forward. We are looking for a smart and strategic communications professional to lead our policy and regulatory communications efforts. You...


  • Washington, United States Daniel J Edelman Holdings Full time

    About Edelman Global AdvisoryEdelman Global Advisory (EGA) is a specialty advisory firm within the Edelman network that provides business and public affairs services. We have evolved our approach to better capture the changing needs of our clients.Job DescriptionWe are seeking an experienced Digital Director to lead our U.S. public affairs team in...


  • Washington, United States Entertainment Software Association Full time

    Position Title: Director, Federal Government AffairsReporting To: Vice President, Federal Government AffairsLocation: Washington, D.C.Position Summary:The Director will report to the Vice President, Federal Government Affairs (VP, FGA) and will work in conjunction with Entertainment Software Association (ESA) Legal and Communications & Public Affairs teams...


  • Washington, United States Tennessee Society of Association Executives Full time

    Government Affairs DirectorThe D.C. Association of REALTORS (DCAR)OverviewThe D.C. Association of REALTORS (DCAR) is seeking a dynamic and experienced Government Affairs Director (GAD) to serve as our primary policy expert and advocate for homeownership and private property rights in the District of Columbia. With nearly 3,000 members across all eight wards,...


  • Washington, Washington, D.C., United States The Building People Full time

    At The Building People, we are seeking a skilled Public Affairs Specialist to join our team. In this role, you will play a key part in communicating the mission and goals of our organization externally and internally.The ideal candidate will have strong writing and editing skills, as well as excellent oral communication skills. You will be responsible for...


  • Washington, DC, United States Pernod Ricard España SA Full time

    Senior Director, Public Affairs & Policy Location: Washington, DC Office Who are we? Pernod Ricard is a global premium spirits and wine company. We’re the team behind leading brands such as ABSOLUT Vodka, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Malibu, Kahlúa Liqueur, Beefeater Gin, and Avión Tequila, as well as many more superior wines and exquisite champagnes!...


  • Washington, DC, United States Pernod Ricard España SA Full time

    Senior Director, Public Affairs & Policy Location: Washington, DC Office Who are we? Pernod Ricard is a global premium spirits and wine company. We’re the team behind leading brands such as ABSOLUT Vodka, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Malibu, Kahlúa Liqueur, Beefeater Gin, and Avión Tequila, as well as many more superior wines and exquisite champagnes!...


  • Washington, United States APCO Worldwide Full time

    We have an immediate opportunity for a global public affairs professional with strong foreign policy experience, issues management, writing, and project management skills. You will be joining our growing Global Public Affairs practice in our Washington, D.C. office.As an Associate Director in APCO's Global Public Affairs Practice in Washington D.C. you will...