Director, Internal Communications

Cisco•San Jose, CA

About The Position

The Director, Internal Communications will define and lead communications strategy for Cisco’s AI Software & Platform group, a high-visibility, fast-paced organization working across AI, cloud, networking, security, and infrastructure. The role will help employees understand the organization’s work, strategic direction, and how their contributions support Cisco’s AI transformation. Working closely with senior engineering and AI leaders, this executive advisor and communications strategist will turn complex technology, strategy, and organizational priorities into compelling narratives that encourage employees, accelerate alignment, and build momentum. The role will also modernize how communications are created, delivered, personalized, and measured using generative AI, data, analytics, automation, and emerging technologies. The position leads strategic internal communications, executive communications, technical storytelling, and employee listening and engagement. It requires comfort advising executives, communicating with engineering audiences, and experimenting with AI-powered communications tools.

Requirements

12+ years of experience in internal, executive, technology or product communications, ideally within a global technology company or high-growth technology environment.
AI-forward attitude and fluency, including a strong understanding of how AI is transforming technology, the workplace, employee experience, and communications, and a willingness to experiment with emerging AI technologies.
Experience leading communications for complex, technical organizations, with exposure to AI, engineering, software, cybersecurity, cloud, infrastructure, or related technology domains.
Executive communications and advisory experience, including the ability to influence senior leaders, navigate highly matrixed organizations, and translate business and technology strategy into compelling narratives.
Exceptional storytelling, content creation, and communication skills, including the ability to simplify complex technical concepts into clear, differentiated, engaging narratives.
Experience developing content across multiple formats and channels, including executive communications, town halls, digital platforms, social media, video, and other employee engagement experiences.

Nice To Haves

Experience in an AI startup or mid-sized technology company, with an entrepreneurial, agile, hands-on approach to communications strategy, content creation, and amplifying emerging technologies and innovations.
Experience using GenAI, data, analytics, automation, and digital platforms to modernize communications, accelerate content creation, strengthen employee engagement, and generate actionable organizational insights.
Strong executive presence and strategic influence, including experience as a trusted thought partner to senior engineering, product, research, and business leaders and communicating effectively in high-stakes environments.

Responsibilities

Develop and lead strategic internal communications connecting AI vision, technology strategy, business priorities, organizational transformation, and employee experience to Cisco’s broader AI journey.
Advise and influence senior leaders as a trusted communications partner; shape narratives, keynotes, town halls, leadership presentations, and high-stakes communications.
Translate complex AI, engineering, research, cloud, networking, and platform concepts into clear, engaging narratives that strengthen alignment and inspire action.
Modernize content creation, personalization, distribution, and measurement using GenAI, automation, analytics, new technologies, and intelligent content workflows.
Lead Voice of the Employee and employee-listening strategies, using sentiment, engagement data, organizational insights, and AI-powered analytics to identify themes, inform communications, and improve the employee experience.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance, subject to plan eligibility rules.
401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution.
Paid parental leave.
Short- and long-term disability coverage.
Basic life insurance.
Paid holidays and a floating holiday for non-exempt employees.
Paid day off for an employee’s birthday, paid year-end holiday shutdown, and paid personal wellness days.
Paid vacation or flexible vacation time off, depending on exempt status and subject to applicable policies.
Sick time off, with carryover subject to Cisco policy.
Additional paid time away may be requested for critical or emergency family issues.
Optional paid volunteer days.
Employees may be eligible for Cisco restricted stock unit grants, subject to vesting conditions.
For non-sales roles, employees are eligible to earn annual bonuses, subject to Cisco policies.