Director, Internal Communications

Cisco•San Jose, CA

1d•$230,300 - $291,900

About The Position

The AI Software & Platform group is the heart of Cisco’s AI transformation, building the foundational technologies, platforms, and engineering capabilities that power Cisco’s next generation of AI-driven products and experiences. The team brings together world-class engineering, research, and technical talent to solve some of the most complex challenges in AI, cloud, networking, security, and infrastructure. This is a fast-moving, highly visible organization operating at the intersection of AI innovation, engineering, and business transformation. We are looking for a communications leader who can make the complex simple, connect employees to the bigger picture, and help leaders build alignment and momentum around a bold AI vision. As Director, Internal Communications and Employee Experience, you will shape and lead the communications strategy for one of Cisco’s most strategically important and rapidly evolving organizations. We are seeking an AI-forward communications leader who understands how AI is transforming the workplace and the communications function, and who can harness AI tools and technologies to elevate storytelling, content development, employee engagement, and communications effectiveness.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, 10+ years of experience in internal, employee, executive, or corporate communications, ideally within a large global technology organization.
Proven experience leading communications for complex, technical, or highly transformational organizations.
Demonstrated success advising and influencing senior executives and translating business and technology strategy into compelling employee narratives.
Outstanding storytelling, writing, editing, and presentation skills, with the ability to make complex topics simple and engaging.
Strong business acumen and the ability to connect communications strategy to measurable business and employee outcomes.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in fast-paced, global technology companies and navigating significant organizational transformation.
Proven ability to operate effectively in ambiguity and influence across a highly matrixed organization.
Strong executive presence and the ability to build trusted relationships with C-suite and senior technology leaders.
Experience developing communications strategies that strengthen culture, employee engagement, and organizational alignment.
Experience using data, analytics, AI, and new technologies to modernize and improve employee communications.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute the internal communications strategy for AI Software and Platform team, aligned to Cisco’s broader AI vision, business priorities, and employee experience.
Serve as a trusted communications advisor to senior executives and engineering leaders, helping them communicate strategy, transformation, organizational priorities, and business impact with clarity and authenticity.
Translate complex AI, engineering, and technology concepts into compelling stories that employees can easily understand and connect to.
Build narratives that strengthen employee understanding of where the team is headed, why it matters, and how employees’ work contributes to Cisco’s success.
Develop integrated communications across multiple channels, including executive communications, leadership presentations, town halls, employee events, digital platforms, video, and storytelling.
Serve as a leader who values both the human experience and business outcomes to drive cultural health and organizational success.
Build a culture of transparency, connection, and accountability by creating communications that help employees navigate change with confidence.
Be a thought partner and driver of Voice of the Employee (VoE) initiatives, launching modern listening strategies that enable Cisco to regularly understand and act on employee feedback.
Use employee insights, data, analytics, and emerging AI tools to continuously improve communications effectiveness and employee engagement.

Benefits

medical, dental and vision insurance
a 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution
paid parental leave
short and long-term disability coverage
basic life insurance
restricted stock units
10 paid holidays per full calendar year
1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees
1 paid day off for employee’s birthday
paid year-end holiday shutdown
4 paid days off for personal wellness
16 days of paid vacation time per full calendar year (non-exempt)
flexible vacation time off program (exempt)
80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter
up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward from one calendar year to the next
Optional 10 paid days per full calendar year to volunteer
annual bonuses (non-sales roles)
performance-based incentive pay (sales roles)