Director, Internal Communications

Cisco•San Jose, CA

3d•$230,300 - $335,700

About The Position

The AI Software & Platform group is at 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 organization brings together engineering, research, and technical talent to solve some of the most complex challenges across AI, cloud, networking, security, and infrastructure. This is a high-visibility, fast paced organization operating at the intersection of AI innovation, engineering excellence and business transformation. As Director, Internal Communications, you will define and lead communications strategy for one of Cisco’s rapidly evolving organizations. You will help employees understand not only what we are building, but why it matters, where we are going, and how their work contributes to the transformation. This is not a traditional communications role. We are looking for an AI-forward communications strategist, storyteller, and executive advisor who understands how AI is reshaping technology, the workplace, and the communications function itself. You will partner closely with senior engineering and AI leaders to turn complex technology, strategy, and organizational priorities into compelling narratives that encourage employees, accelerate alignment, and build momentum. You will also help modernize how communications are created, delivered, measured, and personalized, using generative AI, data, analytics, automation, and new technologies to create a more intelligent and impactful employee communications experience. You will be equally comfortable in an executive staff meeting, an engineering town hall, or experimenting with the next generation of 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, with a strong understanding of how AI is transforming technology, the workplace, employee experience, and the communications function, along with willingness to experiment with emerging AI technologies.
Experience leading communications for complex and technical ground-breaking organizations, with exposure to AI, engineering, software, cybersecurity, cloud, infrastructure, or related technology domains.
Executive communications and advisory experience, with 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, with the ability to simplify complex technical concepts into clear, differentiated, and engaging narratives. Experience developing compelling 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, bringing an entrepreneurial attitude, agility, and a hands-on approach to developing communications strategies, creating compelling content, and amplifying emerging technologies and innovations.
Experience using Gen AI, 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, with experience serving 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. Connect AI vision, technology strategy, business priorities, organizational transformation, and employee experience to Cisco’s broader AI journey.
Advise and influence senior leaders. Serve as a trusted communications partner to executives, shaping compelling narratives, keynotes, town halls, leadership presentations, and high-stakes communications that bring complex strategies and innovations to life.
Translate complex technology into compelling narratives. Simplify sophisticated AI, engineering, research, cloud, networking, and platform concepts into clear, engaging narratives that resonate with employees, strengthen alignment, and inspire action.
Transform communications through AI and innovation. Modernize how content is built, personalized, distributed, and measured by using GenAI, automation, analytics, new technologies, and intelligent content workflows to improve speed, relevance, quality, and scale.
Drive employee listening and engagement. Lead Voice of the Employee and listening strategies, using employee sentiment, engagement data, organizational insights, and AI-powered analytics to identify emerging themes, inform communications, and continuously improve the employee experience.

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
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 employees)
flexible vacation time off program (exempt employees)
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 (for non-sales roles)
performance-based incentive pay (for sales roles)