Director, Strategic Planning

Cisco • San Francisco, CA

1d • $230,000 - $333,300

About The Position

Cisco is seeking a dynamic Chief of Staff to partner with the VP of Public Relations in shaping the PR function for a company at the forefront of the AI revolution. This role requires a seasoned PR professional who combines strategic leadership with hands-on PR expertise. You will serve as a critical force in architecting and scaling the organization’s impact—driving operational excellence, strategic alignment, and world-class execution across the PR team. You will work cross-functionally with senior leaders across public relations and the broader Global Communications organization, ensuring the PR organization delivers a vision and measurable results. Additionally, this role will require adaptability to independently lead strategic PR initiatives, provide direct PR support as needed, and cover for team members to maintain continuity and momentum.

Requirements

• 14+ years of progressive experience in public relations, communications operations, strategy, or large-scale program management within complex, global organizations.
• Demonstrated success advising and partnering directly with executive leadership teams in high-impact, dynamic environments.
• Exceptional executive communication skills, with a proven ability to develop and deliver compelling presentations, reports, and business cases to senior audiences.
• Operational understanding of budget oversight, resource management, HR functions, and the use of metrics to drive business decisions.
• Proven ability to independently lead PR initiatives and provide hands-on PR execution as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with enterprise technology, Fortune 500, or global communications organizations, with a track record of driving transformation and operational excellence at scale.
• Deep expertise across public relations and communications disciplines, including media relations and executive/CEO communications.
• Understanding of external agency operations and management.
• Proven ability to influence, collaborate, and build consensus at the executive and cross-functional leadership level within highly matrixed organizations.
• Demonstrated strategic agility, organizational excellence, and a solutions-oriented mindset, with a strong bias for action and the ability to drive results in fast-paced, high-growth environments.

Responsibilities

• Oversee PR Organizational Operations at Scale: Provide executive leadership and direction for all operational aspects of the global PR function, including strategic planning rhythms, executive meetings, internal communications, and high-level documentation—ensuring seamless alignment and execution across multiple teams and geographies.
• Integrated Planning PR: Shape PR's strategy and engagement within the integrated planning motion across quarterly business reviews (QBRs), major company moments, communications measurement, and cross-functional planning. Define how the PR organization partners with integrated planning by establishing clear roles, responsibilities, and operating rhythms that drive alignment and consistent execution.
• Adaptable PR IC Independently run strategic PR initiatives when needed, including media campaigns and executive communications, demonstrating deep PR functional expertise. Provide direct PR support and coverage for team members during absences to ensure continuity of operations and maintain high standards of execution.
• Champion Data-Driven Performance & Business Alignment: Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of robust KPIs and performance measurement frameworks. Ensure clear alignment between PR objectives and broader business priorities, delivering actionable insights and driving accountability at all organizational levels.
• Stewardship of Budget & Resource Optimization: In partnership with Strategy, Planning, and Operations, provide strategic oversight for budget planning, financial discipline, and vendor management. Ensure optimal allocation of resources to maximize impact and efficiency across the PR organization.
• Architect Operational Excellence: Develop and continually refine scalable, innovative processes that enhance agility, foster transparency, and accelerate collaboration across the PR organization and with cross-functional partners.
• Drive High-Impact, Cross-Company Initiatives: Lead the conception, mobilization, and executive execution of critical, cross-functional programs and strategic initiatives. Ensure these efforts are delivered with urgency, accountability, and measurable business outcomes, positioning Cisco at the forefront of communications excellence.

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
• grants of Cisco 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, accrued at rate of 4.92 hours per pay period for full-time employees (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
• Additional paid time away may be requested to deal with critical or emergency issues for family members
• Optional 10 paid days per full calendar year to volunteer
• annual bonuses
• performance-based incentive pay

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed