Event Marketing Manager

Cisco•San Jose, CA

1d•$196,000 - $284,100

About The Position

We are seeking a high-caliber strategic leader to lead our Global Events Marquee and Industry portfolio. You are a passionate brand ambassador who instinctively weaves Cisco’s ever-evolving brand vision into every facet of your work. In this leadership role, you will define the vision and direct the execution of integrated engagement strategies that amplify Cisco’s brand presence, cultivate customer journeys, and drive measurable revenue impact via Cisco’s event portfolio. You will lead a high-performing team of engagement managers, supporting the audience engagement efforts at our key Marquee and Industry Events and the Cisco Showcase at Cisco Live Global. The ideal candidate leverages an "AI-first" mindset to optimize operational efficiency, content creation, and data-driven decision-making.

Requirements

Experience: 10+ years of event marketing within the high-tech sector, 15+ years of strategic communications experience, and 10+ years of proven leadership in managing high-performing teams.
Strategic Acumen: Demonstrated track record of leading complex, large-scale marketing campaigns and flagship event initiatives.
Executive Presence & Communication: Proven ability to craft and deliver high-stakes presentations and communications for executive leadership, effectively distilling complex business strategies into clear, actionable, and persuasive narratives.
Brand Stewardship: A dedicated brand ambassador with a deep-seated passion for brand storytelling, ensuring our evolving vision is reflected in every attendee touchpoint.
AI & Operational Fluency: A proactive, innovative thinker who actively integrates AI tools to improve workflow efficiency, content velocity, and process optimization.
Data Storytelling: Beyond just tracking KPIs, you possess the ability to translate complex data sets into compelling narratives that influence stakeholders and demonstrate business value.
Change Management: Proven ability to guide teams through transformation—especially as we integrate new AI tools and evolving event formats—as a core expectation for Cisco leaders.
Analytical Rigor: Demonstrated ability to manage complex project portfolios, track ROI, and pivot strategies based on data-driven insights.
BA/BS degree in Communications, Marketing, or a related field required.

Responsibilities

Architect Engagement Strategy: Direct the development and execution of multi-channel marketing and communication strategies. You will manage end-to-end marketing and comms strategies across all owned and paid channels that drive attendee outcomes, including booth engagement, speaking sessions, meeting participation, brand awareness, and sales engagement.
Drive AI-Enabled Innovation: Champion an "AI-first" operational model to streamline content development, consolidate processes, and scale high-impact communication assets across the event portfolio.
Cross-Functional Leadership: Serve as a strategic partner to the Marquee and Industry Team Program Management, Event Strategy, and Brand team leaders to drive alignment and ensure a cohesive, premium Cisco brand experience globally.
Operational Excellence & KPI Management: Define and report on rigorous KPIs that track event efficacy and ROI. Partner with Sales and Marketing leadership to architect and optimize high-touch, low-touch, and no-touch customer journey programs.
Team Leadership: Provide mentorship to senior and mid-level managers. Foster a culture of professional growth, high-performance, and agility, while managing complex vendor relationships to ensure service excellence.
Advisory: Serve as the subject matter expert, providing critical insights and data-driven recommendations to shape future event communication and engagement strategy.
Content Development: Exceptional copywriting and editorial skills, with the ability to independently develop high-impact written materials and collateral that articulate our brand narrative and strategic vision.

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, plus 1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees
1 paid day off for employee’s birthday, paid year-end holiday shutdown, and 4 paid days off for personal wellness determined by Cisco
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, and 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