Executive Communications Manager

Cisco•San Jose, CA

About The Position

You will join the dynamic Cisco Investments & Corporate Development team, a group dedicated to driving Cisco's long-term growth strategy through strategic venture capital investments and acquisitions. This team plays a critical role in shaping Cisco's future, impacting its global presence and technological leadership. The team is driven and collaborative, passionate about identifying and integrating groundbreaking innovations into Cisco's portfolio. As an Executive Communications Manager, you will be pivotal in shaping and amplifying the voice of the team, driving strategic narratives. You will develop and execute a holistic communications strategy, crafting compelling content for executive communications, presentations, and external channels for diverse audiences. This role demands a strategic advisor who can translate complex initiatives into clear, impactful stories, influencing perception and bolstering brand narrative. You will lead the end-to-end content creation process, ensuring message consistency and strategic alignment across all platforms. Your success will directly contribute to strengthening Cisco's market position and facilitating its long-term growth objectives.

Requirements

10+ years of professional experience, with 5+ years in communications within a high-tech, Private Equity, or Venture Capital environment.
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.
Demonstrated expertise in developing and executing comprehensive multi-channel communication strategies.
Experience in crafting compelling presentations, speeches, and written content for senior leaders.
Experience in managing and influencing partners across various organizational levels, including executives.

Nice To Haves

Sophisticated writing, editing, and presentation skills, with executive-level content.
A track record of translating complex business and technical concepts into compelling, accessible narratives.
Strong project management skills with the ability to lead high-profile initiatives
Media relations experience and managing external agencies or vendors.
Master’s degree in a relevant field of study.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy, focusing on M&A and investment initiatives.
Craft original and compelling executive communications, including presentations, keynote speeches, press releases, and strategic content like reports, blogs, and newsletters.
Drive the Cisco Investments & Corporate Development story, honing messaging for M&A and Investments to resonate with key internal and external audiences across multiple channels.
Collaborate closely with Cisco Executives, Corporate Development, Business Unit leadership, and PR to align and deliver messaging for company announcements and updates related to acquisitions and investments.
Manage the perception of our organization, through media relations and identifying high-impact executive speaking opportunities.
Influence and align the brand narrative and messaging across the team, ensuring a compelling and consistent market voice.

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, which vest following continued employment with Cisco for defined periods of time
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
4 paid days off for personal wellness determined by Cisco
Non-exempt employees receive 16 days of paid vacation time per full calendar year, accrued at rate of 4.92 hours per pay period for full-time employees
Exempt employees participate in Cisco’s flexible vacation time off program, which has no defined limit on how much vacation time eligible employees may use (subject to availability and some business limitations)
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
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 subject to Cisco’s policies
performance-based incentive pay on top of their base salary