PR Manager, Brand Sponsorships

Cisco•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The PR Manager for Brand and Sponsorships will build and execute a comprehensive public relations strategy for Cisco’s global brand partnerships. The role serves as the key communications lead for high-visibility sports, cultural, and entertainment sponsorships, with the goal of generating measurable impact on brand equity and market positioning. Working at the intersection of brand strategy, integrated marketing, and corporate communications, the manager will connect marketing and public relations efforts and develop larger stories that resonate globally and position Cisco in culture and innovation. The position owns communication strategies for Cisco’s brand and sponsorship portfolio, develops narratives for diverse audiences, and identifies opportunities to make partnerships and customers central to Cisco’s value proposition. It provides strategic counsel to senior leaders, builds relationships with media, customers, and internal partners, and leads brand-led campaigns from planning through delivery. The role also brings external market perspectives—including media sentiment, competitive activity, and industry trends—into internal decisions and helps proactively address reputational risks.

Requirements

8–10+ years of experience in public relations, communications, or brand management.
Proven track record managing high-profile brand partnerships, sponsorships, or large-scale integrated marketing or PR programs.
Strong strategic counsel skills and ability to advise senior leaders on reputation management and stakeholder engagement.
Deep expertise crafting compelling narratives for diverse audiences, supported by a portfolio of blogs, press releases, and thought leadership content.
Experience managing complex agency relationships and project timelines with a focus on measurable outcomes.
Ability to work cross-functionally in a matrixed environment and navigate competing stakeholder priorities to achieve cohesive outcomes.

Nice To Haves

Experience in sports or entertainment marketing and its intersection with corporate reputation.
Background identifying and managing crisis and issues-based communications to protect brand equity.
Strong understanding of current PR measurement tools and ability to influence global strategies through data-driven insights.

Responsibilities

Develop and own communication strategies for Cisco’s key brand and sponsorship portfolio, translating brand priorities into compelling narratives.
Identify opportunities to position partnerships and customers as central to Cisco’s value proposition and uncover new storytelling opportunities.
Serve as a primary communications partner to global Brand and Sponsorship teams.
Advise senior leadership on reputation, messaging, and stakeholder engagement.
Build and maintain long-term relationships with Cisco customers and internal business partners to align on brand vision.
Collaborate across marketing and communications to ensure brand consistency and deliver integrated campaigns.
Build relationships with top-tier business, lifestyle, sports, and entertainment media, and pitch stories to secure high-impact coverage.
Lead end-to-end campaign execution for brand initiatives and sponsorships, managing timelines, agency partners, and multichannel delivery.
Ensure campaign work meets editorial rigor and Cisco’s brand and partnership standards.
Surface market trends and advocate for underrepresented priorities in global communications strategies.
Advise product marketing and executive leadership, bringing media sentiment, competitive moves, and industry trends into decision-making.
Help proactively mitigate reputational risks.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) plan with Cisco matching contribution
Paid parental leave
Short- and long-term disability coverage
Basic life insurance
Paid holidays
Floating holiday for non-exempt employees
Paid day off for employee’s birthday
Paid year-end holiday shutdown
Paid personal wellness days
Vacation time or flexible vacation time off, depending on employee classification
Paid sick time
Additional paid time away may be requested for critical or emergency issues for family members
Optional paid volunteer days
Annual bonuses for eligible non-sales employees
Potential grants of Cisco restricted stock units