Public Relations Manager

Cisco•Washington, DC

7d•$129,100 - $212,100•Remote

About The Position

Join a worldwide technology leader at the forefront of the AI revolution. Cisco is seeking a Public Relations Manager focused on our People, Learning and AI Transformation efforts, with the opportunity to bridge across the full 3P portfolio (People, Purpose & Policy) more broadly at times. In this role, you will serve as an established communications advisor, translating complex business priorities into clear, compelling narratives that strengthen Cisco's reputation as an innovation leader and a great place to work. You will partner closely with key executives to elevate their platforms and build a consistent media drumbeat around AI workforce transformation, organizational leadership and key learning initiatives. You will combine proactive media relations with compelling narrative storytelling to drive high-impact external conversations that are aligned with Cisco’s business priorities. You will partner closely with key People executives to elevate their platforms and build a consistent media drumbeat around AI workforce transformation, organizational leadership and key skilling initiatives. You will combine proactive media relations with compelling narrative storytelling—translating Cisco's business priorities into high-impact external conversations.

Requirements

7+ years of experience in public relations, corporate communications, or related fields.
Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with top-tier business, technology, HR or policy media; demonstrated success in securing high-impact feature coverage.
Experience developing and executing communications strategies for a defined portfolio or business area; strong knowledge of competitive landscape and stakeholder needs.
Demonstrated capability in crisis and issue management on sensitive topics under tight deadlines.
Experience leading and collaborating on cross-functional campaigns and project timelines for multi-channel initiatives.
Comfort with ambiguity and proven ability to balance global communications goals with functional and regional needs.

Nice To Haves

Experience in artificial intelligence, people, HR, policy, or corporate culture communications.
Track record of developing and executing transformational corporate narratives during periods of organizational change.
Established experience using AI tools to streamline workflows or automate communications tasks.
Experience working with or managing external PR agency partners on integrated campaigns.
Familiarity with measurement and analytics frameworks that tie PR programs to strategic outcomes.

Responsibilities

Drive a consistent, high-impact media drumbeat to strengthen Cisco’s positioning across key People priorities, including AI workforce transformation, organizational leadership and key skilling initiatives related to AI, cybersecurity and more.
Serve as a trusted advisor to key People executives and their benches, identifying and securing high-profile external platforms, including bylines, awards, speaking opportunities at premier industry conferences and events.
Proactively pitch and secure high-visibility feature stories, quotes, and strong message pull-through across top business, tech, policy, and HR vertical outlets, as well as emerging media platforms like podcasts.
Counsel internal stakeholders and help coordinate swift, thoughtful communications strategies on sensitive topics; help ensure message clarity and factual reporting.
Direct external PR agency partners as an extension of the internal team; ensure our PR strategy is well understood and translated into high impact results.
Track, measure and communicate results to stakeholders and team leadership, with emphasis on impact and outcomes.
Continuously optimize PR operations and accelerate team deliverable timelines by actively experimenting with and adopting generative AI tools, agents and automated AI workflows.

Benefits

medical, dental and vision insurance
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 (non-sales roles)
performance-based incentive pay (sales roles)