US State Government Affairs Manager

Cisco Systems, Inc.•San Jose, CA

46d•Remote

About The Position

Cisco is seeking a government affairs professional to join a global team as a US State Government Affairs Manager. Reporting to the Vice President of State Government Affairs & Community Relations, this individual will help lead Cisco's government engagements and public policy efforts across multiple US states. Cisco's Government Affairs team represents the company with governments around the world to build relationships with key leaders, advance Cisco's public policy goals, and educate governments about our industry. Government Affairs is involved in all key legislative, regulatory, and global issues that impact the technology industry. We are comprised of government and public policy experts across two dozen countries who represent Cisco at the highest levels of government. The team has extensive experience in and out of government and are recognized leaders in the industry. As a US State Government Affairs Manager, you will develop and implement strategies to strengthen Cisco's presence and influence with state government stakeholders and technology associations. You will drive innovative policy solutions that support Cisco's business goals and mission to power an inclusive future for all. You are passionate about collaboration with internal teams-including People, Policy & Purpose (3P), Sales, Communications, Legal, and Product Development- which will ensure alignment with Cisco's overall strategy and purpose-driven initiatives as we advance policy priorities and strengthen Cisco's public sector leadership. At Cisco, we're revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect organizations in the AI era - and beyond. We've been innovating fearlessly for 40 years to create solutions that power how humans and technology work together across the physical and digital worlds. These solutions provide customers with unparalleled security, visibility, and insights across the entire digital footprint. Fueled by the depth and breadth of our technology, we experiment and create meaningful solutions. Add to that our worldwide network of doers and experts, and you'll see that the opportunities to grow and build are limitless. We work as a team, collaborating with empathy to make really big things happen on a global scale. Because our solutions are everywhere, our impact is everywhere. We are Cisco, and our power starts with you.

Requirements

7+ years of political and public policy experience in government, corporate government affairs, public affairs, trade associations, or public policy institutions
Strong understanding of legislative and regulatory processes and familiarity with public policy issues affecting the technology industry
Excellent political judgment and relationship-building skills
Strong communication, writing, collaboration, and advocacy abilities
Ability to travel, as needed, throughout the US and, on occasion, internationally

Nice To Haves

Experience in state and local government relations, government affairs, public policy, public affairs, political campaigns, lobbying, outreach, or research
Proven success leading policy or public affairs initiatives, such as lobbying or advocacy campaigns
Extensive experience driving cross-functional collaboration with senior stakeholders and influencing decisions at all organizational levels
Skilled in managing executives with exceptional leadership, communication, and collaboration skills
Deep knowledge of technology policy and commitment to Cisco's vision of a secure and accessible Internet

Responsibilities

Advising and preparing senior leaders for engagements with state and local officials, ensuring alignment with Cisco's business objectives.
Monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on relevant state legislative, regulatory, and budget developments.
Representing Cisco in state-level hearings, meetings, and industry coalitions, building trusted relationships with legislators, legislative staff, governors' offices, and state agencies.
Drafting and presenting testimony, position papers, and advocacy materials, as well as educating policymakers on Cisco's technology and its role in AI, cybersecurity, broadband access, economic development, and public safety.

Benefits

U.S. employees are offered benefits, subject to Cisco's plan eligibility rules, which include medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability coverage, and basic life insurance.
Employees may be eligible to receive 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, and 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
Employees in Illinois, whether exempt or non-exempt, will participate in a unique time off program to meet local requirements.