1444058 - Director, Executive Communications - Partner Organization

Cisco Systems, Inc.; Seattle (WA); Remote; USD 175,000 - 285,000; Full time

Job summary

Cisco Systems, Inc. is seeking a Director of Executive Communications in Seattle. This role involves developing a thought-leadership communication strategy for the Global Partner and Routes-to-Market Sales organization. Ideal candidates will have a proven track record of strategic communication and a passion for storytelling that drives organizational goals. The role offers competitive compensation and opportunities for growth within an innovative tech environment.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) plan with matching contribution

Flexible Vacation Time Off policy

Paid time for volunteering

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in executive communications or public relations.
• 2+ years of experience with senior or C-level executives.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute communication strategies aligned with corporate priorities.
• Lead a team of communication professionals to deliver impactful content.
• Craft messaging that resonates with Cisco’s partner ecosystem.

Skills

Strategic Communications

Storytelling

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Education

B.A. or B.S. degree or equivalent

B.A. degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field

Job description

1444058 - Director, Executive Communications - Partner Organization

Location:

Offsite, Seattle, Washington, US

Alternate Location

Area of Interest

Marketing and Communications

Compensation Range

175700 USD- 284300 USD

Job Type

Professional

*None

Job Id

1444058

The job posting will remain open until June 22, 2025 or until we have received a sufficient number of qualified applicants, whichever comes first. Ideal candidate will be West Coast/ PST based.

Why You’ll Love Cisco

We change the World; you will become passionate about your employer and the brand you represent. Everything is converging on the Internet, making networked connections more meaningful than ever before in our lives. Our employees' groundbreaking ideas impact everything. Here, that means we take creative ideas from the drawing board to dynamic solutions that have real world impact. You'll collaborate with Cisco leaders, partner with mentors, and develop incredible relationships with colleagues who share your interest in connecting the unconnected. You'll be part a team that cares about its customers, enjoys having fun, and you'll take part in changing the lives of those in our local communities. Come prepared to be encouraged and inspired. At Cisco, we know that technology can connect, empower, and drive us. Our mission is to simplify technology so our customers can focus on what's most important to them. We stand for an inclusive future for all.

What You'll Do

Cisco is seeking aDirector, Executive Communicationsto develop and execute a comprehensive thought-leadership communications strategy supporting the Global Partner and Routes-to-Market Sales (GPRS) organization. This organization contributes nearly 90% of Cisco’s bookings and is responsible for delivering value to two of Cisco’s fastest-growing segments: mid-market and SMB, as well as driving Cisco’s partner-first strategy.

In this role, you will:

• Shape the voice of the senior GPRS executive, elevate their visibility, and align their messaging with Cisco’s global sales and partner ecosystem priorities.
• Lead a team of communication professionals to deliver high-impact content and strategies that influence perceptions, inspire action, and advance Cisco’s leadership in the partner and routes-to-market landscape.
• Amplify Cisco’s value to partners, customers, and collaborators through strategic, creative, and impactful communications that advance Cisco’s go-to-market strategy and support its partner-first culture.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Executive Communications

• Develop and execute a communications roadmap aligned with GPRS and Cisco’s corporate priorities.
• Create high-quality executive content, including speeches, blogs, and messaging frameworks.
• Shape and maintain the executive’s thought leadership platform with consistent messaging.
• Partner with the executive to align communication priorities and leadership vision.
• Coach and prepare the executive for key engagements, including events and town halls.
• Craft messaging that resonates with Cisco’s partner ecosystem, highlighting investments in partner profitability and innovation.

Event and Initiative Support

• Lead communication strategies for key events, announcements, and go-to-market initiatives.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Align messaging by working with global teams, including marketing, PR, and social media.

Industry Trends and Response

• Stay updated on trends and competitive developments; craft timely, strategic responses showcasing Cisco’s leadership.
• Mentor and lead a communications team, driving creativity and collaboration.

Multimedia Content Creation

• Deliver visually compelling materials by partnering with design and multimedia teams.
• Leverage digital platforms to amplify thought leadership.

Measurement and Optimization

• Track performance and audience feedback to refine strategies and increase impact.

Who You Are

You are a strategic and creative communicator with a passion for storytelling and the ability to distill complex ideas into compelling messages. You thrive in fast-paced environments, excel in cross-functional collaboration, and have a proven track record of working with senior executives. You are a leader who inspires teams, delivers high-impact results, and ensures alignment with organizational goals.

Basic Qualifications

• B.A. or B.S. degree or equivalent combination of skills and experience.
• 8+ years of experience in executive communications, corporate communications, or public relations.
• 2+ years of experience working in a communications role with senior or C-level executives.

Preferred Qualifications

• B.A. degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.
• Experience working in a sales organization and knowledge of the channel/partner ecosystem.
• Experience with digital platforms and multimedia content creation tools.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with the ability to adapt tone and style to different audiences.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and executive presence.
• Strong project management, event coordination, and execution skills.
• Discretion, integrity, and the ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality.
• Flexible location for the right candidate.
• Willingness to travel approximately 20% for events and meetings.

Why Cisco

#WeAreCisco. We are all outstanding, but collectively we bring our talents to work as a team, to develop innovative technology and power a more inclusive, digital future for everyone. How do we do it? Well, for starters - with people like you!

Nearly every internet connection around the world touches Cisco. We’re the Internet’s optimists. Our technology makes sure the data traveling at light speed across connections does so securely, yet it’s not what we make but what we make happen which marks us out. We’re helping those who work in the health service to connect with patients and each other; schools, colleges, and universities to teach in even the most challenging of times. We’re helping businesses of all shapes and sizes to connect with their employees and customers in new ways, providing people with access to the digital skills they need and connecting the most remote parts of the world - whether through 5G, or otherwise.

We tackle whatever challenges come our way. We have each other’s backs, we recognize our accomplishments, and we grow together. We celebrate and support one another - from big and small things in life to big career moments. And giving back is in our DNA (we get 10 days off each year to do just that).

We know that powering an inclusive future starts with us. Because without diversity and a dedication to equality, there is no moving forward. Our 30 Inclusive Communities, that bring people together around commonalities or passions, are leading the way. Together we’re committed to learning, listening, caring for our communities, whilst supporting the most vulnerable with a collective effort to make this world a better place either with technology, or through our actions.

Message to applicants applying to work in the U.S. and/or Canada:

When available, the salary range posted for this position reflects the projected hiring range for new hire, full-time salaries in U.S. and/or Canada locations, not including equity or benefits. For non-sales roles the hiring ranges reflect base salary only; employees are also eligible to receive annual bonuses. Hiring ranges for sales positions include base and incentive compensation target. Individual pay is determined by the candidate's hiring location and additional factors, including but not limited to skillset, experience, and relevant education, certifications, or training. Applicants may not be eligible for the full salary range based on their U.S. or Canada hiring location. The recruiter can share more details about compensation for the role in your location during the hiring process.

U.S. employees haveaccess to quality medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution, short and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance and numerous wellbeing offerings.

Employees receive up to twelve paid holidays per calendar year, which includes one floating holiday (for non-exempt employees), plus a day off for their birthday. Non-Exempt new hires accrue up to 16 days ofvacation time off each year, at a rate of 4.92 hours per pay period. Exempt new hires participate in Cisco’s flexible Vacation Time Offpolicy, which does not place a defined limit on how much vacation time eligible employees may use, but is subject to availability and some business limitations. All new hires are eligible for Sick Time Off subject to Cisco’s Sick Time Off Policy and will have eighty (80) hours of sick time off provided on their hire date and on January 1st of each year thereafter. Up to 80 hours ofunused sick timewill be carried forwardfrom one calendar yearto the nextsuch that the maximum number of sick time hours an employee may have available is160 hours. Employees in Illinois have a unique time off program designed specifically with local requirements in mind. All employees also have access to paid time away to deal with critical or emergency issues. We offer additional paid time to volunteer and give back to the community.

Employees on sales plans earn performance-based incentive pay on top of their base salary, which is split between quota and non-quota components. For quota-based incentive pay, Cisco typically pays as follows:

.75% of incentive target for each 1% of revenue attainment up to 50% of quota;

1.5% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 50% and 75%;

1% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 75% and 100%; and once performance exceeds 100% attainment, incentive rates are at or above 1% for each 1% of attainment with no cap on incentive compensation.

For non-quota-based sales performance elements such as strategic sales objectives, Cisco may pay up to 125% of target. Cisco sales plans do not have a minimum threshold of performance for sales incentive compensation to be paid.

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