People & Communities is seeking an experienced and influential Director of Executive Communications to serve as a strategic advisor and communications expert for our Chief People Officer, Kelly Jones. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive executive communication strategy that effectively conveys our P&C vision, purpose and priorities to both internal and external audiences. This role involves leading a small team dedicated to executive communications and requires a combination of strong leadership, outstanding writing skills, and expertise in internal and external communications.

Key Responsibilities:

Develop and execute a cohesive executive communications strategy for the CPO, highlighting our company's commitment to culture, talent and leadership development, and employee experience.
Craft compelling and persuasive content, including speeches, presentations, executive messages, customer briefing documents, and thought leadership articles and blog posts that accurately reflect the CPO's voice and strategic priorities.
Lead and mentor a small team of communications professionals, supervising their work and supporting their professional development.
Collaborate across P&C and key partner groups to ensure that the communication strategy supports Cisco’s purpose and business priorities.
Serve as a liaison between the CPO and other key partners to facilitate clear and effective communication.
Prepare the CPO for a variety of speaking engagements, including all-hands meetings, industry conferences, media interviews, public appearances, executive leadership team presentations, and board meetings.
Measure the impact of communication efforts and make data-driven recommendations for continuous improvement.
Stay abreast of HR trends, standard processes in executive communications, and employee sentiment to ensure messages are timely, relevant, and impactful.
Handle critical information with discretion, maintaining confidentiality where vital.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field
Minimum of 12 years of experience in a communications role, with at least three years in a leadership capacity directly related to executive communications or corporate communications.
Demonstrated success in developing and implementing executive communication strategies in a sophisticated organizational setting.
Outstanding writing, editing, and verbal communication skills with meticulous attention to detail.
Extensive experience in social media for brand development, with a focus on LinkedIn.
Shown ability to lead and encourage a team of communication professionals.
Strong understanding of HR functions, employee engagement strategies, and how they intersect with corporate communications.
Excellent project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.
Adept at working collaboratively with executives, cross-functional teams, and external partners.
Proficiency in the latest communication technologies, digital platforms and social media channels.

Why Cisco

:

#WeAreCisco, where each person is unique, but we bring our talents to work as a team and make a difference. Here’s how we do it.

We embrace digital, and help our customers implement change in their digital businesses. Some may think we’re "old" (30 years strong) and only about hardware, but we’re also a software company. And a security company. An AI/Machine Learning company. We even invented an intuitive network that adapts, predicts, learns and protects. No other company can do what we do - you can’t put us in a box!

But "Digital Transformation" is an empty buzz phrase without a culture that allows for innovation, creativity, and yes, even failure (if you learn from it.)

Day to day, we focus on the give and take. We give our best, give our egos a break, and give of ourselves (because giving back is built into our DNA.) We take accountability, bold steps, and take difference to heart. Because without diversity of thought and a dedication to equality for all, there is no moving forward.

So, you have colorful hair - Don’t care. Tattoos - Show off your ink. Like polka dots - That’s cool. Pop culture geek - Many of us are. Passion for technology and world changing - Be you, with us!

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Director, Executive Communications to the Chief People Officer

Director, Executive Communications to the Chief People Officer