Director, Strategic Planning

About the role

Cisco is seeking a dynamic Chief of Staff to partner with the VP of Public Relations in shaping the PR function for a company at the forefront of the AI revolution. This role requires a seasoned PR professional who combines strategic leadership with hands-on PR expertise.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership and direction for all operational aspects of the global PR function, including strategic planning rhythms, executive meetings, internal communications, and high-level documentation—ensuring seamless alignment and execution across multiple teams and geographies.
• Shape PR's strategy and engagement within the integrated planning motion across quarterly business reviews (QBRs), major company moments, communications measurement, and cross-functional planning.
• Define how the PR organization partners with integrated planning by establishing clear roles, responsibilities, and operating rhythms that drive alignment and consistent execution.
• Independently run strategic PR initiatives when needed, including media campaigns and executive communications, demonstrating deep PR functional expertise.
• Provide direct PR support and coverage for team members during absences to ensure continuity of operations and maintain high standards of execution.
• Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of robust KPIs and performance measurement frameworks. Ensure clear alignment between PR objectives and broader business priorities, delivering actionable insights and driving accountability at all organizational levels.
• Provide strategic oversight for budget planning, financial discipline, and vendor management. Ensure optimal allocation of resources to maximize impact and efficiency across the PR organization.
• Develop and continually refine scalable, innovative processes that enhance agility, foster transparency, and accelerate collaboration across the PR organization and with cross-functional partners.
• Lead the conception, mobilization, and executive execution of critical, cross-functional programs and strategic initiatives. Ensure these efforts are delivered with urgency, accountability, and measurable business outcomes, positioning Cisco at the forefront of communications excellence.

Requirements

• 14+ years of progressive experience in public relations, communications operations, strategy, or large-scale program management within complex, global organizations.
• Demonstrated success advising and partnering directly with executive leadership teams in high-impact, dynamic environments.
• Exceptional executive communication skills, with a proven ability to develop and deliver compelling presentations, reports, and business cases to senior audiences.
• Operational understanding of budget oversight, resource management, HR functions, and the use of metrics to drive business decisions.
• Proven ability to independently lead PR initiatives and provide hands-on PR execution as needed.

Qualifications

• Deep expertise across public relations and communications disciplines, including media relations and executive/CEO communications.
• Experience working with enterprise technology, Fortune 500, or global communications organizations, with a track record of driving transformation and operational excellence at scale.
• Understanding of external agency operations and management.
• Proven ability to influence, collaborate, and build consensus at the executive and cross-functional leadership level within highly matrixed organizations.
• Demonstrated strategic agility, organizational excellence, and a solutions-oriented mindset, with a strong bias for action and the ability to drive results in fast-paced, high-growth environments.

Skills

• Strategic leadership and hands-on PR expertise.
• Executive communication and presentation skills.
• Operational oversight and budget management.
• Process development and innovation.
• Collaboration and consensus-building.

Benefits

At Cisco, we offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive work environment. The starting salary range for this position is $230,000.00 to $289,800.00, reflecting the projected salary range for new hires in U.S. and/or Canadian locations. Individual pay is determined by the candidate's hiring location, market conditions, job-related skillset, experience, qualifications, education, certifications, and/or training. Additional benefits 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 also receive grants of Cisco restricted stock units, paid time off, and optional vacation days. For quota-based sales roles, incentive compensation is based on performance targets and may range from 0% to 125% of target. For non-quota-based sales performance elements, incentive compensation may range from 0% to 125% of target. Employees in Illinois will participate in a unique time off program to meet local requirements.

Pay

$230,000.00 to $289,800.00

Schedule

Full-time