Public Relations Manager

Application window closes on: 10/01/2026

About the role

Join a worldwide technology leader at the forefront of the AI revolution. Cisco is seeking a Public Relations Manager focused on People, Learning and AI Transformation efforts, with the opportunity to bridge across the full 3P portfolio (People, Purpose & Policy). 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 aligned with Cisco’s business priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Thought Leadership: 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.
• Executive Positioning: Serve as a trusted advisor to key People executives and their benches, identifying and securing high‑profile external platforms such as bylines, awards, and speaking opportunities at premier industry conferences and events.
• Media Relations & Storytelling: 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.
• Issues Management: Counsel internal stakeholders and help coordinate swift, thoughtful communications strategies on sensitive topics; ensure message clarity and factual reporting.
• Agency Management and Operational Efficiency: Direct external PR agency partners as an extension of the internal team; ensure PR strategy is well understood and translated into high‑impact results.
• Communicate Impact: Track, measure and communicate results to stakeholders and team leadership, emphasizing impact and outcomes.
• AI Innovation & Workflow Automation: Continuously optimize PR operations and accelerate team deliverable timelines by experimenting with and adopting generative AI tools, agents and automated AI workflows.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Why Cisco?

At Cisco, we’re revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect organizations in the AI era—and beyond. For 40 years we’ve created solutions that power how humans and technology work together across physical and digital worlds, delivering unparalleled security, visibility, and insights. Our worldwide network of doers and experts means limitless opportunities to grow and build. We collaborate with empathy to make big things happen on a global scale, and our impact is everywhere.

Pay

Starting salary range for U.S. and Canada locations: $129,100 – $163,800 (base salary, not including incentive compensation, equity, or benefits). Individual pay is determined by hiring location, market conditions, skillset, experience, qualifications, education, certifications, and/or training.

State‑specific ranges:

• New York City Metro Area: $145,200 – $212,100
• Non‑Metro New York State & Washington State: $129,100 – $188,300

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with Cisco matching contribution
• Paid parental leave
• Short‑ and long‑term disability coverage
• Basic life insurance
• Eligibility for Cisco restricted stock unit grants (vesting with continued employment)
• 10 paid holidays per calendar year plus 1 floating holiday (non‑exempt)
• 1 paid day off for employee’s birthday
• Paid year‑end holiday shutdown
• 4 paid personal‑wellness days
• Non‑exempt: 16 days of paid vacation per year (accrued at 4.92 hours per pay period)
• Exempt: Flexible vacation time off program (no defined limit, subject to availability and business needs)
• 80 hours of sick time on hire date and each January 1, with carry‑forward of up to 80 hours
• Additional paid time away for critical or emergency family issues
• 10 paid volunteer days per year
• Eligibility for annual bonuses (non‑sales roles)