U.S. State Government Affairs Manager
About the role
Location: Washington, DC (most preferred). The application window closes on 10/05/2026.
Cisco is seeking a government affairs and public policy professional to join a global team as a U.S. 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 states. The role involves developing and implementing strategies to strengthen Cisco’s presence and influence with state government stakeholders and technology associations, and collaborating with internal teams—including People, Policy & Purpose (3P), Sales, Communications, Legal, and Product Development—to drive innovative policy solutions that support Cisco’s business goals and mission to power an inclusive future for all.
Key Responsibilities
- Advise and prepare senior leaders for engagements with state and local officials, ensuring alignment with Cisco’s business objectives and overall strategy.
- Monitor, analyze, and report on relevant state legislative, regulatory, and budget developments.
- Build trusted relationships with legislators, legislative staff, governors’ offices, and state agencies to strengthen Cisco’s public‑sector leadership.
- Educate policymakers on Cisco’s technology and its role in AI, cybersecurity, broadband access, economic development, and public safety.
- Advance policy priorities aligned with purpose‑driven initiatives.
- Represent Cisco in state‑level hearings, meetings, and industry coalitions.
- Draft and present testimony, position papers, and advocacy materials.
Minimum Qualifications
- 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 related to technology policy and familiarity with public policy issues affecting the technology industry.
- Excellent political judgment and relationship‑building skills.
- Strong communication, writing, collaboration, and advocacy abilities with a demonstrated ability to build consensus across internal teams.
- Ability to travel throughout the U.S. and, on occasion, internationally.
Preferred Qualifications
- 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.
- Demonstrated ability to integrate public policy with business strategy and corporate development objectives.
Why Cisco?
At Cisco, we’re revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect organizations in the AI era and beyond. With 40 years of innovation, we create solutions that power how humans and technology work together across physical and digital worlds, delivering unparalleled security, visibility, and insights. Our global network of doers and experts enables limitless growth opportunities, collaborative teamwork, and a shared purpose to make a worldwide impact.
Pay
The starting salary range for this position is $161,300 – $204,800, reflecting projected new‑hire compensation for U.S. and/or Canada locations (excluding incentive compensation, equity, or benefits). Specific ranges by location include:
- New York City Metro Area: $173,400 – $265,200
- Non‑Metro New York State & Washington State: $161,300 – $235,500
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
- Paid time off: 10 holidays + 1 floating holiday, birthday day off, year‑end shutdown, 4 personal wellness days, 10 volunteer days
- Vacation: 16 days (non‑exempt) or flexible vacation time off (exempt)
- 80 hours of sick time on hire and each January 1, with carry‑forward
- Additional paid time for critical family emergencies
- Eligibility for annual bonuses (non‑sales roles) and performance‑based incentive pay (sales roles)