Impress employers and recruiters.
Choose from hundreds of resume examples.

Target Resume Now

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. You will serve as a critical force in architecting and scaling the organization’s impact—driving operational excellence, strategic alignment, and world-class execution across the PR team. You will work cross-functionally with senior leaders across public relations and the broader Global Communications organization, ensuring the PR organization delivers a vision and measurable results. Additionally, this role will require adaptability to independently lead strategic PR initiatives, provide direct PR support as needed, and cover for team members to maintain continuity and momentum.

Responsibilities

Oversee PR Organizational Operations at Scale: 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.
Integrated Planning PR: 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.
Adaptable PR IC 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.
Champion Data-Driven Performance & Business Alignment: 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.
Stewardship of Budget & Resource Optimization: In partnership with Strategy, Planning, and Operations, 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.
Architect Operational Excellence: Develop and continually refine scalable, innovative processes that enhance agility, foster transparency, and accelerate collaboration across the PR organization and with cross-functional partners.
Drive High-Impact, Cross-Company Initiatives: 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.
Experience working with enterprise technology, Fortune 500, or global communications organizations, with a track record of driving transformation and operational excellence at scale.
Deep expertise across public relations and communications disciplines, including media relations and executive/CEO communications.
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

Public Relations
Communications Operations
Strategy
Large-scale Program Management
Executive Communication
Budget Oversight
Resource Management
HR Functions
Metrics Driven Decision Making
Media Relations
Executive/CEO Communications
External Agency Management
Influence
Collaboration
Consensus Building
Strategic Agility
Organizational Excellence
Solutions-Oriented Mindset
Bias for Action
Results Driven

Location

U.S.
Canada
New York City Metro Area
Non-Metro New York state
Washington state

Work Type

Full-time

Experience Level

14+ years of progressive experience

Salary/Compensations

$230,000.00 - $289,800.00 (U.S. and/or Canada)
$230,000.00 - $333,300.00 (New York City Metro Area)
$207,000.00 - $300,000.00 (Non-Metro New York state & Washington state)

Benefits

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
401(k) plan with Cisco matching contribution
Paid parental leave
Short-term disability coverage
Long-term disability coverage
Basic life insurance
Restricted stock units
10 paid holidays per full calendar year
1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees
1 paid day off for employee’s birthday
Paid year-end holiday shutdown
4 paid days off for personal wellness
16 days of paid vacation time per full calendar year (non-exempt)
Flexible vacation time off program (exempt)
80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter
Up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward
Additional paid time away for critical or emergency issues for family members
Optional 10 paid days per full calendar year to volunteer
Annual bonuses (non-sales roles)
Performance-based incentive pay (sales roles)

About the Company

At Cisco, we’re revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect organizations in the AI era – and beyond.
We’ve been innovating fearlessly for 40 years to create solutions that power how humans and technology work together across the physical and digital worlds.
These solutions provide customers with unparalleled security, visibility, and insights across the entire digital footprint.
Fueled by the depth and breadth of our technology, we experiment and create meaningful solutions.
Add to that our worldwide network of doers and experts, and you’ll see that the opportunities to grow and build are limitless.
We work as a team, collaborating with empathy to make really big things happen on a global scale.
Because our solutions are everywhere, our impact is everywhere.
We are Cisco, and our power starts with you.