Director, Strategic Alliances

Cisco

. Define and execute the multi-year global alliance strategy for Cisco’s most significant cloud partners .

Posted 9/18/2026full-timeSan Jose • California • United StatesLead💰 $243,300 - $312,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in managing complex technology partnerships within the global cloud ecosystem, with a strong focus on cloud-native architectures and strategic alignment across diverse stakeholders. Proven ability to influence executive decision-making and drive successful product integration and market adoption.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Cloud-Native ArchitecturesBusiness DevelopmentStrategic Partnership ManagementExecutive CommunicationData-Driven Decision-Making

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Cloud-Native ArchitecturesHybrid/Multi-CloudContainerizationSaaSSecurity RequirementsProduct ManagementBusiness DevelopmentStrategic AlignmentMarket AdoptionComplex Technology Partnerships

Soft Skills

Expert-Level CommunicationInfluence SkillsStakeholder AlignmentThought LeadershipCollaboration

Certifications & Qualifications

MBA or Advanced Degree

Industry Keywords

Global Cloud EcosystemNetworkingU.S.-Headquartered Hyperscale Cloud ProvidersCompetitive DynamicsOrganizational Complexities

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Cloud

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Define and execute the multi-year global alliance strategy for Cisco’s most significant cloud partners
Serve as the primary architect for joint initiatives spanning multiple geographies and business units
Act as a strategic bridge to alliance partners by understanding their priorities and capabilities and aligning them with Cisco’s alliance strategy
Drive complex initiatives by influencing senior leaders across Cisco’s product, engineering, and sales teams
Align internal stakeholders to prioritize partnership objectives
Incubate and manage high-stakes, cross-functional programs
Ensure successful product integration and market adoption
Serve as a primary point of contact for Cisco and partner executives
Navigate the coopetition landscape to secure long-term commitments and strategic alignment
Provide actionable intelligence to Cisco leadership on partner strategy, competitive positioning, and emerging technology trends
Shape Cisco’s executive-level decision-making
Collaborate with product leaders, sales leaders, CTOs, systems architects, and marketing professionals to synchronize go-to-market and technical integration efforts

Requirements

What you’ll need

BA/BS degree
10+ years of experience in business development, product management, or high-level partner management
Experience specifically within the global cloud or networking ecosystem
Proven track record managing large-scale, complex technology partnerships with significant strategic impact
Deep technical fluency in cloud-native architectures, including hybrid/multi-cloud, containerization, SaaS, and security requirements of large-scale cloud environments
Expert-level communication and influence skills
Ability to align diverse, global stakeholders and senior executives toward a unified vision without direct line authority
Strong grasp of strategic and competitive dynamics of the cloud industry
Ability to translate technical concepts into high-level business strategy
MBA or advanced degree preferred
Extensive experience working with U.S.-headquartered hyperscale cloud providers preferred
Demonstrated ability to navigate the organizational complexities of a large-scale multinational technology conglomerate preferred
Advanced proficiency in data-driven decision-making preferred
Ability to articulate innovative thought leadership to technical and business audiences preferred

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental and vision insurance
401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution
Paid parental leave
Short- and long-term disability coverage
Basic life insurance
Cisco restricted stock unit grants may be available
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 for non-exempt employees
Flexible vacation time off program with no defined limit for eligible exempt employees
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 family issues
Optional 10 paid volunteer days per full calendar year
Annual bonuses for non-sales roles, subject to Cisco’s policies