U.S. State Government Affairs Manager

Cisco

. Develop and implement strategies to strengthen Cisco’s presence and influence with state government stakeholders and technology associations .

Posted 9/22/2026full-timeUnited StatesSeniorLead💰 $161,300 - $204,800 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive experience in political and public policy, with a strong understanding of legislative and regulatory processes related to technology policy. Proven ability to build relationships with government stakeholders and integrate public policy with business strategy.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Political And Public Policy ExperienceLegislative And Regulatory ProcessesGovernment AffairsRelationship-Building SkillsCross-Functional Collaboration

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Public Policy AnalysisAdvocacy Material DevelopmentTestimony DraftingPolicy Strategy DevelopmentLegislative MonitoringBudget AnalysisTechnology Policy KnowledgeConsensus Building

Soft Skills

Excellent CommunicationStrong Writing AbilitiesCollaboration SkillsPolitical JudgmentLeadership Skills

Industry Keywords

Government RelationsPublic AffairsTechnology IndustryLobbyingPolitical CampaignsState Government StakeholdersTechnology AssociationsEconomic DevelopmentCybersecurityBroadband Access

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Cyber Security

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop and implement strategies to strengthen Cisco’s presence and influence with state government stakeholders and technology associations
Advise and prepare senior leaders for engagements with state and local officials
Monitor, analyze, and report on relevant state legislative, regulatory, and budget developments
Build trusted relationships with legislators, legislative staff, governors’ offices, and state agencies
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
Collaborate with People, Policy & Purpose, Sales, Communications, Legal, and Product Development teams
Drive innovative policy solutions supporting Cisco’s business goals and mission

Requirements

What you’ll need

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
Familiarity with public policy issues affecting the technology industry
Excellent political judgment and relationship-building skills
Strong communication, writing, collaboration, and advocacy abilities
Demonstrated ability to build consensus across internal teams
Ability to travel throughout the U.S. and occasionally internationally
Experience in state and local government relations, government affairs, public policy, public affairs, political campaigns, lobbying, outreach, or research preferred
Proven success leading policy or public affairs initiatives preferred
Extensive experience driving cross-functional collaboration with senior stakeholders preferred
Skilled in managing executives with exceptional leadership, communication, and collaboration skills preferred
Deep knowledge of technology policy and commitment to a secure and accessible Internet preferred
Demonstrated ability to integrate public policy with business strategy and corporate development objectives 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, subject to continued employment
10 paid holidays per full calendar year
1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees
Paid birthday day off
Paid year-end holiday shutdown
4 paid personal wellness days
16 days of paid vacation 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 policies
Sales incentive compensation for employees on sales plans, subject to applicable Cisco plan
Opportunities to grow and build at global scale