Director, Strategic Transactions

As the global leader in high-speed connectivity, Ciena builds the critical infrastructure powering the AI era. We’re a technology company shaping the future of networking, guided by innovation, integrity, and collaboration. Through development opportunities, meaningful work, and flexibility, Ciena supports growth and well-being—on and off the job. Connect with a career that matters.

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As the global leader in high-speed connectivity, Ciena is committed to a people-first approach. Our teams enjoy a culture focused on prioritizing a flexible work environment that empowers individual growth, well-being, and belonging. We’re a technology company that leads with our humanity—driving our business priorities alongside meaningful social, community, and societal impact.
Director, Strategic Transactions (Legal)

This is a newly created, high-impact role in Ciena ’s Legal Department. This role will have the opportunity to help shape how Ciena structures, coordinates and executes diverse strategic transactions globally. The Director will partner closely with the Ciena ’s Chief Strategy Office, Legal leadership team, and cross-functional leaders to drive M&A transactions, investments, and strategic partnerships for the Legal Department. This role’s involvement will span from early-stage interest, diligence and deal structuring through negotiation, closing, and post-close execution. This role is ideal for a highly motivated, strategic thinker who brings strong legal and business judgment to diverse transactions, and can translate complex issues into practical solutions. This role will be a connector across functions and levels, building trusted relationships with internal stakeholders and external counsel, while strengthening deal processes so Ciena can move quickly, thoughtfully, and with confidence. The Director, Strategic Transactions (Legal) reports to Ciena ’s Deputy General Counsel and will based remotely in the United States or proximate to a Ciena office location.
How you will make an impact:

Mergers & Acquisitions
- Partner closely with Chief Strategy Office and Legal leadership across all stages of acquisition transactions, including non-disclosure agreements, term sheets and letters of intent, deal structuring, running deal processes, drafting and negotiating definitive documents, closing deals and supporting integration and post-closing matters
- Lead legal due diligence processes and coordinate with other functions to communicate findings, risks and recommended solutions to stakeholders

- Play a key communication and coordination role across diverse functions and levels to complete transactions

- Develop strategies and tools to drive continuous improvements in deal processes and execution, including by utilizing AI

Strategic Investments

- Support corporate venture capital program and investments, including management of related outside counsel relationships and engagements

- Develop legal strategies and efficient processes to coordinate and oversee such investments and ongoing portfolio management

Other Strategic Transactions and Legal Matters

- Play a leading role in negotiating and drafting of strategic commercial and technology transactions and partnerships

- Assist the broader Legal Department and Chief Strategy Officer on other high priority tasks and other corporate or transactional matters

The must haves:

- 5+ years of legal experience in M&A, with a preference for strategic acquisition transactions and some in-house experience or outside counsel work that includes a recurring buy-side relationship with an acquisitive client

- Experience independently negotiating and running complex strategic transactions

- Ability to think creatively, function independently and work proactively in a fast-paced environment

- Demonstrated growth mindset and strong initiative—ambitious, adaptable, and willing to take ownership and tackle unfamiliar challenges with confidence

- Excellent legal and business judgme