Director, Strategic Transactions

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..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 & AcquisitionsPartner 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 mattersLead legal due diligence processes and coordinate with other functions to communicate findings, risks and recommended solutions to stakeholdersPlay a key communication and coordination role across diverse functions and levels to complete transactionsDevelop strategies and tools to drive continuous improvements in deal processes and execution, including by utilizing AIStrategic InvestmentsSupport corporate venture capital program and investments, including management of related outside counsel relationships and engagementsDevelop legal strategies and efficient processes to coordinate and oversee such investments and ongoing portfolio managementOther Strategic Transactions and Legal MattersPlay a leading role in negotiating and drafting of strategic commercial and technology transactions and partnershipsAssist the broader Legal Department and Chief Strategy Officer on other high priority tasks and other corporate or transactional mattersThe 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 clientExperience independently negotiating and running complex strategic transactionsAbility to think creatively, function independently and work proactively in a fast-paced environmentDemonstrated growth mindset and strong initiative—ambitious, adaptable, and willing to take ownership and tackle unfamiliar challenges with confidenceExcellent legal and business judgment, attention to detail and proven capacity to tackle complicated problemsStrong process orientation with a passion for continuous improvement and strong comfort with the use of AI and other technologies to support transactionsTeam player with willingness to adapt and support the diverse needs of a dynamic legal departmentEffective communicator with stakeholders and executivesActive bar membership (in good standing) in your state of residency, with eligibility to practice as in-house counselNice to haves:Familiarity with our industry or high technology marketsPublic company exposure and familiarity with securities lawAntitrust/Competition law familiarity and experience coordinating filings, merger control strategies or document productionCommercial contracting experience with transactions involving development, purchase or sale or license of emerging technologyExperience with capital markets and financing transactions including debt or equity transactionsPost closing integration experience, planning and coordinating contract novations, assignments, transition service