Senior Executive Assistant, onsite in our Kanata office

Ciena; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 59,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

Ciena, a global leader in high-speed connectivity, seeks an Executive Assistant to support a senior leader within Global R&D. This role centers on strategic calendar management, complex travel planning, and cross-functional coordination with teams across the organization.

Ideal candidates bring 4+ years of executive support experience, exceptional communication skills, and the discretion required to handle confidential information in a fast-paced, international setting.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience supporting executives in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with professionalism and discretion.
• Ability to work independently with strong business judgment and confidentiality.
• Proactive about prioritization and handling competing demands.
• Strong collaboration, problem-solving and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and related tools.
• Willingness to accommodate variable work hours.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted strategic partner to an Executive, enabling focus and effective decision-making.
• Build relationships with senior leaders across R&D, product, supply chain, sales, and HR.
• Coordinate complex meetings, including all-hands and leadership summits, for seamless execution.
• Lead end-to-end executive calendar management, prioritizing engagements to optimize outcomes.
• Manage domestic and international travel logistics across time zones with precision.
• Establish an effective working rhythm with the Executive and ensure timely follow-through.
• Provide office and event support for visiting customers and stakeholders.

Skills

Executive support experience

Calendar management

Travel coordination

Communication

Discretion

Microsoft Office

Tools

Workday

Oracle

Copilot

Job description

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.

At Ciena, we help our customers build adaptive networks that anticipate, adapt, and scale to meet the demands of a digital-first world. As an Executive Assistant supporting a senior leader within our Global R&D organization, this role offers a unique opportunity to operate at the center of strategic decision-making, enable global collaboration, and contribute directly to the success of an innovative, high-growth technology company. This is a visible role for an experienced executive partner who thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and values trust, impact, and excellence.

How You Will Make An Impact

• Serve as a trusted strategic partner to an Executive, enabling focus, efficiency, and effective decision-making across a global organization
• Build strong relationships with senior leaders and their teams across research and development, product line management, supply chain, sales, marketing, human resources, and information technology
• Coordinate and facilitate complex internal and external meetings, including large-scale all-hands calls, tech forums, and senior leadership summits, ensuring alignment, preparation, and seamless execution
• Lead end-to-end executive calendar management, prioritizing customer, partner, and internal engagements to optimize time and outcomes
• Manage complex domestic and international travel logistics across multiple time zones with precision and foresight
• Establish an effective working rhythm with the Executive, ensuring real-time communication, proactive anticipation of needs, and timely follow-through on commitments
• Provide local office and event support for visiting customers and internal and external stakeholders, including meeting logistics and on-site coordination

The Must Haves

• 4+ years of experience supporting executives in a fast-paced, global business environment
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with a high degree of professionalism and discretion
• Demonstrated ability to operate independently with strong business judgment and confidentiality
• Proven ability to anticipate needs, prioritize effectively, and manage competing demands
• Strong collaboration, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Flexibility to accommodate variable work hours based on business needs

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting executives in technology and/or product organizations
• Exposure to international business environments and cross-cultural collaboration
• Experience coordinating complex, multi-time-zone travel
• Familiarity with Workday, Oracle, and Copilot
• Experience supporting customer or high-visibility stakeholder visits

Pay Range

• The salary range for this role is $59, 100 - $94, 300

Pay ranges at Ciena are designed to accommodate variations in knowledge, skills, experience, market conditions, and locations, reflecting our diverse products, industries, and lines of business. Please note that the pay range information provided in this posting pertains specifically to the primary location, which is the top location listed in case multiple locations are available.

Non-Sales employees may be eligible for a discretionary incentive bonus, while Sales employees may be eligible for a sales commission. In addition to competitive compensation, Ciena offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, participation in 401(K) (USA) & DCPP (Canada) with company matching, Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), company-paid holidays, paid sick leave, and vacation time. We also comply with all applicable laws regarding Paid Family Leave and other leaves of absence.

At Ciena, we are committed to building and fostering an environment in which our employees feel respected, valued, and heard. Ciena values the diversity of its workforce and respects its employees as individuals. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination.

Ciena is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.

If contacted in relation to a job opportunity, please advise Ciena of any accommodation measures you may require.