Director, Strategic Transactions

Ciena; United States; Remote; USD 181,000 - 269,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision plans

401(k) / DCPP with company match

Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)

Paid holidays, sick leave, vacation

Job summary

Ciena is seeking a Director of Strategic Transactions (Legal) to shape and execute major global M&A, investments and strategic partnerships. The role partners with the Chief Strategy Office and Legal leadership to manage early diligence, structuring, negotiation, closing and post-close activities.

The position requires senior legal judgment, proactive collaboration across functions, and comfort with fast-paced, high-impact transactions.

Qualifications

• M&A experience with strategic acquisitions preferred.
• Experience negotiating and running complex strategic transactions.
• Strong legal and business judgment with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end M&A deal processes, NDAs, term sheets, LOIs and closings.
• Coordinate due diligence and communicate risks to stakeholders.
• Drive deal processes and post-close integration planning.
• Develop and implement efficient deal-structure strategies, including AI tools.
• Support corporate venture investments and related portfolio management.
• Draft and negotiate strategic commercial and technology agreements.

Skills

M&A experience

Negotiation

Communication

Attention to detail

Process orientation

In-house counsel experience

Executive stakeholder management

AI in deal processes

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.

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 judgment, attention to detail and proven capacity to tackle complicated problems
• Strong process orientation with a passion for continuous improvement and strong comfort with the use of AI and other technologies to support transactions
• Team player with willingness to adapt and support the diverse needs of a dynamic legal department
• Effective communicator with stakeholders and executives
• Active bar membership (in good standing) in your state of residency, with eligibility to practice as in-house counsel

Nice to haves:

• Familiarity with our industry or high technology markets
• Public company exposure and familiarity with securities law
• Antitrust/Competition law familiarity and experience coordinating filings, merger control strategies or document production
• Commercial contracting experience with transactions involving development, purchase or sale or license of emerging technology
• Experience with capital markets and financing transactions including debt or equity transactions
• Post closing integration experience, planning and coordinating contract novations, assignments, transition services and other post-closing mechanics

Salary Range: USD 181,000.00 - 269,100.00

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.

• medical
• dental
• 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
• 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.

Dig deeper into who we are, what we do, and what you can expect as a member of our team.

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