Remote Director – Strategic M&A & Legal Transactions

Ciena Corporation; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 181,000 - 269,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) matching

ESPP

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Paid holidays

Paid vacation

Sick leave

Job summary

Ciena Corporation is seeking a Director, Strategic Transactions (Legal) to lead global M&A and strategic investments from a remote US base. You will partner with the Chief Strategy Office and Legal leadership to structure, diligence, negotiate, close, and manage post‑close matters across diverse transactions.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in M&A, strong negotiation skills, and proven ability to coordinate across functions.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of legal experience in M&A, with a preference for strategic acquisition transactions
• 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 initiative, adaptable and ownership-driven
• Excellent legal and business judgment, attention to detail and problem-solving skills
• Strong process orientation with comfort using AI and technologies to support transactions
• Active bar membership in your state with eligibility to practice as in-house counsel

Responsibilities

• Lead M&A transactions from NDA through closing and post-close integration
• Manage strategic investments and related outside counsel relationships
• Coordinate and communicate findings, risks, and solutions across stakeholders
• Negotiate and draft strategic commercial and technology agreements
• Support Chief Strategy Officer and Legal leadership on high-priority matters

Skills

M&A experience

Deal negotiation

Strategic thinking

Executive communication

AI familiarity

Cross-functional collaboration

In-house counsel

Project management

Tools

Legal tech tools

Job description

Ciena Corporation is seeking a Director, Strategic Transactions (Legal) to lead global M&A and strategic investments from a remote US base. You will partner with the Chief Strategy Office and Legal leadership to structure, diligence, negotiate, close, and manage post‑close matters across diverse transactions.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in M&A, strong negotiation skills, and proven ability to coordinate across functions.