Senior Executive Assistant, onsite in our Kanata office at Ciena in Ottawa

Job description

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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

Requirements

• 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
• 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

Skills

Required

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Benefits

• 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.