Specialist, External Communications

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.

How You Will Contribute:
We seek a motivated PR and media relations specialist to support Ciena's corporate communications team and global PR agency network. This role involves strategic development, coordination, and implementation of domestic and international PR programs.

The Specialist, External Communications is responsible for assisting in strategic development, coordination, and implementation of domestic and international PR programs at Ciena. This person will work with contracted PR agencies to maintain editorial contact lists; identify and pursue applicable earned editorial, speaking, and award opportunities; develop and secure contributed thought leadership articles; and organize tradeshow PR and special event media engagement opportunities. Another key aspect of this role is to help create/produce segments for Ciena’s Insights podcast. The Specialist, External Communications, is also responsible for key content updates (Newsroom, Press Highlights, Awards) on ciena.com. This person also has ownership of Ciena’s spokesperson database, executive bio development, media coverage archive, KPI/measurement tracking, and certain corporate collateral/content.

The role also includes responsibility for the timely distribution of relevant news to key internal contacts, and the external issuance of Ciena news via newswire and NYSE distribution services and Ciena’s website.
Importantly, we are looking for someone who can work with a remote manager and geographically dispersed organization, with the ability to organize multiple simultaneous projects and complete tasks with limited supervision.

• PR Program Management:

  • Lead PR efforts in assigned regions (including press release development, agency management and invoice review).

  • Develop and distribute press releases, customer stories, and podcast content.

  • Coordinate media engagement for tradeshows and special events.

  • Monitor media coverage, maintain a coverage library, and distribute relevant news internally.
     

• Content & Content Strategy:

  • Identify and pursue editorial, speaking, and award opportunities.

  • Contribute to Ciena's Insights podcast.

  • Update key content on ciena.com (Newsroom, Press Highlights, Awards).

  • Develop and suggest content for Ciena Insights blog and social media support (LinkedIn).
     

• Media Relations & Support:

  • Develop interview talking points and spokesperson preparation.

  • Manage Ciena press release distribution.

  • Assemble media briefing and press kit materials.

  • Collaborate with and provide guidance to Ciena's global PR agency teams
     

• Administrative:

  • Oversee PR agency SharePoint site.

  • Manage PR measurement process and database.

  • Own spokesperson database and executive bio development.

The Must Haves:

• Exceptional writing skills with strong attention to detail.

• Strong organizational and time management skills.

• Ability to multitask and meet deadlines.

• Self-starter, detail-oriented, and resourceful.

• Confident, creative, and a fast thinker.

• Ability to work with a remote manager and geographically dispersed organization.

Assets:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Journalism, PR, or Marketing, or relevant experience.

• 5+ years of experience in PR or communications.

• Demonstrated professional communication skills.

• Familiarity with social media platforms.

• Technology industry experience.

Salary Range:

The salary range for this role in Canada (Ottawa, ON) is $73, 200 - $116, 900

The salary range for this role in the US (Hanover, MD) is $84, 700 - $135, 300

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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.