Director, Government Relations – National Security, Economic Security Policy

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Direct Ciena's involvement in governmental initiatives that influence the development, manufacturing, distribution, sale, and trusted utilization of networking equipment globally.

• Report directly to the Vice President of Government Relations.

• Anticipate and actively shape policies related to national security, economic security, supply chain management, cybersecurity, trade, and technology.

• Convert evolving government requirements into business implications.

• Collaborate on policy responses across Government Relations, Legal, Trade Compliance, Product Security, Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, Sales, and other departments.

• Establish public policy priorities by assessing risks, impacts, and the company's capacity to influence policy decisions.

• Monitor and evaluate initiatives that impact telecommunications, networking equipment, critical infrastructure, advanced technologies, global supply chains, and international trade.

• Analyze policy impacts on product design, component sourcing, manufacturing, logistics, research and development, market access, customer eligibility, and government procurement.

• Create risk assessments, scenarios, and executive recommendations.

• Maintain a comprehensive view of conflicting or overlapping requirements in the United States and other priority markets.

• Formulate and implement advocacy strategies for national security policies.

• Represent Ciena before Congress, U.S. departments and agencies, foreign governments, regulators, embassies, and international organizations.

• Draft regulatory comments, consultation responses, legislative proposals, briefings, testimonies, and executive talking points.

• Promote company priorities through direct engagement, trade associations, and industry coalitions.

• Oversee policy initiatives related to telecommunications supply chains, product security, cybersecurity, foreign investment, research security, cross-border technology controls, data, cloud, artificial intelligence, technology sovereignty, industrial policy, and supply-chain resilience.

⛳️ Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in public policy, international affairs, law, economics, political science, engineering, cybersecurity, or a related field.

• Over 10 years of experience in government, corporate government relations, public policy, national security, international trade, telecommunications, technology, or a similar sector.

• Proven understanding of how national security and economic security policies influence globally integrated technology firms.

• Experience engaging with senior government officials, legislators, regulators, or national security agencies.

• Ability to analyze intricate policy proposals and articulate their commercial and operational consequences clearly.

• Excellent writing, briefing, advocacy, coalition-building, and executive communication skills.

• Proven experience leading cross-functional teams without direct authority over the participating departments.

• Sound judgment in managing sensitive, confidential, or politically complicated issues.

• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed.

• Familiarity with telecommunications networks, networking equipment, semiconductors, critical infrastructure, or other advanced technology sectors is an advantage.

• Knowledge of export controls, sanctions, supply-chain security, cybersecurity regulations, government procurement, domestic content requirements, or investment screening is beneficial.

• Experience working across North America, Europe, and the Indo-Pacific is a plus.

• Previous government service in a national security, trade, economic, telecommunications, cybersecurity, or foreign policy position is advantageous.

• An advanced degree in law, public policy, international affairs, business, cybersecurity, or a related discipline is a plus.

🏝️ Benefits

• Eligibility for discretionary incentive bonuses for non-Sales employees.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• 401(k) plan (USA) with company matching.

• Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP).

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• Paid holidays provided by the company.

• Paid sick leave.

• Vacation time.

• Paid Family Leave and other types of leave in accordance with applicable laws.

• Opportunities for personal and professional development.

• Flexible work arrangements available.

• Support for employee growth and well-being.