Editorial Project Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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.

The Editorial Lead oversees a team of copywriters, editors, and an editorial project manager while also serving as a senior copywriter. The role ensures the efficient delivery of high-quality, on-brand content across channels while building team capabilities, maintaining editorial standards, and driving operational effectiveness. Working in close partnership with Brand Strategy and Creative, the Editorial Lead helps translate Ciena's positioning, messaging frameworks, and verbal identity into compelling content that is clear and consistent.

How you will make an impact

Editorial Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and develop a team of copywriters, editors, and an editorial project manager
• Establish team priorities, goals, and performance expectations

Copywriting and Quality Assurance

• Serve as a senior copywriter for content across multiple formats including web pages, event materials, campaign assets, email, video scripts, advertising, collateral, webinars, etc.
• Partner directly with subject matter experts and business leaders to shape and develop content
• Oversee application of editorial style guidelines, tone, voice, and usage standards
• Ensure adherence to legal, intellectual property, and compliance requirements

Editorial Operations

• Drive editorial service delivery and stakeholder satisfaction
• Partner with the Editorial Project Manager to optimize workflows, intake processes, prioritization, and resource planning
• Monitor operational metrics and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, scalability, and responsiveness

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Brand Strategy team to ensure consistent application of Ciena's verbal identity system, including voice, character, messaging, and editorial style
• Collaborate with Creative to ensure written and visual storytelling work together cohesively
• Serve as a trusted advisor to stakeholders seeking content support and editorial guidance
• Promote a collaborative environment where strategic messaging, content development, and visual execution operate as a unified system

What success looks like

• Consistent delivery of high-quality, on-brand content, including successful application of Ciena's verbal identity and messaging frameworks across production content
• Editorial team engagement, development, and performance
• Stakeholder satisfaction and service delivery effectiveness
• Content quality and adherence to editorial standards
• Workflow efficiency and operational scalability
• Effective partnership with Brand and Creative

The must haves

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field
• 10+ years of experience in editorial leadership or a related discipline
• Proven track record of managing and developing high-performing teams
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills with a strong portfolio of work across multiple formats
• Expertise in applying and maintaining brand voice, tone, and messaging frameworks
• Experience in managing editorial operations, including resource allocation and workflow optimization
• Familiarity with legal, intellectual property, and compliance requirements in content creation

Nice to have

• Experience working in a technology or B2B environment
• Familiarity with Ciena's industry and competitive landscape
• Proficiency in project management tools and content management systems
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
  Pay range - USD 140,900 - 220,000
  CAD 160,700 - 256,000

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.
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 anEqual 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.