Discovery Education is seeking a dynamic and strategic-minded Director of Corporate Development to drive growth and innovation in the educational technology sector. As a key member of our corporate development team, you will lead the identification, evaluation, and execution of strategic initiatives, including mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, and alliances, to support Discovery Education's mission of transforming teaching and learning worldwide.
About the Role
- Strategic Planning: Collaborate with senior leadership to develop and refine corporate development strategies aligned with Discovery Education's long-term growth objectives and market trends in educational technology.
- Opportunity Identification: Proactively identify potential M&A targets, partnership opportunities, and investment prospects through market research, industry analysis, and strategic networking.
- Valuation and Financial Modeling: Conduct comprehensive valuation analyses and financial modeling to assess the strategic and financial impact of potential transactions and partnerships.
- Due Diligence: Lead the due diligence process for potential acquisitions, partnerships, and investments, including financial analysis, market assessment, and risk evaluation.
- Negotiation and Deal Structuring: Drive negotiations with external parties, including target companies, investors, and strategic partners, to secure favorable terms and agreements that align with Discovery Education's objectives.
- Integration Planning: Develop integration plans for acquired companies or strategic partnerships to ensure seamless transitions and maximize synergies with Discovery Education's existing product offerings and services.
- Relationship Management: Cultivate and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including executives, investors, industry partners, and potential targets, to facilitate collaboration and strategic alignment.
- Market Research and Analysis: Stay informed about industry trends, competitive landscapes, and emerging technologies in educational technology to inform corporate development strategies and identify new growth opportunities.
- Regulatory Compliance: Monitor compliance with regulatory requirements and legal considerations throughout the corporate development process, working closely with legal and compliance teams as needed.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with internal teams, including finance, legal, operations, and product development, to execute corporate development initiatives and ensure alignment with Discovery Education's overall business objectives.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in business administration, finance, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
- Proven track record of success in corporate development, investment banking, private equity, or management consulting, with a focus on mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships.
- Strong financial acumen and analytical skills, with experience conducting financial analysis, valuations, and financial modeling.
- Excellent negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to influence and build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Strategic thinker with a demonstrated ability to develop and execute corporate development strategies that drive business growth and create value.
- Knowledge of the educational technology industry and market dynamics preferred.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to lead cross-functional teams and collaborate effectively across the organization.
- Legal right to work in the United States.
Benefits
We are proud to offer employees and their families a comprehensive benefits package:
- Medical-Dental-Vision
- Health Care Dependent Care
- Short & Long Term Disability
- Summer Hours
- Life Insurance
- 401(k)
- FSA/HSA
- Paid Time Off
- Volunteer Time
- Employee Assistance Program
- 7 Paid Holidays + Annual Winter Holiday Break (Typically the last week of December)
Discovery Education is an equal opportunity employer. Discovery Education is committed to being an employer of choice, not just a good place to work, but a great and inclusive place to work. To that end, we strive to recruit and maintain a workforce that meaningfully represents the diverse and culturally rich communities that we serve. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status or disabled status or, genetic information.