Corporate Development Director

Overview

This is a high-impact strategic leadership role focused on driving inorganic growth, partnerships, and investment initiatives within a deep-tech and defense-focused organization. The role involves leading end-to-end deal execution while also identifying new strategic opportunities across defense, autonomy, and AI ecosystems. You will work closely with senior leadership to translate ambiguous strategic questions into structured, data-driven recommendations that inform capital allocation and expansion strategies. The environment is fast paced, highly technical, and mission driven, requiring strong judgment and autonomy.

Accountabilities

• Originate, evaluate, and lead strategic partnerships that strengthen market position and accelerate technological and commercial growth
• Structure, negotiate, and execute complex agreements including joint ventures, alliances, and long term strategic collaborations
• Lead end to end M&A and investment processes, including sourcing, valuation, financial modeling, due diligence, negotiation, and integration planning
• Develop and present high quality investment and transaction materials for internal and external stakeholders, including executive leadership and boards
• Build and maintain senior level relationships across industry, government, and strategic ecosystem partners to identify new growth opportunities
• Serve as a strategic advisor to executive leadership on corporate development, capital allocation, and inorganic growth strategy
• Drive cross functional execution across finance, legal, product, engineering, and operations to ensure successful deal delivery and integration
• Conduct market intelligence analysis across defense, AI, and autonomy sectors to identify risks, opportunities, and competitive dynamics

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required; MBA, JD, or equivalent advanced degree strongly preferred
• 12+ years of experience in corporate development, private equity, investment banking, strategy consulting, or related fields
• Proven track record of leading end to end complex transactions, including M&A, partnerships, or strategic investments
• Strong expertise in financial modeling, valuation, and transaction structuring
• Experience in defense, aerospace, AI, autonomy, robotics, or advanced technology sectors strongly preferred
• Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, high stakes, and fast moving environments
• Strong executive communication skills with the ability to simplify complex strategic and financial concepts
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders and lead cross functional initiatives
• Highly self directed with strong ownership mindset and execution focus

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package including base salary, bonus, equity, and benefits
• Equity participation in a high growth, mission driven organization
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
• Opportunity to work at the forefront of defense, AI, and autonomous systems innovation
• High impact executive exposure and direct influence on corporate strategy and deal making
• Fast paced, high growth environment with significant career advancement potential
• Collaborative, mission focused culture centered on innovation and impact