Corporate Development Lead

Job Description

The Washington Post is searching for a Corporate Development Lead to support our inorganic growth efforts across M&A, joint ventures, and other innovative transactional structures. Reporting directly to the Head of Partnerships & Corporate Development, this first of its kind role will span all facets of corporate development including sourcing & evaluating opportunities, managing due diligence processes, and leading integration of acquired assets. Partnering closely with divisions across the company, including the Finance, Strategy, and Human Resources teams, this role will be a key contributor to our inorganic growth strategy. 

Motivation

• You have a deep commitment to advancing The Washington Post’s mission of becoming the world’s leading news organization through innovation and inorganic growth. 

• You are comfortable with ambiguity and able to lead complex cross-functional projects through influence and persuasion. 

• You are equally excited about crafting the long term vision for an opportunity and building the quantitative argument to back it up. 

Responsibilities

• Lead the identification, evaluation, and execution of strategic M&A opportunities, joint ventures, and partnerships.

• Maintain deal pipeline, track market M&A activity, draft internal updates, and create deal review presentations for Head of Partnerships & Corporate Development and select members of the Executive Leadership Team

• Analyze financial and strategic impacts of potential transactions and investments, including valuation, due diligence, and market trends.

• Own strategic relationships—launch, manage, optimize and scale existing and new relationships with potential acquisition targets and contact persons

• Collaborate cross-functionally with finance, legal, and operational teams to assess opportunities and mitigate risks.

• Build relationships with key external stakeholders, including investment banks, private equity firms, and other potential business partners.

• Provide strategic insights and recommendations to senior leadership regarding potential growth, monitor industry trends and competitive landscape to inform strategic decisions. 

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in investment banking, management consulting, or corporate development & strategy at a leading firm or media/technology company.  Bachelor's degree required; MBA or relevant advanced degree is a plus.

• Strong financial modeling, valuation, and due diligence skills, with the ability to analyze complex business scenarios.

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to distill complex information into clear, actionable insights.

• Proven track record of leading strategic initiatives, managing cross-functional teams, and delivering results.

• Deep understanding of corporate strategy, M&A processes, and the competitive landscape.

• Strong presentation and transactional skills, including prospecting, negotiation, and closing deals.

• Proven ability to drive cross-functional collaboration, aligning disconnected strategies with broader business objectives, and influencing stakeholders at all levels.

• Strong analytical skills and quantitative capabilities, utilizing data-driven decision-making to optimize marketing efforts, achieve subscription targets, and challenge assumptions through research and performance metrics.

• Exhibit flexibility, adaptability, and strategic focus in a fast-paced, evolving environment, with the ability to pivot strategies in response to changing conditions.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with C-level clients and industry stakeholders.

The Washington Post’s policy for employees is five days per week in the office, with exceptions for newsgathering and general business travel.

Compensation and Benefits

Wherever you are in your life or career, The Washington Post offers comprehensive and inclusive benefits for every step of your journey:

• Competitive medical, dental and vision coverage

• Company-paid pension and 401(k) match

• Three weeks of vacation and up to three weeks of paid sick leave

• Nine paid holidays and two personal days

• 20 week