Manager, Corporate Development

We believe in the power and joy of learning

At Cengage Group, our employees have a direct impact in helping students around the world discover the power and joy of learning. We are bonded by our shared purpose – driving innovation that helps millions of learners improve their lives and achieve their dreams through education.  

Our culture values diversity, engagement, and discovery

Our business is driven by our strong culture, and we know that creating an inclusive and diverse workplace is absolutely essential to the success of our company and our learners, as well as our individual well-being. We recognize the value of diverse perspectives in everything we do, and strive to ensure employees of all levels and backgrounds feel empowered to voice their ideas and bring their authentic selves to work. We achieve these priorities through inclusive programs, benefits, and initiatives that are integrated into the fabric of how we work every day. To learn more, please see https://www.cengagegroup.com/about/inclusion-and-diversity/.  

Manager, Corporate Development

The Corporate Development team is a small, high-profile team based in Boston and NYC. The team is responsible for all M&A activity (acquisitions and disposals), minority investments and strategic partnerships across Cengage Group. We work closely with the Cengage Group executive team as well as senior management across our business divisions. The Manager of Corporate Development will assist with the end-to-end M&A process including target research, due diligence, financial valuation, and deal execution.   

What you will do:

• Lead on financial models, in collaboration with business and finance teams

• Support end-to-end M&A transactions, including due diligence, valuation, development of business case, deal execution and legal documents

• Manage interactions during transaction process with internal working group, external advisors, and seller / target

• Develop and maintain potential acquisition target list, by working with business division leadership to understand strategic growth priorities

• Support with drafting Investment Memos for Cengage Group executives and Board   

Background / Skills You Will Need Here:

• Undergraduate degree, preferably in a relevant field such as business or finance

• 3-5 years relevant work experience in investment banking, M&A advisory, private equity, corporate development / M&A

• Prior experience at an education, media or technology firm is useful but not required

• M&A due diligence and deal execution experience

• Strong financial and valuation modeling skills and understanding of financial statements

• Strategic and analytical thinking, solid project management and problem-solving skills

• Effective communications skills, written and verbal, with the ability to develop rapport and credibility across the organization and convey analysis and proposals succinctly

• Self-starter with strong attention to detail and focus on outcomes, who is also highly collaborative and able to lead cross-functional teams   

Location: preference for candidates in Boston or NYC area, however, open to remote US-based candidates able to work during Eastern time zone business hours. Boston-based hire would be expected to work from office 1x per week. All other remote hires would be expected to travel to the Boston office 1x per month. Occasional travel (up to 15%) may be required for projects and conferences.   

Cengage Group is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, parental status, cultural background, organizational level, work styles, tenure and life experiences. Or for any other reason. You may view Cengage’s EEO/Affirmative Action Policy signed by CEO Michael Hansen and Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law notice by visiting their corresponding links.   

Cengage Group is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures. If you need ass