Director of Corporate Development & Strategy

Embark Student Corp.; Mississauga; Hybrid; CAD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational organization in Mississauga seeks a Director of Corporate Development & Strategy to oversee M&A and strategic partnerships. The ideal candidate has 8-10 years of experience in corporate development, exceptional leadership skills, and strategic thinking abilities. This position offers a hybrid work model with in-office attendance required on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8-10 years in corporate development, strategic planning, or related field.
• Proven track record in successfully managing M&A transactions and corporate strategy.
• Exceptional analytical and strategic thinking skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead full cycle of merger and acquisition processes.
• Identify and forge partnerships and joint ventures.
• Collaborate to build government relations and advocacy strategies.

Skills

Leadership Skills

Strategic Thinking

Collaboration

Communication Skills

Regulatory Knowledge

Education

Master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, or related field

Job description

Director of Corporate Development & Strategy

Application Deadline: 31 August 2025

Department: Finance & Investments

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Head Office

Reporting To: Chief Financial Officer

Description

Exciting news! Embark is moving its headquarters to the financial district in Toronto, ON. effective Q2 2026! Until then, our office remains in Mississauga, near Square One and the hybrid work model remains the same (in-office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays of each week).

The Director of Corporate Development & Strategy will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of the company through oversight and execution of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), strategic partnerships (such as joint ventures), collaboration with CEO and CFO to oversee corporate strategy and collaboration with industry peers and consultants to progress the government relations agenda. This role will work closely with CEO and CFO and collaborate with the Leadership Team, to develop and implement strategies that align with the company’s mission and enhance its competitive position in the market.

CHALLENGES TO BE MET

• Strategic M&A Leadership: Lead the full cycle of merger and acquisition processes, from strategy formulation to due diligence, negotiation, and integration. Oversee the evaluation of potential M&A targets and manage the execution process to enhance the company’s market reach and capabilities.
• Joint Ventures and Partnerships: Identify and forge strategic partnerships and joint ventures that align with the company’s long-term strategic goals. Manage relationship building with consultants and potential partners, negotiate terms, and oversee the successful integration of joint ventures.
• Government Affairs: Collaborate with consultants to build a robust government affairs and relations roadmap and agenda and contribute to interactions with government bodies and agencies to raise the strategic profile of Embark with various government bodies to advocate for favorable policies. Develop strategies to leverage government relations in support of the company’s strategic objectives.
• Corporate Strategy: Work closely with CEO and CFO and collaborate with the Leadership Team to formulate robust corporate strategies that support the company’s mission. Ensure that strategic initiatives are well communicated and understood across the organization.
• Growth Opportunity Identification: Proactively identify and assess new market opportunities that align with the company’s strengths and strategic objectives. Prepare business cases for new initiatives and lead cross-functional teams to drive these projects forward.
• Special Projects: Lead special strategic projects in collaboration with the CEO, CFO, and other key stakeholders. These projects could include market expansion plans, product diversification, and new business model development.
• Strategic Advisory and Reporting: Serve as a key strategic advisor to the senior leadership team, providing insights and recommendations on the company’s strategic direction. Regularly report on strategic initiatives’ progress and impact to the Board of Directors and other key stakeholders.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Education: Master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 8-10 years in corporate development, strategic planning, or a related field, with a proven track record in successfully managing M&A transactions, corporate strategy and strategic partnerships.
• Experience in government relations is desired but not a must.
• Leadership Skills: Strong leadership and negotiation skills, with the ability to manage and inspire teams across business units.
• Strategic Thinking: Exceptional analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information and develop innovative solutions.
• Collaboration: Exceptional enterprise-wide collaboration skills that would inspire support and build consensus around critical decisions.
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of effectively engaging and influencing high-level stakeholders and building strategic relationships.
• Regulatory Knowledge: In-depth understanding of regulatory environments and government affairs relevant to the industry.