Director of Corporate Development

Main Line Search; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing investment advisory firm based in Tysons, VA, is seeking a Director of Corporate Development to lead acquisition strategies and execution. The ideal candidate will have over 7 years of experience in M&A, strong financial modeling skills, and the ability to influence senior stakeholders. This role offers visibility in shaping the growth strategies of the firm. The position will require commuting to the office several times a week.

Qualifications

• 7-12+ years of experience in corporate development, M&A, investment banking, private equity, or RIA acquisitions.
• Strong understanding of RIA economics, advisor succession, and valuation frameworks.
• Proven experience executing multiple transactions annually.

Responsibilities

• Lead 2–3 acquisitions per year, totaling approximately $1.5 billion in acquired AUM annually.
• Source and evaluate potential acquisition targets.
• Negotiate transaction structures and purchase agreements.

Skills

Corporate Development

M&A

Financial Modeling

Negotiation

Analytical Skills

Communication

Job description

A fast growing Registered Investment Advisor with approximately $3 billion in AUM, backed by a strong leadership team and a clear mandate for inorganic growth, is looking to add a Director of Corporate Development to their team as part of their next phase of expansion. This person will lead acquisition strategy and execution and is ideal M&A professional who wants ownership, visibility, and the opportunity to materially shape the growth of a scaled RIA firm.

This company is headquartered in Tysons, VA and will require someone to have the ability to commute to the office several times per week.

The Opportunity

• Lead 2–3 acquisitions per year, totaling approximately $1.5 billion in acquired AUM annually
• Serve as the point person for the entire deal lifecycle, from sourcing through integration
• Work directly with the CEO and executive leadership team to drive long-term growth strategy
• Build repeatable acquisition and integration processes in a highly active deal environment

Key Responsibilities

• Source and evaluate potential acquisition targets (RIA and wealth management firms)
• Lead valuation, financial modeling, and investment committee materials
• Manage due diligence processes across financial, operational, legal, and cultural dimensions
• Negotiate transaction structures, purchase agreements, and key deal terms
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders (legal, compliance, finance, advisors)
• Oversee post-close integration planning and execution to ensure retention and value creation
• Track and report on acquisition performance and synergy realization

Ideal Candidate Profile

• 7-12+ years of experience in corporate development, M&A, investment banking, private equity, or RIA acquisitions
• Strong understanding of RIA economics, advisor succession, and valuation frameworks
• Proven experience executing multiple transactions annually
• Exceptional financial modeling, analytical, and negotiation skills
• Comfortable operating in a lean, entrepreneurial environment
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders
• High integrity, sound judgment, and a collaborative mindset