Strategy & Corporate Development Manager

Kaplan, Inc.; United States; Remote; USD 80,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as a Strategy & Corporate Development Manager, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping strategic initiatives and executing M&A activities. This position offers unique exposure to senior leadership and the chance to contribute to Kaplan's long-term growth through insightful analysis and collaboration. You will be responsible for identifying investment opportunities, developing financial models, and leading market research efforts to inform strategic decision-making. With a commitment to innovation and a supportive work environment, this role is perfect for those looking to make a significant impact in the education and technology sectors.

Benefits

Flexible work/life balance

Comprehensive Retirement Package

Tuition assistance

Competitive health benefits

Generous Paid Time Off

Qualifications

• 6+ years in management consulting, investment banking, or corporate development.
• Proven expertise in financial modeling and valuation.

Responsibilities

• Identify and prioritize acquisition opportunities aligning with strategic objectives.
• Develop financial models to assess prospective deals and support due diligence.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Strategic Thinking

Financial Modeling

Communication Skills

Collaboration

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in business-related field

Tools

MS PowerPoint

MS Excel

Job description

Strategy & Corporate Development Manager

Strategy & Corporate Development Manager

Job Title: Strategy & Corporate Development Manager

Job Description:

For more than 80 years, Kaplan has been a trailblazer in education and professional advancement. We are a global company at the intersection of education and technology, focused on collaboration, innovation, and creativity to deliver a best-in-class educational experience and make Kaplan a great place to work.

Kaplan North America is seeking an analytical, collaborative and growth-oriented professional to join our Corporate Development & Strategy team as a Manager, Strategy & Corporate Development. This position offers unique exposure to senior leadership, significant strategic initiatives, and hands-on M&A execution. Reporting directly to the VP, Strategy & Corporate Development, you will play a pivotal role in identifying, analyzing, and executing investments and acquisitions that drive Kaplan’s sustainable growth—while also contributing to the development of the company’s long-term strategic roadmap.

Primary/Key Responsibilities:

M&A Execution & Deal Support:

1. Identify, screen, and prioritize potential acquisition or investment opportunities that align with Kaplan’s strategic objectives.
2. Develop and maintain complex financial models (e.g., valuations, scenario analyses) to assess prospective deals.
3. Support due diligence efforts across cross-functional teams (Finance, Legal, Product, etc.) to ensure timely and thorough evaluations.
4. Contribute to integration planning and post-deal follow-through, ensuring smooth transitions and synergy realization.

Strategic Planning & Analysis:

1. Work closely with the VP and senior leaders to shape Kaplan’s 3-year strategic roadmap, identifying emerging trends, technologies, and potential growth avenues in the education and ed tech sectors.
2. Lead in-depth market research and competitive analysis to inform high-level strategic decision-making.
3. Partner with cross-functional teams to solve complex business challenges through data-driven solutions that align with organizational goals.
4. Serve as a trusted advisor and thought partner to leaders, providing well-researched perspectives on potential risks, synergies, and strategic fit.

Operational Effectiveness:

1. Prepare clear, compelling presentations and reports to communicate strategic recommendations and deal progress to senior stakeholders.
2. Champion the use of AI and other analytical tools within the Strategy team to enhance research, forecasting, and decision-making processes.
3. Identify opportunities to streamline workflows and improve operational efficiency in deal sourcing and strategic projects.

Education & Experience:

1. Bachelor's degree in a business-related field such as business administration, finance, economics, or management.
2. 6+ years of experience in management consulting, investment banking, finance, corporate development, strategy, or related fields. (required)
3. M&A, investment and/or other transaction experience highly desirable.
4. Proven expertise in financial modeling (required) and valuation (preferred).
5. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across teams to successfully execute cross-functional projects or strategic initiatives.
6. Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to tackle complex problems and identify data-driven solutions.
7. Effective communication skills to present findings and influence decision-making across diverse audiences.
8. Mastery of MS PowerPoint and Excel, complemented by substantial analytical competencies for data-driven decision-making.
9. Demonstrated ability to learn and adapt quickly, thriving in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Curiosity and a proactive approach to uncovering opportunities for growth and innovation.
2. Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills, with a commitment to fostering an inclusive team environment.
3. Resilience and adaptability when faced with challenges, coupled with a continuous improvement mindset.

We offer a competitive benefits package including:

• Remote work providing flexible work/life balance
• Comprehensive Retirement Package automatically enrolled in The Company Contribution Plan (8-10% annual company contribution based on tenure)
• Our Gift of Knowledge Program provides tuition assistance and substantial discounts for our employees and close family members
• Competitive health benefits and new hire eligibility starts day-1 of employment
• Generous Paid Time Off includes paid holidays, vacation, personal, sick paid time-off, plus one (1) volunteer day and one (1) diversity and inclusion day to participate and give back to our local communities
• And so much more!

Location: Remote/Nationwide, USA

Employee Type: Employee

Job Functional Area: Mergers & Acquisitions

Business Unit: 00091 Kaplan Higher ED

Diversity & Inclusion Statement:

Kaplan is committed to cultivating an inclusive workplace that values diversity, promotes equity, and integrates inclusivity into all aspects of our operations. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, nationality, or sex.