Strategy & Corporate Development Manager

Kaplan; United States; Remote; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Strategy & Corporate Development Manager to drive growth through strategic investments and acquisitions. This role offers a unique opportunity to work closely with senior leadership, shaping the company's long-term roadmap while executing hands-on M&A initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills and a collaborative mindset, capable of navigating complex business challenges. Join a forward-thinking organization committed to innovation and making a positive impact in the education sector. If you are passionate about strategy and eager to contribute to a dynamic team, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

Remote work

Comprehensive Retirement Package

Tuition assistance

Competitive health benefits

Generous Paid Time Off

Qualifications

• 4+ years in management consulting, investment banking, or corporate development.
• Expertise in financial modeling and valuation is crucial.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Analytical Skills

Strategic Thinking

Financial Modeling

Communication Skills

Collaboration

Market Research

Problem-Solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in business-related field

Tools

MS PowerPoint

MS Excel

Job description

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.

The future of education is here and we are eager to work alongside those who want to make a positive impact and inspire change in the world around them.

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. This is an individual contributor role, 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

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

Strategic Planning & Analysis

• 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.
• Lead in-depth market research and competitive analysis to inform high-level strategic decision-making.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to solve complex business challenges through data-driven solutions that align with organizational goals.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and thought partner to leaders, providing well-researched perspectives on potential risks, synergies, and strategic fit.

Operational Effectiveness

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

Education & Experience

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Curiosity and a proactive approach to uncovering opportunities for growth and innovation.
• Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills, with a commitment to fostering an inclusive team environment.
• 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!

The annual salary range for this position is $100,000 - $130,000.

Location

Remote/Nationwide, USA

Employee Type

Employee

Job Functional Area

Mergers & Acquisitions

Business Unit

00091 Kaplan Higher ED

At Kaplan, we recognize the importance of attracting and retaining top talent to drive our success in a competitive market. Our salary structure and compensation philosophy reflect the value we place on the experience, education, and skills that our employees bring to the organization, taking into consideration labor market trends and total rewards. All positions with Kaplan are paid at least $15 per hour or $31,200 per year for full-time positions. Additionally, certain positions are bonus or commission-eligible. And we have a comprehensive benefits package, learn more about our benefits here.

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. We believe that diversity strengthens our organization, fuels innovation, and improves our ability to serve our students, customers, and communities. Learn more about our culture here.

Kaplan considers qualified applicants for employment even if applicants have an arrest or conviction in their background check records. Kaplan complies with related background check regulations, including but not limited to, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. There are various positions where certain convictions may disqualify applicants, such as those positions requiring interaction with minors, financial records, or other sensitive and/or confidential information.

Kaplan is a drug-free workplace and complies with applicable laws.