Role Overview for VP, Corporate Development, Partnerships with a FinTech Unicorn – Boston, MA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a trailblazing, pre-IPO FinTech unicorn that is fundamentally reshaping the financial services industry. Based in the vibrant tech hub of Boston, MA, our client has achieved massive scale, boasts a multi-billion-dollar valuation, and is backed by top-tier venture capital firms. They are now seeking a visionary and execution-oriented Vice President of Corporate Development and Partnerships to join their executive leadership team. This is a career-defining opportunity to be the architect of the company’s inorganic growth strategy, driving transformative change through mergers and acquisitions (M&A), strategic partnerships, and investments.
As the VP of Corporate Development and Partnerships, you will be a pivotal force in accelerating the company’s market leadership and product expansion. You will be responsible for the entire lifecycle of strategic initiatives, from identifying and evaluating potential acquisition targets and partners to negotiating complex deal structures and overseeing post-merger integration. This role requires a unique blend of financial acumen, strategic thinking, and relationship-building prowess. You will work closely with the CEO, CFO, and other C-suite executives to align corporate development activities with the company’s long-term vision. You will build and lead a high-performing team dedicated to sourcing, executing, and managing strategic transactions that will define the future of our client’s ecosystem. If you are a seasoned corporate development leader with a passion for FinTech and a proven track record of executing landmark deals, we invite you to apply for this transformative role.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Corporate Development, Partnerships with a FinTech Unicorn – Boston, MA
Strategy Development
Collaborate with the executive team to develop and refine the company’s inorganic growth strategy. Identify and prioritize key areas for M&A, strategic investments, and partnerships that align with corporate objectives and product roadmaps.
M&A Execution (End-to-End)
Lead the entire M&A process, from target identification and sourcing to due diligence, financial modeling, valuation, negotiation of terms, and definitive documentation. You will be the primary driver ensuring deals are strategically sound and financially viable.
Deal Sourcing & Pipeline Management
Proactively build and maintain a robust pipeline of potential acquisition targets, investment opportunities, and strategic partners by cultivating a network of contacts across the FinTech, banking, and venture capital communities.
Strategic Partnerships
Identify, structure, and negotiate complex strategic partnerships, joint ventures, and alliances that extend the company’s product capabilities, open new market channels, and create significant enterprise value.
Due Diligence Leadership
Quarterback comprehensive due diligence efforts by leading cross-functional teams including product, engineering, finance, legal, and HR. Synthesize findings into clear, actionable recommendations for the executive team and Board of Directors.
Financial Modeling and Valuation
Develop sophisticated financial models, valuation analyses (DCF, comparable companies, precedent transactions), and synergy assessments to support transaction evaluation and decision-making.
Integration Planning & Oversight
Work closely with a dedicated integration management office to develop detailed pre-close integration plans. Provide strategic oversight during the post-merger integration phase to ensure the realization of deal synergies and a smooth transition for acquired teams.
Market Intelligence
Serve as the company’s expert on the competitive landscape and industry trends. Provide regular updates and insights on market dynamics, emerging technologies, and potential disruptive threats, requiring a deep understanding of the global FinTech landscape.
Team Leadership & Development
Recruit, mentor, and lead a world-class corporate development team. Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and analytical rigor.
Executive & Board Communication
Prepare and present clear, concise, and compelling investment theses and transaction updates to the executive leadership team and the Board of Directors.
Requirements for the VP, Corporate Development, Partnerships with a FinTech Unicorn – Boston, MA
Experience
A minimum of 12-15+ years of progressive experience in corporate development, investment banking, private equity, or venture capital, with a significant portion of that time focused on the technology sector.
Industry Expertise
Deep domain expertise in the FinTech industry is required. Experience in areas such as payments, lending, banking-as-a-service (BaaS), wealth management, or enterprise SaaS is highly desirable.
Deal Sheet
A proven and demonstrable track record of successfully leading and closing a variety of complex transactions, including M&A (both buy-side and sell-side), strategic investments, and partnerships.
Educational Background
Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or a related field is required. An MBA from a top-tier institution is strongly preferred.
Financial Acumen
Expert-level skills in financial modeling, valuation methodologies, and deal structuring. You must be able to command the respect of finance professionals both internally and externally.
Negotiation Skills
World-class negotiation and influencing skills with the ability to navigate complex, multi-stakeholder environments and drive consensus towards a favorable outcome.
Strategic Mindset
Ability to think strategically and creatively, connecting market trends and competitive dynamics to actionable M&A and partnership strategies.
Leadership Presence
Exceptional executive presence and communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex concepts and investment theses to a wide range of audiences, including C-suite executives and board members.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Proven ability to work effectively across different functions (Product, Engineering, Sales, Legal, etc.) to build alignment and execute on strategic initiatives.
Network
A robust and active network of contacts within the FinTech ecosystem, including startups, VCs, investment bankers, and established financial institutions.
Attributes
A self-starter with a high sense of urgency, a strong work ethic, and an entrepreneurial spirit. You must be comfortable with ambiguity and thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client believes in investing in their people and offers a highly competitive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top talent. This includes:
Competitive Compensation
A highly attractive base salary, annual performance bonus, and a significant equity package in a pre-IPO unicorn.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents with minimal employee contribution.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match to help you save for your future.
Generous Time Off
An unlimited paid time off (PTO) policy, complemented by company-wide holidays, to encourage a healthy work-life balance.
Family Support
Industry-leading paid parental leave policies for all new parents.
Wellness Programs
A monthly wellness stipend that can be used for gym memberships, fitness classes, mental health apps, and more.
Professional Development
A dedicated annual budget for conferences, courses, and certifications to support your continued growth and learning.
Modern Workspace
A state-of-the-art office in the heart of Boston, complete with catered lunches, a fully stocked kitchen, and collaborative spaces.
Flexible Work Model
A hybrid work environment that offers a blend of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.
How to Apply
This is a retained search exclusively managed by JRG Partners. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and qualifications. We encourage you to explore our work and learn more about our expertise by visiting our FinTech Executive Search practice page. JRG Partners and our client are equal opportunity employers. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We look forward to reviewing your application.
