Corporate Development Director (R4845)

We are seeking a seasoned Corporate Development leader to both source and lead the execution of strategic initiatives, including partnerships, investments, and M&A. This individual will operate as a thought partner to executives, shaping the company’s long-term growth strategy at the intersection of defense, autonomy, and AI. 

The ideal candidate brings deep experience across corporate development, private equity, investment banking, or consulting, combined with strong domain fluency in defense and/or advanced technology. This role requires exceptional judgment, hands-on-deal leadership, initiative, and the ability to operate autonomously in complex, high-stakes environments. 

Strategic Partnerships & Growth Initiatives 

Originate, evaluate, and lead complex, high-value strategic partnerships that accelerate Shield AI’s market position and capabilities.  

Structure and negotiate sophisticated commercial agreements, including joint ventures, technology partnerships, and strategic alliances.  

Build and maintain executive-level relationships with key industry players, government stakeholders, and ecosystem partners.  

Identify non-obvious partnership opportunities that unlock long-term strategic advantage.  

Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) & Investments 

Lead end-to-end M&A execution, including sourcing, evaluation, deal structuring, negotiation, and integration planning.  

Own advanced financial modeling, valuation, and scenario analysis to inform investment decisions. 

Own internal and external transaction presentation materials and collateral. 

Coordinate rigorous diligence processes across financial, operational, technical, and regulatory dimensions.  

Strategic Leadership & Executive Partnership 

Serve as a trusted advisor to the executive team on corporate strategy, capital allocation, and inorganic growth opportunities.  

Translate ambiguous strategic questions into structured analyses and actionable recommendations.  

Lead cross-functional initiatives involving finance, legal, product, engineering, and operations to execute complex transactions.  

Influence senior stakeholders and align diverse teams around high-impact decisions. 

Market Intelligence & Strategic Planning 

Develop deep insights into defense, autonomy, and AI markets, including competitive dynamics, emerging technologies, and regulatory trends.  

Proactively identify strategic risks and opportunities, shaping Shield AI’s long-term positioning.  

Deliver clear, data-driven recommendations to executives and board-level stakeholders. 

Contribute meaningfully to corporate strategy development and long-range planning.  

Bachelor’s degree required; MBA, JD, or equivalent advanced degree strongly preferred 

12+ years of experience in corporate development, private equity, investment banking, strategy consulting, or related fields.  

Proven track record of deal captaining complex transactions (M&A, partnerships, or investments) end-to-end.  

Strong expertise in valuation, financial modeling, and transaction structuring.  

Experience operating in defense, aerospace, or advanced technology sectors (AI, autonomy, robotics, or software) strongly preferred.  

Demonstrated ability to influence senior executives and operate effectively in high-stakes, ambiguous environments.  

Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex analyses into clear, compelling narratives.  

Highly self-directed, with a bias for ownership and delivering results in fast-paced, high-growth settings. 

In-house corporate deal experience strongly preferred