Director, Corporate Strategy & Development

Risepoint is an education technology company that provides world-class support and trusted expertise to more than 100 universities and colleges. We primarily work with regional universities, helping them develop and grow their high-ROI, workforce-focused online degree programs in critical areas such as nursing, teaching, business, and public service. Risepoint is dedicated to increasing access to affordable education so that more students, especially working adults, can improve their careers and meet employer and community needs. Job Summary The Director, Corporate Strategy & Development will serve as a right-hand partner in shaping Risepoint’s strategic direction, structuring and pursuing solutions to critical company priorities, and serving as a cross-functional thought partner and leader for strategic planning and delivery. The Director will be the go-to for thoughtful, evidence-based perspectives on Risepoint’s market, growth opportunities, competitors, and business priorities, in collaboration with leaders across the organization. The role will also help guide how we package, price, and pursue new business horizons in markets, segments, and contract models that we actively seek to shape. This role will balance top-down aspiration-setting across all levels of the organization and external parties. To do this, the Director will need to be comfortable with bottoms-up project work and will be an all-around analytical athlete, able to take conceptual and quantitative problems, break them into component parts, drive toward rapid insight and synthesis, and communicate implications while navigating ambiguity and building and nurturing cross-functional working relationships to support long-term shared business objectives. The ideal candidate will have operational experience in the workforce, edtech, or higher education space, as well as a prior stint in management consulting, investment banking, private equity, or an in-house strategy team. The individual will be well-versed in scoping and owning fast-paced strategic projects, conducting high-fidelity quantitative and qualitative analysis, developing executive-level communications, and building trust-based relationships. It is essential that this individual be comfortable with and excited about collaborating and building deep relationships with stakeholders of all backgrounds, disciplines, levels, and working styles. Key Duties and Responsibilities • Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand functional business objectives and define and drive high-priority strategic projects, potentially to include diagnostics, process redesign, and growth strategies • Conduct in-depth market analysis to identify themes, disruptions, innovations, and value at stake, and develop and communicate perspectives on opportunities • In partnership with the SVP, maintain corporate development pipeline, conduct market scans, facilitate potential due diligence, negotiations, and integration processes, and lead strategic partnerships as relevant • Engage regularly with peers across other organizations to ensure harmonization of strategy efforts and transparency in outcomes Additional Position Responsibilities • Perform in accordance with Risepoint Policies • Perform other duties as assigned QUALIFICATIONS MBA or Master’s in a quantitative field (e.g., Economics, Finance, Statistics) Minimum 7 years of work experience • At least 2 years total at a top-tier management consulting firm, investment bank, or corporate strategy shop • At least 2 years in an operating role Skills/Knowledge/Abilities • Business acumen – ability to quickly on-ramp to our industry, business context, and market dynamics and speak proficiently on implications for strategy, finance, marketing, operations, sales, and other business topics • Critical thinking and problem-solving – distinctive knack for diagnosing, structuring, and analyzing wide ranges of complex business problems and upleveling insights for senior and executive audiences • Quantitative and scenario analysis – ability to quickly structure financial and economic models with multiple inputs and drivers to assess potential financial outcomes and market forecasts • Project / initiative leadership – track record of structuring and driving cross-functional strategic projects, including opportunity identification, scoping, analytical execution, and stakeholder management • Relationship-building – exceptional ability to build cross-functional and senior relationships, influence stakeholders, and drive alignment and excitement across all levels of the company • Strategic roadmapping – experience building and leading processes to cascade top-level vision into functional strategies and navigate cross-functional impact reporting and value delivery • People leadership – experience with coaching, performance management, and workplan management within and beyond an immediate team Additional cultural / fit qualifications • Executive presence, capable of establishing trust and confidence • Sense of humor and ability to navigate high-pressure situations with grace and perspective • Humility and coachability • “Test and learn” mentality with bias toward immediate action and iteration • Accessible, approachable, and collaborative, particularly in a remote environment Risepoint is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an equitable environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable state or federal laws. Risepoint is an equal-opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. Apply tot his job