Associate, Corporate Development
This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Associate, Corporate Development based in the United States.
This role is an opportunity to join a high-velocity M&A environment focused on identifying and developing acquisition opportunities within the software sector. You will build and manage a strong pipeline of prospective targets, engaging directly with founders, owners, and senior executives. The position combines research, strategic outreach, relationship management, financial acumen, and transaction support. Success depends on creating trusted relationships that may develop over several years and ultimately lead to acquisitions. You will work closely with experienced M&A professionals and gain exposure to the full deal lifecycle. The role is well suited to a highly driven, curious, and commercially minded professional who thrives on proactive outreach and long-term relationship building.
Accountabilities
Proactively research and identify software companies that align with investment and acquisition objectives, building a robust and qualified M&A pipeline.
Lead targeted outbound outreach to business owners, founders, senior executives, M&A advisors, and investment professionals, establishing meaningful professional relationships.
Develop long-term relationships with decision-makers by understanding their businesses, goals, motivations, and potential future transaction interests.
Maintain disciplined CRM practices, accurately documenting interactions, tracking deal stages, monitoring pipeline health, and sustaining a consistent outreach cadence.
Support prospecting trips, site visits, due-diligence activities, information requests, and coordination with the broader M&A team through the diligence process.
Apply financial and business knowledge to assess prospective companies, understand financial statements, and discuss fundamental valuation considerations.
Contribute to progressing qualified opportunities toward letters of intent and completed acquisitions, maintaining persistence throughout potentially multi-year relationship cycles.
Continuously refine sourcing and outreach strategies by analyzing interactions, learning from results, and identifying new opportunities.
Travel approximately 10-20% within Canada and the United States for founder meetings, industry events, and other relationship-building activities.
Demonstrated business acumen and hands-on experience in a fast-paced, high-performing environment, with the ability to understand businesses and engage credibly with senior decision-makers.
Experience with M&A, investment sourcing/origination, investment banking, investing, outbound SaaS sales, growth/GTM, or a related commercial function is highly relevant.
Strong financial literacy, including the ability to interpret financial statements and discuss basic valuation drivers and the M&A process.
Proven success with cold outreach, prospecting, business development, or other activities requiring a proactive “hunter” mentality.
Exceptional relationship-building and interpersonal skills, with genuine curiosity, active listening, and the ability to build trust over the long term.
Highly effective research and communication skills, with the ability to quickly understand a company and its leadership and tailor outreach accordingly.
Advanced verbal and written communication skills, with confidence engaging founders, CEOs, corporate development leaders, advisors, and investment professionals.
Exceptional self-motivation, organization, persistence, attention to detail, and ability to execute consistently against demanding activity goals.
A demonstrated history of strong performance and achievement, combined with resourcefulness, creativity, and a strong sense of urgency.
A long-term mindset toward relationship development and a track record of maintaining meaningful professional or personal relationships.
Career stability and evidence of sustained commitment, with a preference for candidates who have spent three or more years with previous employers.
Candidates with experience in K-12 or higher education, investment sourcing, outbound SaaS sales, investment banking, investing, or growth/GTM environments are particularly encouraged to apply.
Target total earnings of $120,000-$140,000 annually, including an $80,000-$100,000 base salary and approximately $40,000 in variable compensation.
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits.
Robust training and professional development opportunities.
Mentorship from experienced M&A professionals.
Exposure to the full transaction lifecycle, from sourcing and relationship development through due diligence and acquisition.
Long-term career growth opportunities within a growth-oriented, decentralized organization.
Opportunity to build an extensive network of founders, executives, M&A advisors, and investment professionals.
Remote opportunities within the United States and Canada, with a preference for candidates based in Toronto.
Approximately 10-20% travel for meetings and industry events.