Senior Manager, Corporate Development

When you join Sallie Mae, you become a champion for all students.

We’re on a mission to power confidence as students begin their unique journey. To help them plan their higher education, successfully finish, and prepare for life after school. To help them Start smart. Learn big.

Students need guidance navigating this important time in their life. They need someone who acknowledges that their education path is unique. They need a partner willing to evolve and not only meet but surpass their expectations. We’re changing. Because students need a better way.

We’re looking for people who are excited to drive this transformation. To break barriers and think of new ways to adapt, help, and create better experiences for students—and for each other.

This is where diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives matter. It’s where you’re empowered to bring your authentic self to work.

Feeling your best allows you to do your best. Our benefits take care of the whole you—from physical and mental to financial and professional. You’ll get opportunities to further your education and career, support for you and your family (including your pets!), paid time off to volunteer for the things that matter to you, and more.

We’re obsessed with impact and making a real difference. For us, that means putting relationships first, asking “why not?” when tackling challenges, and continuously learning new skills.

Come do more than join something, change something. For students, for future generations, for the future of education.

What You'll Contribute

The Senior Manager, Corporate Development will support in identifying and evaluating potential business opportunities, developing strategic partnerships, and driving initiatives that contribute to the organization's long-term success.

What You'll Do

• Contribute to the development and execution of the corporate development strategy in alignment with the organization's goals and objectives.

• Identify and assess potential merger, acquisition, partnership, and investment opportunities to support business growth and expansion.

• Conduct comprehensive due diligence on potential opportunities, including financial analysis, market research, and risk assessment.

• Prepare business cases, financial models, and presentations to support decision-making and communicate recommendations to senior leadership.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to evaluate strategic priorities, synergies, and integration plans for potential acquisitions or partnerships.

• Assist in negotiating and structuring deals, including drafting agreements and coordinating with legal and financial advisors.

What You Have

Minimum education, skills and experience required.

• Strong financial analysis and modeling skills, with a deep understanding of valuation methods, financial statements, and due diligence processes.

• Excellent business acumen and strategic thinking, with the ability to identify growth opportunities aligned with organizational objectives.

• Strong negotiation and deal structuring skills, with the ability to navigate complex transactions and achieve favorable outcomes.

• Solid understanding of market trends, competitive landscapes, and industry dynamics.

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a keen attention to detail.

• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex concepts to diverse audiences.

• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.

• High level of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality in dealing with sensitive information and business matters.

Preferred education, skills, and experience.

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, or a related field. MBA or advanced degree is preferred.

• 6+ years of experience in corporate development, mergers and acquisitions, or related roles, with a focus on deal execution.

The Americans with Disabilities Act

Feeling your best helps you do your best:

Our benefits take care of the whole you—so you can build your work around your life (not the other way around!).

• Competitive base salaries

• Bonus incentives

• Generous PTO, Floating Holidays and 12 Federal Holidays observed

• Support for financial-well-being and retirement 401k with employer match

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, hospital indemnity, critical illness, pet insurance and more

• Employer paid short-term/long-term disability and basic life insurance

• Flexible hybrid working arrangements.

• Paid parental leave and adoption reimbursement programs

• Free access to on-site staffed fitness centers (in Delaware) and gym subsidy (for locations outside Delaware)

• Confidential counseling support (EAP), Health Advocacy services and Wellness program with financial incentives

• Tuition Reimbursement and Family Scholarship Programs

• Career development and training opportunities

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Sallie Mae is proud to be an equal opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, gender identity, disability, Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Click to view the U.S. Pay Transparency Policy, for federal job applicant notices, and to view the California Employee Privacy Notice.

Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.