Role Summary

The Director, Corporate Development & M&A will partner with the SVP of Corporate Development & Strategy to identify, evaluate, negotiate, and execute acquisitions and strategic initiatives that strengthen Lindblad Expeditions' portfolio of experiential travel businesses. This role leads the end-to-end M&A process, develops acquisition strategy and pipeline, manages relationships with target companies and advisors, and serves as a key advisor to executive leadership on strategic investment opportunities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

M&A Strategy & Transaction Leadership

• Lead acquisitions from sourcing through closing, including valuation, financial analysis, due diligence, transaction structuring, negotiation support, and integration planning.
• Direct cross-functional diligence teams while managing external advisors including investment bankers, legal counsel, tax, and accounting firms.
• Develop sophisticated financial models and investment analyses to support strategic decision making.
• Ensure transactions remain on schedule, within budget, and aligned with strategic objectives.

Pipeline Development & Relationship Management

• Own the acquisition pipeline by identifying strategic opportunities across expedition travel and adjacent markets.
• Develop and maintain relationships with target company executives, owners, investors, bankers, and industry partners to generate proprietary deal flow.
• Continuously evaluate market trends, competitive dynamics, and strategic adjacencies.

Executive & Board Communications

• Lead development of investment memos, Board presentations, Executive Leadership Team materials, and strategic recommendations.
• Present investment opportunities, financial analyses, risks, and recommendations to executive leadership.

Strategic Partnership & Integration

• Partner with Finance, Legal, Operations, Marine, Hotel, Sales, Marketing, and other business leaders throughout the transaction lifecycle.
• Lead post-acquisition integration planning, synergy realization, and value capture initiatives.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business, or a related field. MBA strongly preferred.
• 8-12+ years of progressive experience in Corporate Development, Investment Banking, Private Equity, Strategy Consulting, or a related M&A environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading acquisitions from sourcing through closing, including valuation, due diligence, transaction structuring, and integration planning.
• Advanced expertise in financial modeling, valuation methodologies, investment analysis, and capital allocation.
• Proven experience managing cross-functional transaction teams and coordinating external advisors including investment bankers, legal counsel, tax, and accounting firms.
• Strong strategic thinking with the ability to identify acquisition opportunities aligned to long-term business objectives.
• Experience developing investment recommendations and presenting to executive leadership, investment committees, or Boards of Directors.
• Excellent negotiation, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex transactions simultaneously.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.

Preferred Experience

• Experience leading Corporate Development within the travel, cruise, hospitality, leisure, or consumer services industries.
• Experience developing acquisition strategy and generating proprietary deal flow.
• Experience leading post-merger integration and synergy realization initiatives.
• Existing network of investment bankers, private equity firms, founders, and strategic advisors.
• Experience evaluating adjacent markets, vertical integration opportunities, and strategic partnerships.
• MBA, CFA, CPA, or equivalent advanced financial credential.

$150,000 - $175,000 a year

Bonus 15%

Equity 5%

OUR BENEFITS
• Travel benefits for employees and their family
• Voyage of Discovery trips for employees to travel as guests
• Health insurance including Medical, Dental, Vision
• 401(k) plan with employer match
• Long-Term Disability, Life & AD&D Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to be used for out-of-pocket medical and dependent care
• Pre-Tax Commuter Benefit
• 7-8 Paid Holidays
• 1 Floating Holiday Options
• Up to 15 days of vacation (pro-rated per anniversary year)
• Parental Leave
• Sick/personal days per city & state ordinance
• Pet Insurance discount

Hybrid Work Schedule

Positions based in our New York and Seattle offices follow a hybrid work schedule, requiring employees to work in the office Tuesday through Thursday, with the option to work remotely Monday and Friday. Candidates must reside within reasonable commuting distance of their designated office.

Communication Skills

Using the English language, this person must have the ability to read, write, and comprehend policies, legal guidelines, correspondence, and memos. Must also possess the ability to effectively communicate--both in writing and orally--with a professional demeanor.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear. The employee will also be required to write and type. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.

COMPENSATION STATEMENT

Lindblad Expeditions determines the pay for positions using local, national, and industry-specific survey data. We evaluate external equity and the cost of labor/prevailing wage index in the relative marketplace for jobs directly comparable to jobs within our company. Our posted salary range is based on national data and may be refined for a candidate's region/town/cost of living.

For new hires, we strive to make competitive offers allowing the new employee room for future growth. Salaries will be based on the applicant's location, level of experience, education, and specialized knowledge and skills. An employee/candidate with a stronger skill set will receive higher pay.