Simon & Schuster is seeking a commercially minded Business Development & Strategic Partnerships professional to identify, evaluate, negotiate, and execute new growth opportunities across publishing, media, entertainment, technology, and digital platforms.
The ideal candidate will help develop partnerships and business initiatives that expand the reach, value, and monetization of Simon & Schuster's authors, brands, and intellectual property. The role may also assist with M&A and corporate development initiatives as needed, including opportunity assessment, financial analysis, valuation support, business case development, and strategic/financial diligence.
This person should have the judgment and communication skills to work with senior leadership and, from time to time, the company's financial sponsors, including KKR.
Key Responsibilities- Identify, evaluate, and help drive new business opportunities, partnerships, and revenue-generating initiatives across publishing, media, entertainment, technology, and digital platforms.
- Build relationships with external partners, including technology companies, studios, streamers, startups, and other strategic counterparties.
- Lead or support partnership discussions, deal negotiation, financial analysis, business case development, and internal approval processes.
- Assist with M&A and corporate development projects as needed, including target evaluation, financial modeling, valuation support, diligence, and presentation materials.
- Work cross-functionally with legal, finance, editorial, sales, marketing, operations, and other internal stakeholders to evaluate opportunities and execute deals.
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree required; MBA or relevant graduate degree a plus.
- 7-10+ years of experience in business development, strategy, partnerships, consulting, investment banking, corporate finance, or related roles.
- Experience evaluating, structuring, negotiating, or managing commercial partnerships, strategic initiatives, investments, or acquisition opportunities.
- Strong financial and analytical skills, including financial modeling, valuation, business cases, market analysis, and deal analysis.
- Strong commercial judgment, communication skills, and ability to work cross-functionally with senior executives, external partners, and financial sponsors.
Preferred Experience- Experience in technology, media, entertainment, banking, consulting, corporate development, or corporate finance.
- Familiarity with intellectual property, content rights, licensing, distribution, data/AI partnerships, M&A, valuation, or digital monetization models.
