A fast growing Registered Investment Advisor with approximately $3 billion in AUM, backed by a strong leadership team and a clear mandate for inorganic growth, is looking to add a Director of Corporate Development to their team as part of their next phase of expansion. This person will lead acquisition strategy and execution and is ideal M&A professional who wants ownership, visibility, and the opportunity to materially shape the growth of a scaled RIA firm.
This company is headquartered in Tysons, VA and will require someone to have the ability to commute to the office several times per week.
The Opportunity
- Lead 2–3 acquisitions per year, totaling approximately $1.5 billion in acquired AUM annually
- Serve as the point person for the entire deal lifecycle, from sourcing through integration
- Work directly with the CEO and executive leadership team to drive long-term growth strategy
- Build repeatable acquisition and integration processes in a highly active deal environment
Key Responsibilities
- Source and evaluate potential acquisition targets (RIA and wealth management firms)
- Lead valuation, financial modeling, and investment committee materials
- Manage due diligence processes across financial, operational, legal, and cultural dimensions
- Negotiate transaction structures, purchase agreements, and key deal terms
- Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders (legal, compliance, finance, advisors)
- Oversee post-close integration planning and execution to ensure retention and value creation
- Track and report on acquisition performance and synergy realization
Ideal Candidate Profile
- 7-12+ years of experience in corporate development, M&A, investment banking, private equity, or RIA acquisitions
- Strong understanding of RIA economics, advisor succession, and valuation frameworks
- Proven experience executing multiple transactions annually
- Exceptional financial modeling, analytical, and negotiation skills
- Comfortable operating in a lean, entrepreneurial environment
- Strong communication skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders
- High integrity, sound judgment, and a collaborative mindset