Corporate Development Director

Job description

Job Summary The Director, Corporate Development is a results‑oriented individual contributor responsible for supporting the identification, evaluation, and execution of strategic growth opportunities through mergers and acquisitions, investments, and corporate partnerships. The role contributes across the full deal lifecycle, including opportunity assessment, financial modeling, valuation, due diligence, transaction structuring, and post‑transaction implementation support. Operating at the intersection of strategy, finance, and legal, this role partners closely with senior leadership and cross‑functional stakeholders to assess strategic fit, risk‑return profiles, and value creation potential of growth initiatives. The Director translates commercial objectives into actionable analyses and supports transaction execution to advance the company’s portfolio and long‑term growth strategy. The role works closely with Choice Hotels’ CEO, Chief Growth & Strategy Officer, CFO, and functional leaders to evaluate acquisition and partnership targets, identify synergies, and support value creation initiatives aligned with enterprise priorities. Key Responsibilities Strategic & Financial Analysis Support evaluation of investment, acquisition, and partnership opportunities by analyzing strategic rationale, competitive dynamics, and risk/return profiles across industries and geographies. Develop, maintain, and enhance complex financial models, including scenario and sensitivity analyses, to assess and compare opportunities. Conduct valuation analyses using discounted cash flow (DCF), comparable company, and precedent transaction methodologies. Prepare clear, executive‑ready presentations and materials that translate complex financial and strategic analyses into actionable insights. Support development of business cases and present findings and recommendations to senior leadership and C‑suite executives. Transaction & Investment Execution Support due diligence activities for M&A and strategic partnership opportunities in collaboration with internal stakeholders and external advisors. Assist in identifying and evaluating financial, operational, legal, and strategic risks and opportunities identified during diligence. Contribute to transaction structuring and deal economics analysis in alignment with leadership guidance and strategic objectives. Partner with Legal and internal stakeholders to support development of term sheets and definitive transaction agreements, ensuring alignment between commercial intent and contractual terms. Support transaction execution and post‑close implementation activities to help ensure intended business outcomes are achieved. Strategic Partnerships & Growth Initiatives Support evaluation of strategic partnership opportunities through financial modeling and strategic assessment. Assist in developing materials that clearly articulate the value proposition of partnership opportunities for internal and external stakeholders. Collaborate cross‑functionally to assess, prioritize, and advance partnership initiatives aligned with business objectives. Market & Environmental Monitoring Conduct market, industry, and competitive research to identify emerging trends and growth opportunities. Support market sizing, competitive benchmarking, and industry analysis efforts. Synthesize research and analysis into insights that inform strategic decision‑making. Participate in building and maintaining external relationships to support market awareness and opportunity sourcing. Qualifications Required Experience & Skills 7–10 years of experience in investment banking, private equity, corporate development, or strategy roles with exposure to transaction processes. Demonstrated experience supporting M&A, investment, or partnership execution, including financial analysis, valuation, and due diligence. Advanced financial modeling and valuation expertise using standard methodologies. Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to evaluate complex, ambiguous opportunities. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to support C‑level decision‑making through clear, data‑driven insights. Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional internal teams and external advisors. Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment. Advanced proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint. Education Bachelor’s degree required or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience . MBA, CFA, or other advanced degree preferred. WORK LOCATION: This position is based at Choice Hotels’ Pike & Rose headquarters in North Bethesda, Maryland. The selected candidate must be able to commit to this location requirement and adhere to the company’s hybrid work schedule, which consists of four days onsite and one day remote per week. NOTE: This position is not eligible for relocation assistance or sponsorship. Salary Range The salary range for this position is $150,000 to $178,000 annually. In addition to the annual salary, this role is eligible for an annual bonus based on the terms of Choice's Management Incentive Plan (MIP). The pay range listed is for this position and is what Choice Hotels reasonably expects to pay. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. An employee’s pay position within the pay range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, qualifications, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, shift, travel requirements, sales or revenue-based metrics, and business or organizational needs. Choice prioritizes our associate wellbeing by offering a comprehensive benefits program that is both competitive and flexible to help you achieve your wellbeing goals - here are just a few: Competitive compensation and benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage Leave and paid time-off for holidays, vacation, personal, family, volunteer, sick, jury duty, bereavement, military, and religious observance Financial benefits for retirement and health savings Employee recognition programs Discounts at Choice hotels worldwide About Choice Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), is one of the largest lodging franchisors in the world. With 7,500 hotels in 45+ countries and territories, we offer a range of high-quality lodging options in the upper upscale, upper midscale, midscale, extended stay, and economy segments. We’re the hotel company for those who choose to bet on themselves — the striver, the dreamer, the entrepreneur — because that’s who we are, too. At Choice, we are united by the simple belief that tomorrow will be even better than today — for associates, our company, and our franchisees. At our worldwide corporate headquarters in North Bethesda, Maryland, at our technology center in Scottsdale, Arizona, and through our associates around the globe, every voice is heard and every idea is listened to, no matter what area of the company they come from. We are united in supporting the entrepreneurial dreams of our thousands of franchise owners, which propels us forward — giving our work at Choice a purpose larger than our business. Our corporate office locations: North Bethesda, MD — Located at Pike & Rose , our worldwide headquarters is less than 15 miles from Washington, D.C., one block away from the North Bethesda Metro station, with easy access to I-495, complimentary parking, electronic charging stations, restaurants and retail. Scottsdale, AZ — Located at the northwest corner of Loop 101, the Scottsdale office is home to our technology, eCommerce and customer service organizations, with easy access to complimentary parking, electronic charging stations, restaurants and retail. Minneapolis, MN — Select roles are based in our Minneapolis office on Highway 394, near the intersection with Highway 100, only five minutes from downtown. Field/Remote — Select roles designated as field/remote will require associates to work from a home office, connecting virtually with Choice team members and leadership on Zoom, with possible required travel depending on the role. Choice’s Cultural Values Welcome and Respect Everyone | Be Bold | Be Quick | Listen | Be Curious | Show Integrity Choice’s Leadership Principles Act with Intention | Lead with Authenticity | Grow & Deliver