Senior Manager / Director, Business Development & Strategic Partnerships

Simon & Schuster was named to Forbes magazine list of America's Best Mid-Size Employers 2022. Simon & Schuster is a global leader in general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for readers of all ages, and in all printed, digital and audio formats. Its distinguished roster of authors includes many of the world's most popular and widely recognized writers, and winners of the most prestigious literary honors and awards. It is home to numerous well-known imprints and divisions such as Simon & Schuster, Scribner, Atria Books, Gallery Books, Pocket Books, Adams Media, Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing and Simon & Schuster Audio and international companies in Australia, Canada, India and the United Kingdom, and proudly brings the works of its authors to readers in more than 200 countries and territories. For more information visit our website at

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.

Simon & Schuster US is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) including disability/vet. At Simon & Schuster US, the spirit of inclusion feeds into everything that we do. From employee benefits/programs and social impact outreach initiatives, we believe that opportunity, access, resources and rewards should be available to and for the benefit of all. Simon & Schuster US is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, and Veteran status.


The hiring salary range for this position applies to New York City, California, Colorado, Washington state, and most other geographies. Starting pay for the successful applicant depends on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education. The benefits available for this position include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) plan, life insurance coverage, disability benefits, tuition assistance program and PTO or, if applicable. Additionally, employees have access to our industry-first, Broad Based Ownership program, which makes all employees partners in our shared success.


Candidates hired for this or any other posted Simon & Schuster role will be employees of Simon & Schuster, LLC, subject to all policies, including the Workplace Privacy Notice, and eligible solely for the benefits plans thereof.