ABOUT THE ROLELifeStance is seeking a Director of Corporate Development to lead deal evaluation and execution across our M&A program. This is a senior, deal-execution-oriented role responsible for managing transactions from initial evaluation through close - including sourcing, financial analysis, diligence, structuring, and negotiation - while leading a team of two (a Corporate Development Manager and a Corporate Development Analyst) through each phase of the deal process.
The role sits within the Corporate Development & Strategy organization and reports to the Head of Corporate Development & Strategy. It is the primary execution engine for LifeStance's inorganic growth agenda, which spans tuck-in practice acquisitions, specialty services, technology enablement, and scaled platform opportunities.
Consistent with LifeStance's values, every member of the LifeStance team is expected to support each other and the mission, which may mean participating in projects and initiatives and performing functions and responsibilities not specifically outlined in this job description.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIESDeal Origination & Pipeline Management- Build and manage a pipeline of acquisition targets across LifeStance's deal categories: Tuck-In Acquisitions, Specialty Services, Tech Enablement, and Scaled Practices
- Lead pre-LOI financial and operational analysis, including preliminary valuation, market sizing, and strategic fit assessment
- Maintain active relationships with investment banks, M&A advisors, venture capital and private equity firms, and industry contacts to generate proprietary deal flow
- Conduct competitive analysis and market research to identify acquisition targets aligned with LifeStance's strategic priorities and LFST2030 goals
Deal Execution- Manage the full transaction lifecycle from LOI through close, including diligence coordination, legal process management, quality of earnings oversight, and deal structuring
- Build and own financial models - including DCF, comparable transaction, and returns analyses - to support valuation and deal economics
- Lead negotiations with sellers, their advisors, and legal counsel
- Coordinate cross-functional deal teams across Finance, Legal, Operations, HR, and Technology
- Prepare and present investment recommendations to senior leadership and the Board of Directors
- Manage outside advisors including legal counsel, financial diligence providers, and quality of earnings firms through each transaction
Team Leadership- Directly manage and develop a team of two: a Corporate Development Manager and a Corporate Development Analyst
- Assign and oversee workstreams across sourcing, modeling, diligence, and deal documentation
- Maintain deal pipeline tracking, reporting cadence, and governance across the team
- Coach and develop team members through live transactions, building institutional capability in deal execution
Strategic Partnerships & Build/Buy/Partner Evaluation- Evaluate strategic partnership and technology investment opportunities alongside traditional M&A, including pilot agreements, minority investment structures, and warrant arrangements
- Collaborate with the broader Strategy function on build/buy/partner tradeoffs for new capability areas including digital health, AI enablement, and specialty services
- Assess inorganic options in the context of LifeStance's overall capital allocation priorities
Post-Close Transition- Support integration planning in close coordination with operational counterparts, ensuring clean handoffs and continuity of deal value post-close
- Track post-acquisition performance metrics against underwritten projections and flag material variances to leadership
- Act as the corporate development liaison during the transition period between close and full operational handoff
QUALIFICATIONSRequired- 7-10 years of experience in M&A transaction execution in investment banking, corporate development, or private equity
- Demonstrated track record of closing M&A transactions, including direct responsibility for managing diligence, legal process, and deal structuring
- Advanced financial modeling skills - DCF, comparable transactions, scenario analysis, and returns modeling
- Experience directly managing or mentoring junior deal team members through live transactions
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to present investment recommendations clearly to senior executives and board members
- High degree of independence and judgment; able to manage multiple transactions simultaneously with minimal oversight
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, Economics, or a related field
Strongly Preferred- Healthcare services M&A experience, particularly in physician practice management, behavioral health, or multi-site provider platforms
- MBA or equivalent advanced degree
- Experience working with quality of earnings advisors and managing financial due diligence processes
- Familiarity with strategic partnership structures, minority investments, and non-traditional deal structures
- Experience at a healthcare-focused investment bank, strategic acquirer, or growth-stage healthcare company
Not Required- Clinical licensure or clinical background
- Integration program management as a primary function
WORK ENVIRONMENTThis is a remote role. Candidates must have a quiet, distraction-free, dedicated HIPAA-compliant workspace. The role requires reliable internet access and the ability to participate in frequent audio/video calls and meetings across time zones.
COMPENSATION: $210,000 - $240,000/annually, with 20% annual bonus potential and long-term incentive plan eligibility
BENEFITSAs a full-time employee of LifeStance Health, the following benefits are offered: medical, dental, vision, AD&D, short and long-term disability, and life insurance. Additional benefits include a 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match, paid parental leave, paid time off, holiday pay, and an Employee Assistance Program.
