Director, Corporate Development & Special Projects

<strong>About Us:<br><br></strong><strong><br><br></strong>VAST Data is revolutionizing the AI data infrastructure landscape by enabling organizations to unlock radical intelligence and utility through innovative, simple, and transparent solutions. We’re on a mission to build the only data platform that can match the ambition of AI-era companies, and we need exceptional talent to achieve our vision.<br><br><strong>Summary:<br><br></strong><strong><br><br></strong>We are seeking a proactive and strategic Director of Corporate Development & Special Projects to build and lead a new Corporate Development function at VAST. You will be responsible for driving VAST’s strategic growth through investments, M&A and special projects. This role serves as a key partner to the executive team in identifying and executing opportunities that expand our platform and market leadership. The ideal candidate brings a builder’s mindset, exceptional business judgment, and a proven track record in strategic deal execution within the high-growth tech ecosystem.<br><br><strong>Key Responsibilities:<br><br></strong><strong><br><br></strong><ul><li>Build and scale VAST’s Corporate Development function from the ground up, establishing processes for deal sourcing and execution</li><li>Proactively source, evaluate, and execute strategic investments and M&A opportunities that align with VAST’s long-term vision</li><li>Conduct deep market research and competitive analysis to inform corporate strategy and analyze opportunities, including developing and maintaining a deep understanding of relevant products, technologies and markets</li><li>Manage the end-to-end deal process, including diligence, financial modeling, negotiation, and integration planning </li><li>Maintain and expand strong relationships with the broader tech ecosystem, including VCs, investment bankers, and potential targets</li><li>Lead and conduct Special Projects, based on the strategic priorities of VAST. These will be defined on an ongoing basis and will typically be projects that are strategic, cross-functional, complex and / or competitively sensitive </li><li>Conduct and maintain financial benchmarking (key metrics, performance and practices vs peers / industry) on an ongoing basis to inform strategy, planning and positioning</li><li>Support Investor Relations activities including narrative crafting, materials development, ongoing investor communications, conference prep and any raise activities</li><li>Develop and maintain close working relationships across the company<br><br></li></ul>Requirements:<br><br><ul><li>Bachelor’s degree in quantitative field. MBA preferred though not required</li><li>8+ years of experience in Corporate Development, Investment Banking, or VC/PE, with a significant focus on tech M&A and strategic growth</li><li>Exceptional modeling skills, and experience with complex businesses in high growth, highly dynamic markets. Adept with relevant tools including AI tools, Excel and Google Workspace. Tableau, SFDC and NetSuite familiarity a plus</li><li>Outstanding communications skills, with experience preparing, presenting and communicating with executives, investors and sophisticated business audiences. Strong ‘storytelling with data’ skills are key</li><li>Highly driven with a strong ownership mentality and deep intellectual curiosity. Pragmatic and willing to ‘roll up sleeves’</li></ul>