Vice President, Corporate Development - Mission Lane

About the Role

Mission Lane is seeking a Vice President, Corporate Development to shape our M&A and partnership strategy while ensuring the company is prepared for potential exit paths, including acquisitions or an IPO. This role reports directly to the Chief Strategy Officer.

The Impact You'll Make

• Strategic Growth: Lead public market readiness efforts and develop the company's narrative for external stakeholders.
• Capital & Execution: Drive strategic bets and disciplined execution to provide consumers with lower-cost access to credit.
• Advisory: Serve as a senior advisor to the core credit card business, identifying gaps and long-term opportunities.

What You'll Own

• M&A and Partnership Strategy: Assess the market to determine build vs. buy vs. partner opportunities. Lead execution from diligence through negotiation.
• Exit Readiness: Act as the internal aggregator for IPO or acquisition readiness, ensuring coordination across all workstreams.
• Executive Communication: Prepare materials and recommendations for senior leadership and the Board of Directors.
• Leadership: Step into leadership roles for new product lines or acquisitions as they emerge.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in strategy consulting, investment banking, or financial markets.
• Proven ability to lead and influence in a matrixed organization without direct authority.
• Experience directing outside consultants and advisors.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with experience presenting to Boards.
• Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, white-space environments.
• Willingness to execute directly, taking initiatives from recommendation to implementation.
• Travel: Ability to travel ~6-8+ times per year for in-person collaboration.

Preferred Qualifications

• Leadership experience in credit or lending (subprime/near-prime focus).
• Private equity experience, specifically preparing portfolio companies for exit.
• Direct experience with IPO readiness or public-offering processes.
• Established relationships within the fintech or consumer lending industry.
• Experience operating in a regulated financial services environment.