VP, Corporate Development

Have you ever had that green-light feeling? When you hit every green light and the day just feels like magic. CLEAR's mission is to create frictionless experiences where every day has that feeling. With more than 30+ million passionate members and hundreds of partners around the world, CLEAR’s identity platform is transforming the way people live, work, and travel. Whether it’s at the airport, stadium, or right on your phone, CLEAR connects you to the things that make you, you—unlocking easier, more secure, and more seamless experiences—making them all feel like magic.

Reporting directly to the President of CLEAR, the VP Corporate Development will be a strategic leader shaping the future of CLEAR through strategic deals, alliances, investments and mission-critical initiatives. This is a high-impact, high-visibility role, and a unique chance for a high performing, analytically minded professional to serve as a strategic leader driving material impact at the highest levels of the organization.

CLEAR operates at the intersection of physical and digital identity and technology. In this rapidly evolving market, CLEAR is distinguished by its well-known secure identity brand, its deep expertise in identity technology and its strong balance sheet, all providing a unique platform for investing against the future growth drivers for the business and the industry. The VP Corporate Development will lead the strategy, sourcing, execution and integration for full acquisitions, minority investments and other deal structures.

The VP will work closely with the C-Suite and Board, lead cross‑functional teams, and help to define CLEAR’s next chapter.

• Partner with executive leadership to define CLEAR’s acquisition and investment growth strategy aligned to long‑term business objectives
• Own M&A and minority investment execution end‑to‑end, including sourcing, diligence, valuation, deal structuring, negotiation, and closing
• Lead post‑investment governance for minority investments, including serving as a Board Observer or Director where appropriate, overseeing strategic alignment, monitoring performance against thesis, and driving value creation post‑close
• Partner with business leaders to design and oversee post‑merger integration plans that maximize strategic and financial value
• Lead critical cross‑functional strategic projects in partnership with the President to drive key growth initiatives across the Clear+ and Clear1 business lines
• Develop and execute strategic alliances where investments act as a catalyst for commercial pilots, product integration, or distribution partnerships that materially accelerate CLEAR’s growth
• Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitive dynamics to inform acquisition strategy

• Highly effective internal and external stakeholder management and relationships
• Ownership of impactful M&A transactions, integrations and business outcomes from deals
• Executive alignment and stakeholder engagement across cross‑functional initiatives
• A reputation as a go‑to strategist and leader who is able to drive outcomes and get things done quickly

• 12+ years of experience independently leading all aspects of corporate development and M&A transactions, preferably within consumer, travel or technology (Private Equity, Growth Equity and Corporate Development preferred)
• Successful deal sourcing and relationship building to drive deal pipeline
• Rigorous data‑driven approach to strategic evaluation, due diligence and financial modeling
• Proven ability to lead complex, high‑stakes projects involving multiple stakeholders
• Executive presence and crisp communication style—you're comfortable in the room with internal and external C‑level leaders and can influence teams across levels
• A builder and problem‑solver who is comfortable with ambiguity, fast‑moving priorities, and scaling environments
• Humble, hard working and mission‑driven with commitment to learn, grow, and take on increasing responsibility

At CLEAR, we help YOU move forward—because when you’re at your best, we’re at our best. You’ll work with talented team members motivated by…