VP of Strategy and Corporate Development

About the role

The individual in this position will act as a key strategic partner to the Chief Business Officer, owning the formulation and execution of long-term corporate strategy. This role requires driving major initiatives related to mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships to accelerate Duolingo's market position. You will be responsible for evaluating complex opportunities and threats within the education technology landscape. The position demands comfort with high ambiguity and a willingness to solve problems where data is incomplete or evolving. You will translate abstract business goals into concrete strategic plans and actionable projects. Success in this role depends on building trusted relationships with product, engineering, and executive leadership. Your work will directly shape the future direction and competitive advantage of a global learning platform.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Partner with executive stakeholders to define and refine the corporate strategy across all core business Pillars including Growth, Monetization, Language Learning, and emerging New Subjects such as Math, Music, and Chess.
• Analyze market trends and user behavior to generate strategic insights that inform product experiments and drive measurable business impact.
• Oversee the full scope of company-wide strategy and planning, ensuring alignment across departments and leading preparation for Board of Directors discussions.
• Spearhead growth initiatives through mergers and acquisitions, working in close collaboration with product and executive teams to identify and pursue high-value opportunities.
• End-to-end ownership of Corporate Development activities, from initial sourcing and evaluation through negotiation, due diligence, and post-acquisition integration.
• Recruit, develop, and lead a high-functioning team within Strategy and Business Operations, setting performance standards and fostering a supportive, empathetic culture.
• Champion the adoption of advanced analytical tools, automation platforms, and communication technologies to enhance insight generation and operational efficiency.
• Evaluate potential acquisitions by conducting rigorous market assessments, financial modeling, and risk analysis to support informed decision-making.
• Collaborate with legal, finance, and operational partners to ensure all strategic initiatives comply with regulatory and corporate governance standards.
• Act as the primary point of contact for external partners, advisors, and potential acquisition targets regarding strategic discussions.
• Translate the company's long-term vision into quarterly and annual strategic plans with clear metrics for success.
• Identify gaps in current capabilities and recommend targeted acquisitions or partnerships to fill those gaps quickly.
• Monitor competitive dynamics and benchmark Duolingo's strategic positioning against key rivals in the education and consumer app markets.
• Provide executive-level communication and reporting, distilling complex data into clear recommendations for senior leadership.

Requirements

• Bring a minimum of 20 years of cumulative professional experience in relevant fields such as strategy, consulting, mergers and acquisitions, investment banking, or product management.
• Possess a deep, nuanced understanding of Duolingo's business model, user engagement mechanics, and clear vision for future growth opportunities.
• Demonstrate a consistent track record of thriving in fast-paced, entrepreneurial environments where decisiveness is critical.
• Have substantial experience collaborating effectively with product and engineering teams to align technical execution with strategic goals.
• Exhibit superior communication and analytical capabilities, with the ability to synthesize large volumes of data into actionable insights.
• Show proven leadership experience in hiring, developing, managing, and retaining high-performing teams.
• Maintain the ability to work from either the Pittsburgh, PA or New York, NY office on a hybrid schedule requiring a minimum of four days in-office and one day remote.
• Display strong judgment and discretion when handling sensitive strategic information and negotiations.
• Demonstrate proficiency in strategic planning frameworks, financial analysis, and market research methodologies.
• Exhibit resilience and adaptability when navigating ambiguous and rapidly changing business conditions.

Nice to have

• Extensive hands-on experience using Duolingo personally and articulated views on potential enhancements to the product experience.
• A leadership background gained within a founder-driven company where agility and direct decision-making were essential.
• Prior experience at a large, leading consumer app that has achieved significant scale and engagement.