Strategic Development Associate

Who We Are
Creative Artists Agency (CAA) is the leading entertainment and sports agency, with global expertise in filmed and live entertainment, digital media, publishing, sponsorship sales and endorsements, media finance, consumer investing, fashion, trademark licensing, and philanthropy.  Distinguished by its culture of collaboration and exceptional client service, CAA’s diverse workforce identifies, innovates, and amplifies opportunities for the people and organizations that shape culture and inspire the world.  The trailblazer of the agency business, CAA was the first to build a sports business, create an investment bank, launch a venture fund, found technology start-up companies, establish a philanthropic arm, build a business in China, and form a brand marketing services division, among other innovations. Named Most Valuable Sports Agency by Forbes for eight consecutive years, CAA represents more than 2,000 of the world’s top athletes in football, baseball, basketball, hockey, soccer, in addition to coaches, on-air broadcasters, and sports personalities and works in the areas of broadcast rights, corporate marketing initiatives, social impact, and sports properties for sales and sponsorship opportunities. 
Founded in 1975, CAA is headquartered in Los Angeles, and has offices in New York, Nashville, Memphis, Chicago, Miami, London, Munich, Geneva, Stockholm, Shanghai, and Beijing, among other locations globally.  
 

The Role

CAA is seeking an Associate based in Los Angeles for a unique and highly visible position at the company, focused on identifying and evaluating areas of growth and diversification for CAA, as well as developing plans to achieve sustained and balanced growth across the organization.  

The candidate will join a nimble group of professionals with backgrounds in media & technology, growth strategy and innovation, investment banking, and private equity, who serve as in-house advisors to CAA’s executive leadership.  

The candidate will be responsible for working directly with strategy leadership on identifying high-potential opportunities and theses (“what is happening out in market” and “what actions can we take”). The candidate will support departments across the agency on growth initiatives and gain meaningful exposure to the business, including ongoing operational experience to new departments. The ideal candidate will excel at diligencing industries and businesses, developing strategic frameworks for presentation, analyzing data, and building relationships.  

Responsibilities  

• Perform industry, market, and company-specific research and analysis; assess industry trends, market size and structure, industry M&A activity, and competitive landscape 

• Analyze large amounts of information and data quickly and effectively to reduce complexity and make actionable recommendations  

• Develop a deep understanding of and be a company-wide thought-leader on market trends and emerging technologies 

• Maintain and evolve a robust pipeline of potential growth opportunity areas for CAA 

• Conduct ad hoc analyses and presentations, including leadership materials, company diligence, and deal analyses  

• Support the development of new business units on ongoing operations and growth strategy 

• Maintain ongoing relationships with external founders, investors, etc. for strategy and finance resourcing and reporting 

• Perform other critical tasks as directed 

 Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree from a top-tier university 

• 2-4 years of work experience in management consulting, corporate strategy, corporate development, or similar roles (preferably with direct experience in the media, entertainment, or sports sectors)  

• Interest in the media, entertainment and sports industries and a passion to learn (particularly in emerging content and technology spaces; such as Digital content) 

• Strong analytical, problem solving and interpersonal skills  

• Independent thinker with a point of view on the risks and rewards of new growth opportunities and strategic initiatives 

• Excellent oral and written communication skills 

• Strong work ethic with a high level of responsiveness, with attention to detail in deliverables 

• Ability to manage deadlines with a high level of responsibility and autonomy 

• Knowledge of early-stage investing 

• Comfortable engaging with clients, agents, C-level executives and senior leadership 

• Relationships with key stakeholders across the early-stage consumer ecosystem: VCs, PE firms, brands, incubators, etc. 

This role is on-site (Monday to Friday) in our Los Angeles office.

Compensation
The annual base salary for this position is in the range of $110,000 - $130,000 in Los Angeles, CA. This position is also eligible for benefits and a discretionary bonus. Ultimately, the salary may vary based upon, but not limited to, relevant experience, time in the role, business sector, and geographic location, among other criteria. Please talk with a CAA Recruiter to learn more.