Vice President, Government Affairs

Job Description

Ares Management Corporation is looking to hire a Vice President to join its Government Affairs team. The position will be an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic self-starter to help build and maintain Ares’ Government Affairs function.

The Government Affairs function plays a crucial role in advancing the mission and objectives of Ares and our investors by engaging with policymakers across the globe, staying ahead of and responding to legislative and regulatory developments, and driving thought leadership and advocacy.

The Vice President of Government Affairs will play a crucial role in building out the Government Affairs function. In this role, the ideal candidate will be responsible for executing on our policy agenda through monitoring policy developments, developing Ares viewpoints, and engaging in advocacy on behalf of the firm.

We are looking for a self-directed individual who is a strong written and verbal communicator, is excited to partner with others and can work cross-functionally to execute on aligned priorities.

Reports to:

Managing Director, Head of Government Affairs

• Partner with the Head of Government Affairs in executing the Government Affairs function strategy
• Monitor and assess impact of policy developments relevant to Ares and the alternative investment management industry
• Anticipate and assess opportunity, change, and potential risks in the legislative, regulatory, and political realms
• Shape legislative, regulatory, and administrative policies affecting the alternative investment industry
• Coordinate, participate in, and manage Ares’ membership with trade groups
• Prepare briefing and presentation materials for engagements with policymakers, regulators, investors and other stakeholders
• Provide technical recommendations on legislative and regulatory proposals, collaborating closely with other teams to ensure alignment of views across the firm
• Represent Ares at meetings with government officials or staff, related events, and other relevant forums
• Collaborate closely with the Communications and Public Investor Relations teams, as well as other internal teams to ensure alignment between government affairs strategies, external communication and Ares’ overall objectives
• Provide oversight and direction for external government affairs resources, where appropriate
• From time to time, assist with portfolio company matters involving government stakeholders

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree is required
• MPA, MPP, MBA, JD, CFA preferred

Experience and

Skills Required:

• 8-10 years of relevant experience working in or with legislative, regulatory, or executive branch agencies
• Prior experience in government affairs for financial services
• Prior experience writing and contributing to comment letters, drafting legislative language, and developing policy viewpoints for financial services
• Detailed understanding of and relationships with financial services policymakers
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and Word

General Requirements:

• Extensive policy, advocacy, and analytical expertise
• Superior written and verbal communication skills and a demonstrated ability to create content for specified audiences
• Demonstrated ability to drive consensus among a diverse array of interests and priorities
• Exceptional client service orientation and ability to collaborate cross functionally
• Outstanding organizational skills with strong attention to detail
• Strong time management and prioritization skills
• Good judgment in terms of escalating issues vs. solving problems independently
• Comfort in dealing with ambiguity and uncertainty in a dynamic and fast-paced environment
• Proven ability to learn quickly, display flexibility and adaptability
• Political awareness, discretion and demonstrated ability to manage sensitive and high impact matters
• Highest degree of integrity and ethics

$185,000-$225,000

The firm also offers robust benefits. Ares U.S. Core Benefits include Comprehensive Medical/Rx, Dental and Vision plans; 401(k) program with company match;
Flexible Savings Accounts (FSA);
Healthcare Savings Accounts (HSA) with company contribution;
Basic and Voluntary Life Insurance;
Long-Term Disability (LTD) and Short-Term Disability (STD) insurance;
Employee Assistance Program (EAP); and Commuter Benefits plan for parking and transit.

Ares offers a number of additional benefits including access to a world-class medical advisory team, a mental health app that includes coaching, therapy and psychiatry, a mindfulness and wellbeing app, financial wellness benefit that includes access to a financial advisor, new parent leave, reproductive and adoption assistance, emergency backup care, matching gift program, education sponsorship program, and much more.