Vice President, Government Affairs

About the role

Ares Management Corporation is seeking a Vice President to join its Government Affairs team. This position offers an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic self-starter to help build and maintain Ares’ Government Affairs function, which plays a crucial role in advancing the mission and objectives of Ares and its investors. The role involves engaging with policymakers globally, staying ahead of legislative and regulatory developments, and driving thought leadership and advocacy.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Head of Government Affairs in executing the Government Affairs function strategy.
• Monitor and assess the impact of policy developments relevant to Ares and the alternative investment management industry.
• Anticipate and assess opportunities, changes, 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.
• Assist with portfolio company matters involving government stakeholders, as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree is required; MPA, MPP, MBA, JD, or CFA preferred.
• 8-12 years of relevant experience working in or with legislative, regulatory, or executive branch agencies.
• Prior experience in government affairs for financial services.
• 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.

Skills

• Extensive policy, advocacy, and analytical expertise.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills with 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 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.

Pay

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $185,000–$250,000. Total compensation may also include a discretionary performance-based bonus.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Medical/Rx, Dental, and Vision plans.
• 401(k) program with company match.
• Flexible Savings Accounts (FSA) and 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.
• Access to a world-class medical advisory team and a mental health app (including coaching, therapy, and psychiatry).
• Mindfulness and wellbeing app.
• Financial wellness benefit, including access to a financial advisor.
• New parent leave, reproductive and adoption assistance, and emergency backup care.
• Matching gift program and education sponsorship program.