Description
Role Summary:
Ares Management is looking to hire a Vice President to join its Government Affairs team. The position will be based in London and will be an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic self-starter to help build Ares’ Government Affairs function in the region.
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 EMEA. 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.
We are posting this role at two levels to accommodate candidates with varying degrees of experience. The core responsibilities are similar, but the scope, autonomy, and expectations will adjust based on the candidate’s background. This approach helps us identify the strongest match for our team’s needs.
Primary Functions and Essential Responsibilities:
Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
1. Partner with the Head of Government Affairs in developing and executing the Government Affairs function strategy in the region
2. Monitor and stay up to date on policy developments relevant to Ares and the alternative investment management industry
3. Anticipate and assess opportunity, change, and potential risks in the legislative, regulatory, and political realms
4. Build and maintain relationships with key external stakeholders in the region.
5. Represent Ares at meetings with government officials or staff, related events, and other relevant forums
6. Coordinate, participate in and manage Ares’ membership with regional trade groups
7. Prepare briefing and presentation materials for engagements with policymakers, regulators, investors and other stakeholders
8. Provide technical recommendations on legislative and regulatory proposals, collaborating closely with other teams to ensure alignment of views across the firm
9. Collaborate closely with the communications and investor relations teams, as well as other internal teams to ensure alignment between government affairs strategies, external communication and Ares’ overall objectives
10. Provide oversight and direction for external government affairs resources, where appropriate
11. From time to time, assist with portfolio company matters involving government stakeholders
Education:
12. Bachelor’s Degree is required
Experience and Skills Required:
13. 8-10 years of relevant experience working in government, government relations, or corporate affairs
14. Prior experience in government affairs for financial services
15. Deep understanding of UK and EU political and regulatory environments and proven experience engaging with government agencies and policymakers in the region.
16. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and Word
General Requirements:
17. Extensive policy, advocacy, and analytical expertise
18. Comfortable juggling multiple priorities at speed, with the flexibility to switch between big-picture thinking and hands-on delivery
19. Demonstrated ability to drive consensus among a diverse array of interests and priorities
20. Ability to translate policy developments into business implications and advise internal stakeholders accordingly
21. Exceptional client service orientation and ability to collaborate cross functionally
22. Superior written and verbal communication skills and a demonstrated ability to create content for specified audiences
23. Outstanding organizational skills with strong attention to detail
24. Strong time management and prioritization skills
25. Good judgment in terms of escalating issues vs. solving problems independently
26. Comfort in dealing with ambiguity and uncertainty in a dynamic and fast-paced environment
27. Proven ability to learn quickly, display flexibility and adaptability
28. Political awareness, discretion and demonstrated ability to manage sensitive and high impact matters
29. Highest degree of integrity and ethics
30. Ability to travel at least 25% of the time
31. Fluency in a European language preferred
Reporting Relationships
Head of Government Affairs
There is no set deadline to apply for this job opportunity. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the search is no longer active.