Associate, Government Affairs

Ares Management

Ares Management

Arlington, VA, USA · New York, NY, USA

Posted on May 21, 2026

Over the last 20 years, Ares’ success has been driven by our people and our culture. Today, our team is guided by our core values – Collaborative, Responsible, Entrepreneurial, Self-Aware, Trustworthy – and our purpose to be a catalyst for shared prosperity and a better future. Through our recruitment, career development and employee-focused programming, we are committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive work environment where high-performance talent of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives can build careers within this exciting and growing industry.

Job Description

Ares is looking to hire a highly motivated, detail-oriented team player to join its Government Affairs team in our Arlington or New York City office.

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 Associate will play a crucial role in supporting our growing Government Affairs function. In this role, the ideal candidate will be responsible for executing on our policy agenda through monitoring policy developments, preparing materials (presentations, written responses, talking points and other analysis) and providing other critical research and support for internal and external engagement. The role supports key strategic priorities for the firm and provides a high degree of visibility to senior management and external stakeholders.

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 have a strong preference for an outgoing individual with an analytical mindset and related work experience in management consulting, investment management, investment banking, equity research or related fields. The individual would have the potential opportunity to be promoted and gain additional government relations responsibilities over time.

Reporting relationships

Reports to: Vice President, Government Affairs

Primary functions and essential responsibilities

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Monitor and track policy developments relevant to Ares and the alternative investment management industry

  • Conduct both qualitative and quantitative analysis in support of strategic decision making

  • Prepare briefing and presentation materials for engagements with policymakers, regulators, investors and other stakeholders

  • Coordinate senior-level interactions with external stakeholders

  • 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

  • Support other strategic projects / teamwide responsibilities

Qualifications

Education:

  • Bachelor’s Degree is required

Experience and Skills Required:

  • At least 3+ years of experience in management consulting, investment management, investment banking, equity research or related industry fields.

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and Word

General Requirements:

  • Superior written and verbal communication skills and a demonstrated ability to create content for specified audiences

  • Ability to engage with senior stakeholders across a variety of contexts

  • Commercial mindset with an appreciation for how policy impacts investment outcomes

  • Exceptional client service orientation and ability to collaborate cross functionally in a matrixed, global organization

  • Proactive, entrepreneurial and intellectually curious

  • Attention to detail, placing a high priority on accuracy and organization

  • Problem solver with ability to research solutions and suggest resolutions

  • Strong time management, prioritization skills with the ability to synthesize complex information

  • Proven ability to learn quickly, display flexibility and adaptability

  • Comfortable operating in fast-paced, high-stakes environments

  • Demonstrated experience working in a team environment with multiple tasks

  • Motivated with the ability to set priorities, multitask, and monitor own workload to meet aggressive deadlines

  • Political awareness, discretion and demonstrated ability to manage sensitive and high impact matters

  • Highest degree of integrity and ethics

Reporting Relationships

Compensation

The anticipated base salary range for this position is listed below. Total compensation may also include a discretionary performance-based bonus. Note, the range takes into account a broad spectrum of qualifications, including, but not limited to, years of relevant work experience, education, and other relevant qualifications specific to the role.

$100,000-$115,000

The firm also offers robust Benefits offerings. 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.

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.