Associate, Strategic Partnerships

Summary

The Strategic Partnerships Associate will play a key role in supporting all facets of Partnership Management. This position spans both client support and analytical responsibilities, including developing client reporting, supporting investor meetings, managing the internal pipeline, and responding to ad hoc client requests.

Sitting at the intersection of client engagement and investment insight, the role requires strong analytical thinking alongside the ability to interpret portfolio performance, positioning, and investor outcomes.

This individual will work closely with the Strategic Partnerships team to deliver high‑quality, data‑driven insights and materials. The role involves managing and servicing institutional investors that are strategically valuable to Ares and requires a high level of attention to detail, responsiveness, and judgment. The position provides broad visibility across the entire Ares platform and will be based in New York.

The Strategic Partnerships team focuses on developing and deepening relationships with select Ares LPs by delivering tailored solutions. The team works closely with senior stakeholders across Ares’ four business lines as well as non‑investment teams (including Relationship Management, Finance & Accounting, Legal, Compliance, Investor Operations & Services, Tax, and Quantitative Research). Ares is a flat, flexible, and dynamic organization that cultivates a culture of collaboration, entrepreneurialism, integrity, and partnership.

Reporting Relationship

Reports to: Managing Director, Strategic Partnerships

Primary Functions & Responsibilities

Client Engagement

• Generate customized client reports by collaborating with internal teams, collating relevant information, and synthesizing data

• Assist in the preparation and coordination of client meetings, including recurring quarterly meetings

• Synthesize portfolio data and performance to surface key drivers, trends, and risks for internal and external stakeholders

• Use client relationship management systems (e.g., Salesforce) to actively manage and track the business development pipeline, including drafting client meeting notes and tracking investor interactions

Analysis & Insight

• Work closely with investment teams to evaluate portfolio positioning, performance trends, and underlying drivers across strategies

• Analyze fund structures, capital flows, and fee mechanics to generate insights on portfolio performance and investor returns

• Work with existing models and analytics frameworks to adapt, scale, and apply analyses to meet client needs

• Translate complex quantitative analysis into clear, decision‑relevant insights, highlighting performance drivers, portfolio positioning, and forward‑looking trends

Additional Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with internal subject‑matter experts across Finance & Accounting, Legal, Compliance, Relationship Management, Investor Operations & Services, Product Management, Investor Relations, Performance, Quantitative Investment Solutions, and Quantitative Research

• Build and enhance repeatable data processes and reporting infrastructure with a focus on scalability and efficiency

• Support ad hoc projects as needed

Qualifications

Education

• College graduate with a major in Economics, Finance, General Business, or Management preferred

• Outstanding academic record

Experience

• 3–5 years of experience in a fast‑paced, self‑directed role

• Asset management or financial services experience preferred but not required

• Series SIE, 7, and 63 licenses, or ability to obtain

General Requirements

• Highly motivated self‑starter with strong work ethic

• Detail‑oriented with ability to connect quantitative analysis to qualitative context

• Strong project management and organizational skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to translate complex concepts for different audiences

• Collaborative team player comfortable working cross‑functionally

• Proactive problem solver with comfort navigating ambiguity

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word

• Understanding of financial metrics and alternative asset management

• Familiarity with Salesforce, Power BI, and reporting tools (plus)

• Ability to leverage new technologies, including AI, to improve workflows and productivity

• Experience with Python or other programming languages (plus