Associate, Corporate Strategy (Spac)

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.

Ares is currently searching for a highly motivated, detail-oriented team player to join as an Associate within our Corporate Strategy Group, predominately focused on our SPAC vehicles. Ares currently sponsors two SPACs: Ares Acquisition Corp. I ($1bn SPAC raised in February 2021, pursuing a business combination with X-Energy) and Ares Acquisition Corp. II ($500mm SPAC raised in April 2023).

Based in Los Angeles, CA or New York, NY, the Associate will report to the Partner in Strategic Initiatives who serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the Ares Acquisition Corporation (“AAC”) vehicles and leads day-to-day operations for AAC. The Associate will be directly involved in all facets of the investment analysis process including opportunity identification, financial modeling, due diligence, industry research, and portfolio monitoring / management. In addition, the Associate may be used as a resource to the broader Corporate Strategy team, if and when a need arises.

This position presents a candidate with a unique opportunity to join a small, entrepreneurial group within Ares with broad exposure to the rest of the firm. In addition, the Associate will interact directly with senior professionals across the firm including members of Ares’ Executive Management Committee.

Over the last 25 years, Ares’ success has been driven by our people and our culture. Today, our team is guided by our core value – 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.

Reporting relationships

Reports to: Partner, Strategic Initiatives

Supervises: n/a

Primary Functions & Responsibilities

• Screening and identifying new investment opportunities
• Reviewing new transaction opportunities through financial modeling, market analysis, reviewing information memoranda and meeting with Company management
• Analyzing investment performance including maintaining and updating financial models as well as keeping track of relevant current market activities
• Preparing investment committee memos and board presentations
• Preparing complex excel financial models including data and scenario analysis to assess the relative risk and relative value of potential investments
• Communicating with investment banks, consultants, and other third parties relevant to transaction due diligence

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree with a strong academic record.

Experience Required

• 3-4 years of relevant principal investing or investment banking (preferably with specific experience in Leveraged Finance and/or M&A)
• Investment banking experience with additional experience in Private Equity is preferred

General Requirements

• Highly proficient in Excel, PowerPoint and Word
• Self-motivated with the ability to set priorities, multi-task, and monitor own workload to meet aggressive deadlines
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to work well with limited supervision
• Sophisticated financial modeling and analytical capabilities with a high-level of attention to detail
• Strong verbal, interpersonal and written communication skills
• Evidence of adaptability, intellectually curiosity, and creative problem-solving skills
• Private equity caliber drive and ability to work effectively in a fast-moving, demanding, and dynamic environment

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.

$140,000.00 - $175,000.00

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.