Policy Associate

Company description: 

Ara Partners is a global private equity and infrastructure investment firm focused on decarbonizing the industrial economy in immediate and tangible ways. Ara Partners invests in the industrial & manufacturing, chemicals & materials, energy efficiency & green fuels, infrastructure services and food & agriculture sectors, seeking to build businesses that are focused on sustainability and ESG principles. 

At Ara, we foster a culture of shared entrepreneurial spirit and intellectual curiosity. We prioritize ideas over egos, embrace flexibility over rigid bureaucracy, and champion collaboration over knowledge silos. We empower our team to explore new ideas and drive meaningful progress forward. We are seeking a Policy Associate to join the team in our Washington D.C. office. 

About the Role 

• Draft and edit policy briefs, advocacy materials, and presentation decks. 
• Attend briefings, hearings, and conference calls and provide insightful reports and analysis supporting the broader work of the Government Affairs team. 
• Track, develop, and analyze policy developments, regulatory actions, public sector funding opportunities, and legislative activities. 
• Research grant opportunities and evaluate grant proposal requirements. 
• Stay informed on emerging trends and issues within the decarbonization sector. 
• Support the development and maintenance of stakeholder relationships through effective communication and collaboration. 
• Create high-quality materials, including visualizations, to effectively communicate research findings for internal and external audiences. 

What We are Looking for: 

• Bachelor's degree in public policy or a related field. 
• 1-3 years of professional experience. 
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive attitude toward challenges. 
• Excellent organizational and planning abilities to keep track of tasks and deadlines. 
• Ability to work and prioritize work in a highly fast-paced environment. 
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills. 
• Proficient in M.S. Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. 
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team. 
• Located in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area. 

Culture Fit & Impact 

• A hands-on team player who can step in when needed. 
• A self-starter, who can interact collaboratively, but operate independently as required. 
• Intellectually inquisitive, analytically strong and committed to continuous learning; open to learning from more experienced colleagues. 
• Flexible and fluid to promote change; able to develop and implement “best practices”. 
• A high level of maturity and professional presence. 
• Comfortable operating in an entrepreneurial environment and willingness to help build the firm. 

Compensation 

• Competitive among comparable roles and commensurate with experience. 

Benefits 

• Generous medical, dental, and vision plans. 
• 401K plan with employer match. 
• Extensive paid parental leave program. 
• Competitive paid time off program. 
• Free gym access to local staff. 
• Paid volunteer time. 

To Apply 

• Email a cover letter and resume to reese@arapartners.com.