Research Associate - Washington Policy (Virginia)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Use policy expertise to enable analysis of key themes and trends using primary data sources and business intelligence tools.

• Demonstrates a willingness to learn about all areas of the policy landscape, and to gain/show deep expertise in areas including geopolitics, defense, trade, supply chains, energy, and more.

• Understands the legislative and regulatory process, connects with stakeholders and assesses the relevance of news and other available data.

• Performs qualitative analysis of the effects that public policy could have on the overall US economy and equity markets.

• Possesses an understanding of international public policy debates, dynamics, and geopolitical trends.

• Understands the political environment and its potential impact on policy debates.

• Prepares written reports detailing and explaining the ramifications and likelihood of policy changes.

• Proactively seeks out information regarding potential policy decisions.

• Builds effective working relationships within the internal client organization, delivering high-quality professional services with guidance from senior colleagues.

• Develops own capabilities by participating in assessment and development activities as well as formal and informal training and coaching; gain or maintain external professional accreditation, where relevant, to improve performance and fulfill personal potential.

• Maintains an understanding of relevant technology, external regulation, and industry best practices through ongoing education, conferences, and reading specialist media.

Skills:

• Works with general supervision on analyzing data trends for use in reports to help guide decision making.

• Uses clear and effective verbal communications skills when required on expressing ideas, requesting actions or explaining complex recommendations.

• Communicates with internal and external clients in a clear, concise and compelling manner.

• Creates relevant, lucid and effective investment reports.

• Independently supports business processes with comprehensive understanding and effective use of standard office equipment and standard software packages, while also providing guidance and training to others.

• Understands how to put aside personal public policy and political views to independently and dispassionately assess the implications of specific policy decisions

Required Experience:

• 1-3 years of public policy experience, to include executive branch, legislative branch, industry, or relevant trade associations;

• Understanding of related policy debates;

• Strong writing skills and an understanding of the legislative and regulatory process to effectively and efficiently produce reports in a concise and timely manner;

• PC skills sufficient to create documents, detailed spreadsheets, presentations and emails;

• Communication skills sufficient to effectively summarize, explain and field questions about specific news and policies, and the potential effect on the markets;

• Organizational skills sufficient to perform duties with frequent interruptions and changes in response to recent announcements and/or other policy changes.

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations/Affairs, Political Science, Economics, Public Policy or related, preferred.

Licenses and Certificates: SIE license or ability to obtain it within 3 months of hire. NASD Series 63, 86/87 license or ability to obtain it within 12 months of hire.

Hours: 40+ (Additional time may be required).

Travel Required: Minimal (Less than 5%)

Working Environment: Climate-controlled office environment during normal business hours

Position Location: Arlington, VA

Functional Area: Capital Markets & Advisory