Associate, GP Stakes, Secondaries

Company: Ares Operations
Location: New York City
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

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 Position Summary This Associate will join a dedicated team within Ares Secondaries focused on minority equity investments in alternative asset managers (GP Stakes), a strategy that aligns long-term capital with high-performing sponsors. The role offers exposure to differentiated transactions, strategic portfolio development, and the opportunity to work alongside seasoned investors in a fast-growing vertical. Ares Secondaries has pioneered and innovated within secondary markets across three decades and a range of alternative asset classes, including private equity, real estate, infrastructure, and credit. With over 150 professionals across six global offices, our team has executed thousands of transactions through deep relationships with institutional investors, fund sponsors, and market advisors. Primary Functions and Essential Responsibilities Evaluate new GP investment opportunities by conducting due diligence, industry research, and sponsor interviews Build and maintain dynamic financial models to assess GP-level economics, cash flows, and valuation Support deal execution including contract negotiations, structuring, and closing processes Prepare investment committee materials and presentations for internal and external stakeholders Track performance of existing portfolio companies and assist in strategic value-add initiatives Conduct ad hoc analyses including LP inquiries, market benchmarking, and industry trend analysis Collaborate with capital formation, fund development, and portfolio management teams Qualifications 2–4 years of experience in GP Stakes, investment banking, private equity, or secondaries investing Strong financial modeling and valuation skills, with experience analyzing complex cash flow structures Proven ability to prepare professional-grade presentations and investment materials Demonstrated interest in private markets and asset management businesses Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, or a related field Ability to work independently and as a collaborative member of lean deal teams Reporting Relationships Head of Private Equity Secondaries 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. $130,000.00 - $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. 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.

Keywords: Ares Operations, Bridgeport , Associate, GP Stakes, Secondaries, Accounting, Auditing , New York City, Connecticut