McLarty Associate, Mexico Practice

Ankura is a team of excellence founded on innovation and growth.

Practice Overview:  

McLarty Associates, an Ankura Company, is the global strategy firm led by former Clinton White House Chief of Staff Thomas F. “Mack” McLarty, III, former Deputy Secretary of State John D. Negroponte, and President Lee Feinstein. Since 1998, MA has built a team of nearly 100 seasoned international specialists to help corporate and non-profit clients manage policy and government issues around the world. With offices in Washington, Beijing, and Brussels, our people can be found in over twenty countries. In 2022, McLarty Associates joined Ankura Consulting, an independent global expert services and advisory firm. The Ankura-McLarty combination delivers comprehensive solutions to handle disputes, navigate distress, manage risk, address financial and operational challenges, and execute programs that resolve policy, regulatory, government, and diplomatic issues that companies face anywhere in the world. 

Position Summary:

McLarty Associates (MA), a leading global strategic consulting firm, is currently seeking a bright, dynamic, and forward-thinking individual to join our Mexico practice as a full-time Associate. This position is based in Washington, D.C., and the Associate is expected to work in-person.

As a dynamic link between the private and public sectors, MA specializes in assisting clients with policy and government affairs issues worldwide. As an Associate, you will have the unique opportunity to collaborate on various projects supporting a wide range of clients, allowing you to acquire hands-on experience in delivering strategic advisory services to multinational firms. This exposure will enable you to gain valuable insights into the breadth of our services and client work in areas ranging from energy and technology to trade and manufacturing.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Associates perform a wide range of functions that may include, but are not limited to:

• Conducting extensive research and analysis of economic, political, regulatory, security, trade, technology, public policy, and international business issues;
• Translating complex Mexican policy and political developments into clear, actionable analysis tailored to client needs and workstreams;
• Crafting issue- and country-specific memos, preparing comprehensive presentations, and assisting in drafting overarching strategies for clients;
• Identifying, sourcing, and analyzing public datasets from Mexican, US, and multilateral sources to support client deliverables;
• Assisting with business development efforts by drafting corporate overviews and business proposals;
• Facilitating strategic engagements with key stakeholders and briefing clients on relevant subject matter;
• Attending, following, and reporting on key developments, meetings, and policy forums relevant to the firm and clients;
• Providing administrative support for Mexico practice director (coordinating and maintaining schedules, completing expense reports, event planning, making travel arrangements, etc.);
• Assisting with intern hiring and supervision;
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Undergraduate degree in international relations, political science, international business or related field. Graduate degree a plus.
• Ideal candidates for this position will demonstrate an exceptional understanding of Mexico's business landscape, political dynamics, and US-Mexico bilateral relations.
• Candidates should possess knowledge of macroeconomics, public finances, and trade and commercial policy.
• Strong candidates will be knowledgeable about public policy, business, electoral developments, geopolitics, and economic trends that impact Mexico, North America, the broader Latin America region and geopolitical developments.
• Full fluency in Spanish is required, with the ability to read, write, and speak the language proficiently. Preferred candidates will have experience conducting research in Spanish and display excellent writing skills in English.
• Please note that this role requires permanent authorization to work in the U.S. (i.e. U.S. citizen or permanent resident). This role is not eligible for U.S. immigration sponsorship, work visa or any other temporary work authorization (i.e. OPT, CPT). 

We are seeking individuals who are:

• Strong writers able to distill complex policy and economic subject matter into clear, concise, and well-structured analysis for senior executive audiences;
• Able to independently source and analyze data, applying sound methodologies and communicating findings through well-contextualized analysis and data visualization;
• Highly detail-oriented, delivering consistently polished and error-free documents and presentations across all stages of development;
• Capable of meeting tight deadlines with a high level of professionalism and confidentiality;
• Able to handle multiple projects simultaneously and thrive in a fast-paced work environment;
• Independent and critical thinkers, able to self-direct research, identify and pursue relevant lines of inquiry, and stay exceptionally organized across competing priorities;
• Proactive in taking initiative and anticipating team and client needs;
• Consistently embracing a growth mindset;
• Confident, poised, and contributing energetically with innovative ideas

Interested applicants must submit an application that includes:

• Cover Letter highlighting relevant experience and skills;
• Resume; and
• Short Writing Sample (no more than 3 pages) demonstrating strong research and concise writing on issues related to Mexico, US-Mexico relations, international politics, or political economy.

Please compile all application materials into one PDF document and submit in the resume field. We will be accepting applications on a rolling basis. ​

Ankura offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, with the option for supplemental health plans like critical illness and hospital care insurance. Additionally, employees receive firm-provided benefits such as paid parental leave, short-term and long-term disability insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching contributions.

Ankura is required to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This compensation range is specific to the said markets and considers a broad range of factors including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled.  The range does not include additional benefits outside of salary. At Ankura, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each role. A reasonable estimate of the current base pay range is between $66,000 to $85,000.

Ankura is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against based on disability. Equal Employment Opportunity Posters, if you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening, submit an online application, or participate in an interview/assessment, please email accommodations@ankura.com or call toll-free +1.312-583-2122. This email and phone number are created exclusively to assist disabled job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Only messages left for this purpose will be returned. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or technical issues unrelated to a disability, will not receive a response.