Research Associate - Washington Policy (Virginia)

Job Description Summary

Support Washington Policy Senior Analyst in preparing written research related to regulations, legislative policy proposals, and geopolitical/macroeconomic developments and their potential impact on the financial markets. While the team covers all public policy areas except for healthcare, this role will focus on macroeconomic policy issues across both the domestic and international stage, with specific attention paid to geopolitics, defense, trade, supply chains, energy and more. Under general supervision of a Senior Policy Analyst, analyze and interpret policy data, conduct research and provide analysis on issues which may impact an investment decision. Conduct research studies of existing and potential regulations as well as legislative actions impacting the economy and extrapolate their potential effects on the equity markets. Identify and investigate pertinent factors influencing investment decisions, as well as quantify and interpret potential risks and rewards. The ideal candidate is client-service oriented, detail-oriented, and one who thrives in a team-driven and fast-paced environment. This role does not attempt to influence public policy to achieve any desired outcomes.

Job Description

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

Education

Bachelor’s - Completed (Required)

Work Experience

General Experience - 3 to 6 years

Certifications

Salary Range

$80,000.00-$90,000.00

Travel

Less than 25%

Workstyle

Resident

The total compensation for this position includes base salary or wages, and may include components such as additional compensation (cash or equity), discretionary bonuses, or commissions. This position is eligible for a benefits package that may include medical, dental, and vision; life insurance; critical illness insurance and accident insurance; disability benefits; retirement savings; paid time off (including vacation, holidays, and sick leave); and parental leave.  Eligibility for benefits and specific offerings may vary based on position and employment status. To view more details of the benefits offered, visit Myrjbenefits.com.

At Raymond James our associates use five guiding behaviors (Develop, Collaborate, Decide, Deliver, Improve) to deliver on the firm's core values of client-first, integrity, independence and a conservative, long-term view. 

We expect our associates at all levels to:
•  Grow professionally and inspire others to do the same
•  Work with and through others to achieve desired outcomes
•  Make prompt, pragmatic choices and act with the client in mind
•  Take ownership and hold themselves and others accountable for delivering results that matter
•  Contribute to the continuous evolution of the firm

At Raymond James – as part of our people-first culture, we honor, value, and respect the uniqueness, experiences, and backgrounds of all of our Associates.  When associates bring their best authentic selves, our organization, clients, and communities thrive. The Company is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions on the basis of merit and business needs.