About the Firm

Sands Capital is an independent, employee-owned investment management firm based in Arlington, Virginia that manages approximately $45 billion in client assets.  Sands Capital’s strategies employ a fundamental, bottom-up research process that aims to identify high-quality growth businesses in concentrated portfolios that we can own for the long-term.  We invest across the business lifecycle on a global basis, from early-stage private businesses to leading public companies.

Identified below are Core Values the firm holds in high regard and believes are critical for high-performing teams at Sands Capital:

• Integrity & Trust: Do what is right, not what is popular. Deliver on commitments.
• Client-Centered: Always act in the best interest of our clients.
• Commitment to Excellence: Strive to learn and improve. Implement best practices.

 Position Summary

The Research Associate (“RA”) will support our experienced team of Portfolio Managers and Analysts to help conduct research on the macroeconomic, (geo-) political and currency trends that are relevant for our existing investment opportunities across both developed and emerging markets. The RA’s primary focus will be supporting our ongoing macro research on the approximately 25 key geographies and directly support the macro research efforts of our Global Growth and Emerging Markets Growth strategies. A RA who excels in his/her role will have increased input into the investment decision making process and will take on greater responsibility for planning research projects and managing junior staff members. Additionally, this candidate will be expected to have an interest in the application of ‘macro’ research in a private sector setting and, hopefully, over time build some finance and investment expertise. International experience and language skills are highly preferred.

The Research Associate is responsible for:

Successfully completing all research projects by:

• Creating and maintaining economic models and chartbooks that support the investment decision process
• Crafting well-informed and succinct macro notes and headlines
• Assist with expert calls and deep economic and political analysis to support investment decisions 

Executing on functional tasks by:

• Running, distributing and presenting key macro reports to the Investment Team
• Updating and maintaining key documents and tools to include: economic models, sector screens, data tracking  
• Assist with qualitative and quantitative research by reading economic and political reports, speaking with experts, collecting and analyzing economic data, and attending expert conferences

Developing a strong team dynamic by building and sustaining effective and supportive working relationships within and between sectors by:

• Prioritizing research with your sector Team(s) and sector heads
• Establishing transparency and embracing best practices by communicating priorities, projects, and other status updates with the sector team(s) and sector heads
• Exhibiting the behaviors consistent with Sands Capital’s values and culture

Research Associates are expected to work for 3-5 years before returning to graduate school or leaving to pursue other professional opportunities. 

Necessary Skills and Qualifications

• B.S. or B.A. degree in Economics, Government, Political Economy or other relevant major
• 1-3 years of experience working in the economic or political/geopolitical research industry
• Superior Excel/charting skills
• A genuine and demonstrable interest in macro research
• Exceptional work ethic and an ability to complete assigned projects in a timely manner without direct supervision
• Superior verbal and written communication skills
• Outstanding analytical and strategic aptitude
• Interest in developing an investment skill-set and completing programs such as the CFA is preferred (Sands Capital subsidizes costs related to CFA exams)

Additional Information
To be considered, candidates must submit a cover letter and resume that specifically outlines your qualifications for the position and why you want to work at Sands Capital.  Please address the following topics in your cover letter:

1. How you cultivated an interest in investing.
2. Why you are interested in Sands Capital. 

If you wish to apply for this position, please apply through our careers site at http://sandscapital.com/careers/

We offer competitive salaries and generous benefits.

Sands Capital Management is an Equal Opportunity Employer.