An esteemed financial firm is seeking a seasoned and passionate program manager to collaborate closely with the Real Estate Environmental, Social, and Governance ("ESG") Lead, and the Global Real Estate team to propel ESG initiatives. Located in our New York City offices, the Vice President (VP), Real Estate ESG, will work alongside Senior Leadership, investment teams, as well as operations, construction, and development professionals to contribute to ESG initiatives, with a specific focus on sustainable development and the implementation of energy efficiency and decarbonization projects.

Primary Functions & Responsibilities

The VP, ESG will collaborate with the Real Estate ESG Lead to construct and execute ESG initiatives across our global Real Estate platform. Situated in New York City, this role will offer daily support to the Real Estate teams, overseeing a diverse array of ESG initiatives, with a primary emphasis on sustainable development, decarbonization implementation, building certification strategy, renewable energy, and relevant reporting. This will be achieved through close collaboration with internal ESG advocates and interaction with Joint Venture (JV) and Asset Management Partners, as well as third-party property managers. This role has a global scope, affording the VP, ESG the capability to influence various projects, advancing sustainability goals and creating a lasting impact.

Other Specific Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To

- Collaborate with embedded ESG champions within the Real Estate team to execute a multi-year plan for ESG integration into the investment strategy.
- Lead global building certification strategy and implementation (LEED, BREEAM, Energy Star, Fitwell, Passive House, etc.).
- Develop and execute customized portfolio-wide initiatives focusing on key ESG areas, with an emphasis on energy efficiency, decarbonization solution implementation, and tracking.
- Oversee renewable energy programs by collaborating with Asset Managers and external consultants to ensure progress towards objectives.
- Support Ares Real Estate ESG data collection and reporting endeavors, including, but not limited to, GRESB, UNPRI, and SFDR.
- Assist in mitigating material ESG risks and/or creating value through mutually beneficial cost-saving initiatives at Ares' real estate assets.
- Establish and maintain sustainable development guidelines based on asset types, in coordination with in-house development and construction teams, and in partnership with JV partners.
- Contribute to LP ESG due diligence on Ares, responding to inquiries regarding our ESG practices, policies, and case studies.
- Participate in investor meetings, diligence sessions, and represent the firm at external panels and conferences.