Director, Trade Practice - McLarty Associates

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

McLarty Associates is seeking a motivated, resourceful, and highly organized professional for a full-time Director role supporting the firm’s expanding Trade Practice. 

The ideal candidate will bring a strong grounding in international politics, economics, trade, technology, government relations, and business strategy. Demonstrated experience or a clear interest in trade policy is strongly preferred.

The Director will serve clients in supporting advisory capacities alongside the Senior Managing Director. This role is central to helping clients anticipate political and regulatory developments, manage risk, and capture market opportunities in an increasingly complex global trade environment. The position also contributes to high-level strategic delivery and business development efforts to expand the firm’s trade policy offerings.

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Strategic Advisory: Deliver actionable, senior-level counsel to C-suite executives on U.S. and international political and policy developments affecting trade.

• Portfolio Management: Manage client engagements end-to-end, ensuring high-quality deliverables ranging from in-depth political risk analyses to tailored government relations strategies.

• Government Insight: Apply a strong understanding of federal and congressional structures, authorities, and policymaking processes. Familiarity with foreign government systems or regional political dynamics is a plus.

• Business Development: Identify and pursue new client opportunities; support proposal development and participate in client pitches and external engagement.

We are seeking individuals who are:

• Exceptionally organized, with an independent and creative approach to problem-solving;

• Proactive and able to anticipate team and client needs;

• Detail-oriented and capable of managing multiple priorities simultaneously;

• Adaptable in a fast-paced environment, maintaining composure under pressure;

• Professional, discreet, and capable of exercising sound judgment;

• Strong communicators with excellent interpersonal skills;

• Analytical thinkers with demonstrated research and writing capabilities;

• Proficient in PowerPoint, Excel, Office 365, Adobe Acrobat, and related business tools

Qualifications and Work Environment

• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States

• Minimum of 5+ years of experience within the U.S. government

• Based in Washington, DC region

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