Senior Associate – Japan Defense

Job Description

The Asia Group, LLC is now accepting applications for a Senior Associate to join our Washington, DC office.

The Asia Group (TAG) is a leading strategic and capital advisory firm that positions clients – ranging from Fortune 100 multinationals to innovative startups – for success in established and emerging markets across the Asia-Pacific region. You will join a fast-paced, innovative team that operates at the forefront of public policy and business across the Asia Pacific. From developing and implementing market access/expansion campaigns to enhancing political brand equity, you will advance policy-driven solutions to help TAG’s clients capture new growth opportunities throughout the region. This role requires a strong foundation of U.S. and regional national security experience, either in the public or private sector.

The Senior Associate will be an integral member of TAG’s defense and national security practice and will have responsibilities related to client servicing of firms in aerospace and defense industries. A competitive candidate will have a strong foundation and experience in security, military, and defense trends in the Indo-Pacific region, and will be a regionalist with specific experience and expertise on Japan defense issues and the U.S.-Japan alliance. U.S. Government experience, Japanese language skills, and experience living and working in Japan are preferred, but not required.

Excellent research and writing skills are a prerequisite. A demonstrated ability to work under pressure, engage clients with poise and clarity, and work collaboratively within TAG are expected. Candidates must have the ability to support discussions with in-country teams, sometimes requiring work in early mornings or in evenings. This position may also entail domestic and international travel. Title and pay will be commensurate with experience levels.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Drive client engagements and strategy development to support client servicing.
• Develop materials to support regular client engagements alongside principals and partners.
• Track market and industry developments impacting client equities.
• Draft high-quality executive memos, PowerPoint presentations, briefing materials, and other written products for clients and internal audiences, often within a short period.
• Work closely with TAG’s in-country and DC Japan teams to produce analysis, memos, briefings, and other products for clients focused on entering the Japanese market or growing their presence in-market.
• Provide logistical and event support for client engagements in Washington, DC and, as needed, in the region.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant area, including national security policy, security studies, Asia studies, or a related field.
• 5-7 years of relevant work experience working on Japanese security issues and/or the U.S.-Japan alliance, whether in government, industry, or think tanks.
• Understanding of U.S. defense industry interests in Japan, in both the traditional defense or defense tech and innovation space.
• Outstanding research, analytical, and writing skills.
• Ability to excel in a fast-paced environment with multiple tight deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrated team player with a positive and professional attitude.
• Eagerness for professional development and adept and open to gaining new skills and expertise.
• Ability to take initiative and proactively contribute to the team and TAG’s growth.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience engaging and managing relationships with C-Suite executives and other high-impact stakeholders.
• Master’s degree in national security, Asia studies, or related field.
• U.S. Government experience, preferably in the Department of Defense or Department of State.
• Japanese language skills and experience living and working in Japan.

Job Responsibilities

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States and are expected to work in-person at the TAG Washington, D.C. office five days per week. Please note that TAG maintains a dog-friendly office environment. Candidates should be comfortable working in close proximity to dogs as part of our standard in-person work setting.

TAG provides competitive benefits, including premium health insurance, generous paid time off, 401(k) matching, and commuter allowances, with regular training opportunities available to its employees. For this role, TAG offers a salary of $78,000-$105,000 with eligibility for a discretionary end-of-year bonus. All interested candidates must apply via the application portal on our website. Due to the volume of applications received, responses from our recruiting team may be delayed. No phone calls or emails, please.
Legal Notices
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA); Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO); and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA). As a participant in E-Verify, we are required to provide the following notices: E-Verify Participation Poster and Right to Work Poster.

Assistance for Applicants with Disabilities

The Asia Group is committed to fair and equal employment of applicants and employees with disabilities. If you have a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act or other applicable laws, and you need to discuss a reasonable accommodation to apply for a role, please call +1 (202) 350-3200 and ask to speak with Human Resources.