Vice President, Closing Manager Exchange Services

Job Description

Ares Management Corporation is a leading global alternative investment manager, specializing in credit, private equity, real estate, and infrastructure strategies. Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Ares manages assets for institutional and retail clients across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The firm employs over 4,100 professionals worldwide and is committed to providing flexible capital to support businesses and create value for stakeholders. Ares operates an integrated platform across five business groups, leveraging deep sector expertise and a collaborative approach to deliver innovative investment solutions and attractive risk-adjusted returns through market cycles. As of 2025, Ares manages approximately $572 billion in assets under management.

Ares Real Estate Exchange (AREX)

Ares Real Estate Exchange (AREX) is a program under IRC Sections 1031 and 721 that allows owners of appreciated real estate to exchange investment property for access to high-quality commercial real estate. AREX enables investors to defer capital gains taxes, eliminate the hassle of property management, and maintain exposure to the real estate sector while providing opportunities for steady income and divisibility of ownership units for estate planning. Backed by Ares’ global real estate platform, AREX offers a turn-key solution for transitioning out of active real estate management, gaining diversified exposure to institutional-quality assets, and transferring wealth seamlessly to the next generation—all on a tax-deferred basis.

Position Summary

The Vice President, Closing Manager leads and manages the closing process for Ares Real Estate Exchange investors, overseeing a team of closing professionals. This executive role is responsible for all aspects of the closing process, including 1031/DST purchases and 721 exchange/UPREIT transactions, investor application review, closing package and loan document preparation, and other transactional activities related to the Ares Real Estate Exchange program. The VP, Closing Manager ensures a highly professional, efficient, and accurate closing experience for accredited investor clients seeking institutionally managed replacement property for a 1031 exchange.

Essential Job Duties

• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of closing professionals, providing strategic leadership, guidance, and performance feedback.

• Lead and oversee the closing process for 1031/DST purchases and 721 exchange/UPREIT transactions, as well as related post-closing investor activities.

• Supervise internal closing team communications with financial advisors, clients, qualified exchange intermediaries, and internal business partners.

• Ensure all closing activities are tracked and managed using internal systems, maintaining key dates and deadlines.

• Collaborate with operations, legal, accounting, IT, and sales teams on investor management and closing-related items.

• Perform and summarize background and credit checks on potential investors.

• Prepare approval memos for prospective investors.

• Review and analyze legal entity documents, including those for partnerships, LLCs, corporations, and trusts, to ensure compliance and accuracy.

• Assist in the review of files and entity documents for investors seeking to transfer or redeem their shares.

• Interact with both inside legal counsel and outside legal counsel regarding legal documents and transactions.

• Maintain confidentiality and discretion in all investor and transaction matters.

• Drive continuous improvement of closing processes and team performance.

• Identify areas of the business that can be streamlined through the application of AI and technology.

• Represent the closing function in cross-functional initiatives and contribute to strategic planning for the exchange program.

• Recruit, onboard, and retain top talent for the closing team, ensuring a high-performing and collaborative work environment.

• Attend industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities to stay current on market trends and best practices; may be called upon to represent Ares Real Estate Exchange as a speaker or panelist

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent required; advanced degree or relevant certifications a plus.

• Minimum three years’ direct experience in commercial real property closings, bank real estate loan closings, title closings, or a closely related field such as real estate law, escrow, or transactional real estate operations.

• Demonstrated experience managing and developing a team in a closing or transactional environment.

• Expertise in 1031 exchanges, DSTs, 721 exchange/UPREIT transactions, trust, LLC, partnership, and corporate documentation; legal experience a plus.

• Experience reviewing and interpreting legal entity documents for partnerships, LLCs, corporations, and trusts.

• Experience with anti-money laundering (AML) processes is a plus.

• Strong working knowledge of real estate transactions and related documentation.

• Excellent attention to detail, organization, and management skills.

• Outstanding verbal and written communication abilities.

• Ability to quickly learn and apply company policies, procedures, and industry practices.

• Proven capacity to work independently and manage multiple time-sensitive projects.

• Team-oriented mindset and willingness to assist on a variety of projects.

• Ability to interact effectively with diverse stakeholders at all levels.

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel; experience using SalesForce is a plus.

Work Schedule

This position is based in the Denver office and requires in-office presence Monday through Thursday, with the option of working from home on Fridays.

Ares Management Culture

Ares Management is committed to fostering a values-driven, collaborative, and inclusive workplace. The firm’s culture is anchored by its C.R.E.S.T. values:

• Collaborative: We achieve more together by encouraging teamwork and open communication across all levels and functions.

• Responsible: We strive to be a force for good, acting with integrity and accountability in every aspect of our business.

• Entrepreneurial: We innovate and build, empowering employees to seek creative solutions and drive continuous improvement.

• Self-Aware: We reflect and evolve, embracing feedback and learning opportunities to grow both individually and collectively.

• Trustworthy: We are dedicated stewards, committed to earning and maintaining the trust of our clients, colleagues, and communities.

Ares values diversity of thought and background, and promotes an environment where every employee is respected, supported, and empowered to contribute. The firm encourages professional development, ethical leadership, and a strong sense of purpose, ensuring that all team members play an active role in shaping the future of the organization.

Reporting Relationships

Compensation

$120,000 - $135,000

There is no set deadline to apply for this job opportunity. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the search is no longer active.