US Public Finance, Local Government Ratings, Senior Director- Chicago

About the role

Fitch Ratings is seeking a Director/Senior Director based out of our Chicago office. The position reports to the Head of U.S. Local Governments, who is based in New York.

Responsibilities

• Analytical lead and high profile representative for Fitch on the Chicago area and greater Midwest local government rating views, credit developments, and sector trends.
• Lead rating analysis, execution and research for new and existing U.S. local government issuers and transactions.
• Lead rating committees, provide objective challenge and alternative credit views, and ensure balanced deliberation under Fitch policies and procedures.
• Contribute to the development of rating criteria, outlook reports and sector research.
• Maintain a strong external profile and network that builds Fitch's reputation for analytical excellence through representation at industry events, webinars, issuer meetings, site visits and in media interactions.
• Mentor analysts to support a well-trained team that is consistent, agile and broad in its analytical thinking.
• Nurture a positive credit and team culture.
• Collaborate with USPF leadership and Fitch's Business & Relationship Management team to execute a strategy that supports Fitch's goal of becoming the leading rating agency for local government ratings.

Requirements

The role may include managerial responsibilities. You May Be a Good Fit If You bring a strong Midwest market presence, combining rating expertise, external engagement and knowledge of Chicago-area issuers and market dynamics. You have more than 10 years of U.S. public finance analytical experience with broad knowledge of and insight into the local government sector and municipal market. You possess strong transactional skills, including the ability to work under tight deadlines and handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment. You have the ability to shift fluidly between multiple projects as priorities change. You possess deep expertise in analyzing financial statements, budget documents, credit metrics and operating trends across issuers and the local government sector. You are proficient in using AI tools, internal databases, external market data and financial models. You have strong writing, verbal and public communication skills and the ability to ask probing questions of issuers and their advisers and to interact with the media. You demonstrate a rigorous analytical mindset, independent judgment and objective decision-making, while upholding the highest ethical standards and avoiding real or perceived conflicts of interest. You have the ability to resolve conflicts and difficult situations in a constructive and professional manner.

Qualifications

You have a strong Midwest market presence, combining rating expertise, external engagement and knowledge of Chicago-area issuers and market dynamics. You have more than 10 years of U.S. public finance analytical experience with broad knowledge of and insight into the local government sector and municipal market. You possess strong transactional skills, including the ability to work under tight deadlines and handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment. You have the ability to shift fluidly between multiple projects as priorities change. You possess deep expertise in analyzing financial statements, budget documents, credit metrics and operating trends across issuers and the local government sector. You are proficient in using AI tools, internal databases, external market data and financial models. You have strong writing, verbal and public communication skills and the ability to ask probing questions of issuers and their advisers and to interact with the media. You demonstrate a rigorous analytical mindset, independent judgment and objective decision-making, while upholding the highest ethical standards and avoiding real or perceived conflicts of interest. You have the ability to resolve conflicts and difficult situations in a constructive and professional manner.

Skills

CFA or master’s degree in finance, business or public administration preferred.

Benefits

Fitch offers a hybrid work environment, investing in your future with retirement planning and tuition reimbursement programs, promoting health and wellbeing with comprehensive healthcare offerings, supporting parenting policies with a generous global parental leave plan, and fostering an inclusive work environment with employee resource groups and opportunities to volunteer in the community. Fitch is committed to providing global securities markets with objective, timely, independent and forward-looking credit opinions. To protect Fitch’s credibility and reputation, our employees must take every precaution to avoid conflicts of interest or any appearance of a conflict of interest. Should you be successful in the recruitment process at Fitch Ratings you will be asked to declare any securities holdings and other potential conflicts prior to commencing employment. If you, or your immediate family, have any holdings that may conflict with your work responsibilities, you may be asked to divest yourself of them before beginning work.

Pay

Expected base pay rates for the role will be between $175,000 and $210,000 per year. Actual salaries will be determined on an individualized basis and may vary based on factors including but not limited to education, training, experience, past performance, and other job-related factors.

Schedule

Hybrid work environment: 3 days a week in office required.