About the Role:

Grade Level (for internal use):

322323 Associate Director, APF Municipal & Cooperative Power

About the Role/The Team:

S&P Global Ratings is one of the world’s leading providers of independent credit risk research and benchmarks. Within S&P Global Ratings, Americas Public Finance is an important sector of the capital markets as our credit analysis supports key funding initiatives and serves as a growth driver for many areas of the economy. If you are interested in helping to facilitate this growth while challenging yourself in a fast-paced environment, this is the right position for you. You will join a professional team of analysts that maintains a strong culture of analytical excellence and customer service in a supportive, diverse, and collegial environment.
 

As an Associate Director on the Municipal and Cooperative Power team, you will primarily be responsible for leading credit analysis for public power and municipal cooperatives ratings, as well as providing support for utility revenue ratings covering water, sewer, and solid-waste issuers across the nation. As part of your role, you will meet with issuers, assess historical and projected data, and compile this information into a thorough committee presentation and effective written analysis. You may also participate in complex analytical and deal-specific situations, collaborate with cross-practice energy teams, assist in resolving client needs, participate in investor calls with more senior analysts, and lead research for publications or special projects. You will represent the team as a participant or speaker at conferences/webinars and with the media.

Responsibilities and Impact:

This position is key to maintaining our market relevance and meeting our transaction requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary analyst on complex credit transactions and prepare well-supported rating recommendations for rating committees, with clear rating reports supporting our credit opinion;

• Serve as an active, vocal voting member of the rating committee, which deliberates rating outcomes and reviews materials prior to publication;

• Publish timely and insightful credit reports as well as relevant research pieces;

• Demonstrate strong knowledge of ratings criteria and financial statement analysis, while staying informed on relevant news and issues affecting credit quality in the municipal bond market and energy sector;

• Function as a sector expert on credits. Publish timely thought leadership pieces. Speak publicly and represent the company to external stakeholders.

• Mentor and provide analytic support to junior analysts, fostering a collaborative environment to build consensus across groups with competing priorities;

• Lead operational and process improvements, maintaining a focus on both analytical excellence and a risk mindset.

• Actively listen to others to understand their perspectives and respond in an appropriate and empathetic manner, enhancing team dynamics;

• Embody a risk aware culture including leading by example, ensuring that analytical guidelines, quality standards, procedures and policies established are adhered to for all credits.

• Manage multiple key projects and conflicting priorities effectively, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality work;

• Demonstrate adaptability by making difficult decisions and adjusting to changing circumstances while maintaining focus on long-term goals;

• Bring new thinking and curiosity to create innovative solutions with a long-term perspective in mind.

Required Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree is required, and postgraduate qualifications would be an advantage;

• Five to seven years of relevant work experience in the public finance sector;

• Ability to think independently and critically with strong integrity, analytical curiosity, problem-solving, and research skills;

• Strong interpersonal and verbal and written communication skills in front of internal and external audiences;

• Strong attention to detail and demonstrated skills in quantitative analysis;

• Ability to accurately interpret data and appropriately apply criteria to generate key relevant analytical insights and conclusions;

• Ability to work in a team environment, as well as independently, with a willingness to expand, learn, and support team initiatives;

• Proactive and organized with excellent time management skills and ability to plan, prioritize and meet multiple deadlines;

• Strong understanding of financial reporting and markets, with knowledge of S&P’s analytical pro