About the Role:

Grade Level (for internal use):

The Role: Associate Director, U.S. Public Finance – Cross Analytic Practice Expertise (CAPE)
 

The Location: (flexible) Chicago, IL / Dallas, TX / Centennial, CO / New York, NY

The Team: The CAPE team is a fun group of smart and engaging analysts. We view work as a chance to be challenged and excited while balancing the broader needs of Americas Public Finance. We have a strong culture of analytical excellence, engagement, curiosity, and customer service in a supportive and collegial environment.  You will work collaboratively with an international team of analysts on multiple sectors.

The Role

As an Associate Director on the CAPE team, you will be responsible for cross-sector analytics within Americas PF, as well as moderately complex situations, data, and information. In particular, CAPE is looking to add someone with some health care and/or housing sector knowledge. This position is responsible for meeting with issuers and investors on analytical matters, assisting in resolving client needs, contributing to media requirements in conjunction with senior members of the organization, and taking the lead at external meetings related to credits, as assigned by a more senior manager. CAPE is a unique team, given its cross sector nature and therefore a willingness to be flexible, learn quickly and support others in their learning is key. Specifically, in this role, the analyst will:

• Act as the primary analyst for a complex entity or complicated transaction and be an active, vocal voting member of the committee who makes recommendations to the rating committee and prepares material for ratings publication;

• Eventually work in multiple sectors, such Health Care and Higher Education and local governments;

• Learn and apply S&P internal systems and effectively communicate S&P’s methodology and procedures to clients;

• Writes deal summaries and analytical reports, contribute to thought leadership pieces and synthesize analysis into well-reasoned and well-supported rating recommendations that demonstrate a strong understanding of financial markets and business environment and the relationship to S&P products;
   

The Impact: Public Finance is an important sector of the capital markets and is a key funding source and growth driver for many areas of the US economy. This position will give the successful candidate the opportunity to contribute and grow in a supportive and collegial atmosphere that values learning, high-impact analysis, service excellence, diversity and empowerment.

What’s in it for you:

• Build a career with a global company.  This position is a mid-level position, but with expectations for upward mobility.

• You will work on a complex portfolio of credits that will allow you to learn new skill sets

• CAPE will provide you an opportunity to have a team that is exposed to all of Public Finance. While you will focus on one or two sectors to start, your team will give you exposure beyond your day-to-day credit work. It is a wonderful way to build a network. As your career progresses you will have the chance to speak with the media and at conferences or write opinion pieces on the sector.

• We prepare our most successful Associates and Associate Directors to become our future senior analysts that act as spokespersons and senior analytical leaders in sector teams.

• Occasional travel to issuer locations and industry conferences.

What We’re Looking For:

Basic Qualifications:

• MBA, MPA, MPP, JD, and/or CFA preferred (Work experience may be a sufficient substitute for a degree.)

• 2-5 years of relevant work experience, experience as a ratings analyst is a plus.

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

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

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

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

• Strong understanding of financial reporting and markets including S&P’s analytical products and services

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and aptitude for learning new applications/proprietary software

Compensation/Benefits