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

As one of the world’s top three credit ratings agencies, Fitch Ratings plays a critical role in global capital markets by providing credit analysis, ratings, research, and commentary to financial market participants. For over 100 years, Fitch Ratings has been creating value for global markets through its rigorous analysis and deep expertise, which have resulted in a variety of market leading tools, methodologies, indices, research, and analytical products. Fitch Ratings is part of Fitch Group, a global leader in financial information services with operations in more than 30 countries, which also includes Fitch Solutions. With dual headquarters in London and New York, Fitch Group is owned by Hearst.

Explore a career at Fitch Ratings and you’ll join a collaborative network of curious minds. Here, our differences are our strengths - in life as well as our work. Together we work with integrity and objectivity to provide clarity to the world’s financial markets. We pride ourselves on our ability to harness the ideas, expertise, and professionalism of our global workforce, which is integral to our continued success. The accessibility and depth of experience of our industry leading analysts, combined with our broad sector credentials, allow us to help market participants make important credit decisions with confidence.

Fitch Ratings is currently 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.

About the Team

The US Public Finance Local Government Rating Group covers approximately 1,000 local government and special purpose district issuers throughout the United States. Security ratings are assigned on general obligation, lease revenue and dedicated tax and revenue bonds. The team is comprised of 25 coverage analysts located in New York, Chicago, Austin and San Francisco.

How You’ll Make an Impact: 

• 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 build 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.
• 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.
• Possess strong transactional skills, including the ability to work under tight deadlines and handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Have the ability to shift fluidly between multiple projects as priorities change.
• Possess deep expertise in analyzing financial statements, budget documents, credit metrics and operating trends across issuers and the local government sector.
• Are proficient in using AI tools, internal databases, external market data and financial models. 
• 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.
• Have the ability to resolve conflicts and difficult situations in a constructive and professional manner.

What Would Make You Stand Out: 

• Rating agency or financial advisory experience.
• Established relationships with local government issuers, investors, financial advisors and underwriters.
• Viewed by market participants as an industry expert and analytical leader.
• Employee management experience.
• CFA or master’s degree in finance, business or public administration preferred.

Why Choose Fitch: 

• Hybrid Work Environment: 3 days a week in office required
• A Culture of Learning & Mobility: Dedicated trainings, leadership development and mentorship programs designed to ensure that your time at Fitch will be a continuous learning opportunity
• Investing in Your Future: Retirement planning and tuition reimbursement programs that empower you to achieve your short and long-term goals
• Promoting Health & Wellbeing: Comprehensive healthcare offerings that enable physical, mental, financial, social, and occupational wellbeing
• Supportive Parenting Policies: Family-friendly policies, including a generous global parental leave plan, designed to help you balance career and family life effectively
• Inclusive Work Environment: A collaborative workplace where all voices are valued, with Employee Resource Groups that unite and empower our colleagues around the globe
• Dedication to Giving Back: Paid volunteer days, matched funding for donations and ample opportunities to volunteer in your 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 interests 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.

Fitch is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, and other statuses protected by law. 

FOR CHICAGO ROLES ONLY: 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.  Base pay is one part of Fitch’s total compensation package, which, depending on the position, may also include commission earnings, discretionary bonuses, long-term incentives, and other benefits sponsored by Fitch.