Associate Director, Local Governments Midwest

S&P Global • Chicago, IL

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Local Governments, Midwest team specializes in credit analysis for cities, counties, and special districts across the Midwest United States, maintaining a strong culture of analytical excellence and customer service in a supportive, collaborative, and results-driven environment. This position is critical to maintaining our market leadership in local government credit analysis across the Midwest United States. You will directly influence credit opinions that impact billions of dollars in municipal financing, helping communities fund essential infrastructure and services while providing investors with trusted, independent analysis.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required
• 5-7 years of extensive experience in public finance or local government analysis
• Strong understanding of municipal finance, including general fund operations, capital planning, and debt structures
• Ability to think independently and critically with strong integrity, analytical curiosity, problem-solving, and research skills
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills for internal and external audiences
• Strong attention to detail and demonstrated skills in quantitative analysis and financial statement interpretation
• Ability to work collaboratively in team environments while also functioning independently with initiative to expand knowledge and support team goals
• Proactive organization with excellent time management skills and ability to prioritize and meet multiple deadlines
• All candidates who reach the final stage of our interview process must attend at least one in-person interview, which is ordinarily at your nearest S&P Global Ratings office. This must be completed before we can proceed to an offer.

Nice To Haves

• Postgraduate qualifications preferred
• Experience with Midwest U.S. local government markets and regional economic dynamics
• Knowledge of S&P's analytical products, services, and rating methodologies
• Proficiency with financial modeling and analysis tools beyond standard Microsoft Office applications
• Experience in public speaking, conference presentations, or media interactions related to municipal finance

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary analyst on complex local government credit transactions and prepare well-supported rating recommendations for rating committees, with clear rating reports supporting our credit opinions
• Function as an active, vocal voting member of rating committees, which deliberate rating outcomes and review materials prior to publication
• Publish timely and insightful credit reports as well as relevant research pieces focused on Midwest U.S. local government markets
• 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
• Function as a sector expert on local government credits, publish thought leadership pieces, and represent the company to external stakeholders through conferences and media interactions
• Mentor and provide analytic support to junior analysts, fostering a collaborative environment to build consensus across groups with competing priorities

Benefits

• Health care coverage designed for the mind and body.
• Generous time off helps keep you energized for your time on.
• Access a wealth of resources to grow your career and learn valuable new skills.
• Secure your financial future through competitive pay, retirement planning, a continuing education program with a company-matched student loan contribution, and financial wellness programs.
• Perks for your partners and little ones, too, with some best-in class benefits for families.
• From retail discounts to referral incentive awards—small perks can make a big difference.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level