Structured Finance - RMBS, Senior Director - Chicago
About The Position
Fitch Ratings is seeking a Senior Director to join the Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities Group (RMBS) in its Chicago office. The U.S. RMBS group is looking for a leader to manage transaction coverage, contribute to criteria and research development, and engage with the market. This role involves leading the analysis and presentation of complex RMBS transactions, assessing various risks (credit, cash flow, legal, structural), chairing rating committees, mentoring junior analysts, and interacting with issuers, arrangers, and investors. The position also contributes to thought leadership and criteria enhancements.
Requirements
- 10+ years of relevant experience in RMBS/ABS, mortgage credit, structured finance, or closely related capital markets roles
- At least a bachelor’s degree
- Strong analytical and quantitative skills, including proficiency with cash flow modeling and large datasets
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and are comfortable engaging senior external stakeholders
- Ability to thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and manage multiple transactions and deadlines
Nice To Haves
- Advanced degree and/or CFA/FRM
- Direct lead experience on RMBS new-issue and surveillance mandates, including presenting or chairing rating committees
- Deep knowledge of U.S. mortgage products, origination/servicing practices, due diligence, and performance drivers
- Hands-on experience with RMBS cash flow engines, loan-level analytics, and scenario/sensitivity frameworks
- Demonstrated contributions to criteria, methodology consultations, or thought-leadership publications
- Established relationships with RMBS issuers, arrangers, servicers, and investors
- Experience mentoring and reviewing the work of junior analysts; strong quality control and documentation discipline
Responsibilities
- Lead primary and surveillance analysis of RMBS transactions, including collateral, structural, legal, and counterparty assessments
- Own cash flow modeling, scenario design, and sensitivity analysis; oversee model deployment and results interpretation
- Present recommendations at rating committees; chair committees as needed and document decisions to a high standard
- Drive criteria application and contribute to criteria development and methodological enhancements
- Produce high-quality research, market commentary, and issuer/investor communications
- Manage and deepen assigned issuer and transaction relationships; represent Fitch in external meetings and conferences
- Coach and review the work of junior and senior analysts to ensure analytical rigor and consistency
- Monitor market developments, performance trends, and regulatory changes; translate insights into analytical viewpoints
Benefits
- Hybrid Work Environment: 3 days a week in office required
- Dedicated trainings, leadership development and mentorship programs
- Retirement planning and tuition reimbursement programs
- Comprehensive healthcare offerings
- Family-friendly policies, including a generous global parental leave plan
- Employee Resource Groups
- Paid volunteer days, matched funding for donations and ample opportunities to volunteer in your community
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
