AVP-Ratings (Local Governments)

PassFort; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 145,000 - 211,000; Full time

Job summary

Moody's is seeking an AVP‑Ratings for Local Governments in Chicago to lead analytic work across local government credits, contribute to methodology, and engage with markets. The role emphasizes strong public finance expertise, clear communication, and collaboration with Midwest clients and authorities.

The team values experience in budgeting, economics, and risk assessment, with opportunities to leverage AI tools like Copilot to enhance output and efficiency.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in public finance or a related field; local government sector preferred.
• Strong quantitative aptitude with ability to multi-task and meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication; convey complex analyses to diverse audiences.
• Knowledge of local government budgeting, accounting, and finance; understanding of public finance challenges.
• Sound judgment with ability to form independent opinions and defend Moody's views.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day credit analysis for assigned credits within local government finance.
• Provide in-depth credit analysis of local governments and rated obligations with guidance from senior colleagues.
• Apply Moody's rating methodologies consistently across assigned credits; participate in rating committees.
• Contribute to maintenance of the team's ratings portfolio through reviews and research.
• Write in-depth research and quick-turnaround commentary; identify emerging credit themes.
• Support market engagement by responding to investor and press inquiries and attending issuer meetings.
• Mentor junior analysts and contribute to team development; leverage AI tools to improve processes.

Skills

Public finance

Quantitative skills

Communication skills

Local government budgeting

Analytical thinking

Travel flexibility

AI awareness

Independent & collaborative

Education

Graduate degree in public policy/administration/economics/business

Tools

Copilot

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Job description

AVP-Ratings (Local Governments)

Chicago, United States

At Moody's, we unite the brightest minds to turn today’s risks into tomorrow’s opportunities. We do this by striving to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome to be who they are—with the freedom to exchange ideas, think innovatively, and listen to each other and customers in meaningful ways. Moody’s is transforming how the world sees risk. As a global leader in ratings and integrated risk assessment, we’re advancing AI to move from insight to action—enabling intelligence that not only understands complexity but responds to it. We decode risk to unlock opportunity, helping our clients navigate uncertainty with clarity, speed, and confidence.

If you are excited about this opportunity but do not meet every single requirement, please apply! You still may be a great fit for this role or other open roles. We are seeking candidates who model our values: invest in every relationship, lead with curiosity, champion diverse perspectives, turn inputs into actions, and uphold trust through integrity.

Skills and Competencies

• 5+ years of experience in public finance or a related field, with a focus on the local government sector is preferred
• Strong quantitative aptitude and proven analytical skills; highly organized, efficient, and detail-oriented with the ability to multi-task and meet tight deadlines
• Excellent communication skills; demonstrated ability to convey complex concepts and analytical conclusions succinctly and clearly to diverse audiences
• Knowledge of local government budgeting, accounting, and finance; familiarity with the economic, financial, and political challenges facing local governments
• Sound judgment; capable of developing an independent opinion and defending both own views and consensus-determined Moody's views
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint; flexibility to travel to meet with issuers, other market participants, and attend industry conferences
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team
• Basic understanding of artificial intelligence concepts, with curiosity and enthusiasm for learning how AI tools can be used to improve processes and drive efficiency. Interest in exploring AI systems and a willingness to develop awareness of responsible AI practices, including risk management and ethical use

Education

• Graduate degree in public policy, public administration, economics, or business strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Assistant Vice Presidents are experienced analytical professionals who provide advanced credit analysis and contribute to methodology development and application, developing deep sector expertise while supporting Moody's public finance ratings process and market engagement across the Midwest.

• Manage day-to-day credit analysis for assigned credits while building deep sector expertise in local government finance
• Provide insightful and in-depth credit analysis of individual local governments and specific, rated obligations, ensuring rating accuracy with guidance from more senior colleagues
• Apply Moody's rating methodologies consistently across assigned credits and contribute to methodology development and application
  • Participate in rating committees for their own credits and sector, contributing to the analytical discussion as confidence and judgment continue to develop
• Contribute to the maintenance of the team's entire portfolio of ratings by participating in broad-based and individually focused credit reviews
• Write in-depth, thought-leading research reports and quick-turnaround, news-driven commentary; identify emerging credit themes and draft analysis with input from senior team members
• Support market engagement by responding to investor and press inquiries, joining issuer meetings, and actively developing external relationships with government representatives, financial intermediaries, and other market participants
• Participate in and represent the team at industry conferences and meetings
• Mentor junior analysts and support team development
• Participate in project work as a subject-matter contributor and actively leverage AI and digital tools, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and generative AI tools such as Copilot, to improve processes and analytical output

About the Team

Moody's Midwestern Local Government Team is composed of credit analysts and support staff responsible for the ratings and analysis of debt issued by cities, counties, schools, and special districts. Team members' work is focused on maintaining the currency of ratings, providing insightful credit analysis of new issues, and explaining the output of our analytical processes to market participants and other key stakeholders. While much of our work is driven by quantitative analysis, sound judgment in the face of often significant uncertainties is also required. Our analyses are distilled into rating assignments and primarily communicated through forward-looking, written opinions. This opportunity involves developing in-depth knowledge of specific local governments and a general understanding of public finance trends, both national and state specific. The position also requires the development of a thorough understanding of Moody's rating methodologies and their unbiased application.

For US-based roles only: the anticipated hiring base salary range for this position is $145,400.00 - $210,800.00, depending on factors such as experience, education, level, skills, and location. This range is based on a full-time position. In addition to base salary, this role is eligible for incentive compensation. Moody’s also offers a competitive benefits package, including not but limited to medical, dental, vision, parental leave, paid time off, a 401(k) plan with employee and company contribution opportunities, life, disability, and accident insurance, a discounted employee stock purchase plan, and tuition reimbursement.

Moody’s is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender, age, religion or creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Moody’s also provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities or based on a sincerely held religious belief in accordance with applicable laws. If you need to inquire about a reasonable accommodation, or need assistance with completing the application process, please email [e-mail]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only, and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications

For San Francisco positions, qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

This position may be considered a promotional opportunity, pursuant to the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act.

Candidates for Moody's Corporation may be asked to disclose securities holdings pursuant to Moody’s Policy for Securities Trading and the requirements of the position. Employment is contingent upon compliance with the Policy, including remediation of positions in those holdings as necessary.