AVP-Ratings (Local Governments)

Moody's Corporation; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 145,000 - 211,000; Full time

Job summary

Moody's Corporation is seeking an Assistant Vice President to lead credit analysis for Midwest local governments, build sector expertise, and contribute to methodology development. You will support Moody's public finance ratings, engage with issuers, and help advance AI-enabled analytics.

The role emphasizes independent judgment, teamwork, and effective communication of complex credit concepts to diverse stakeholders across the Midwest.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in public finance or related field with local government focus.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills; highly organized and detail oriented.
• Excellent communication; able to convey complex concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
• Knowledge of local government budgeting, accounting, and finance.
• Proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint; willingness to travel for issuer meetings.
• Ability to work independently and within a team; collaborative mindset.
• Interest in AI concepts and responsible AI practices for process improvement.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day credit analysis for assigned credits while building local government finance expertise.
• Provide in-depth credit analysis of local governments and rated obligations with guidance from seniors.
• Apply Moody's rating methodologies consistently across assigned credits and contribute to methodology development.
• Participate in rating committees and contribute to analytical discussions as judgment develops.
• Maintain the team's portfolio of ratings through broad-based and focused credit reviews.
• Write in-depth research reports and quick-turnaround commentary; identify emerging credit themes.
• Support market engagement by responding to investor inquiries and attending issuer meetings.
• Represent the team at industry conferences; mentor junior analysts; support team development.
• Participate in projects and leverage AI and digital tools (including Copilot) to enhance output.

Job description

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.

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.